Page 20 of Together Is Where We Belong

My mom responded to the message, and I clicked on it so I could distract myself from how Leo would respond.

A photo was attached, and I let out a chuckle. Luke was standing on the step stool beside my mom in an apron and a chef’s hat with a bit of flour covering his cheeks and the tip of his nose. His hand was on a whisk as he mixed the batter, a wide smile on his face.

Mom

He’s helping me make pancakes this morning. He slept well last night, but he did ask why he had to leave so suddenly. I just told him you were busy unpacking and you wanted him to have an adventure with Grandma and Grandpa. So, we came home and made his favorite chocolate chip cookies and spaghetti.

I’m glad he had fun, and he looks adorable in that apron and chef’s hat. Thank you for covering for me. Tell him I love him, and I’ll pick him up after my shift today.

Just as I hit send on my message to my mom, another from Leo appeared.

Maybe I should send him this photo of Luke, I pondered, while I read his text.

Leo

How about the day after tomorrow? That way you have time to tell Luke he’s meeting me and prepare him for it. Is he doing okay this morning? I hope it didn’t confuse him too much having to leave abruptly yesterday. I forgot to ask you yesterday, when’s his birthday?

His concern for Luke warmed my heart. And I loved that he wanted to get to know him.

The day after tomorrow works for me too. I’ll talk with Luke tonight after dinner. He’s doing great this morning. He’s helping my mom cook pancakes. He loves to cook. His birthday is May fourth.

I hit send on the text and attached the photo of Luke my mom sent me this morning.

Something in my heart told me he needed to see it, so I didn’t question it.

He read the message, and as I waited for him to respond I heard my name called.

“Order up for Carolina,” a soft voice spoke from behind the counter.

A woman named Delilah greeted me at the pick-up counter and held out the box of pastries and my coffee. While she had a smile on her face, it didn’t meet her eyes. There was a deep sadness behind them. Just seeing her name tag, I withheld a chuckle as the song “Hey There Delilah” immediately came to mind.

“Thank you so much, Delilah,” I greeted as I took the contents of my order from her. A wary look crossed her face at the mention of her name.

“Your name tag,” I told her as I nodded my head down to the top of her apron. She let out a breath of relief and immediately schooled her features with a smile.

“Have a great day,” she said in a soft tone.

“You do the same,” I replied before I turned and made my way across the coffee shop.

The door opened just as I got to it, and none other than Ainsleigh Courtright stood on the other side. She held the door open for me so I could walk through. I didn’t know if I should wait for her to speak or speak first. I decided on the former to be polite.

“Good morning, Ainsleigh,” I told her as I stepped through the door.

She let the door close, and I saw the baby stroller in front of her.

“Hi, Carolina,” she said in a shocked tone, a look of disbelief on her face. I guess she hadn’t heard of my return just yet.

I didn’t have time to get into small talk as my shift started in fifteen minutes, and I wanted to get there a little early to prepare for the day.

“It was good seeing you,” I replied with a smile, and I turned to the door, balancing the box of pastries on top of my coffee and held the door open for her so she didn’t have to struggle getting the stroller inside.

“You too. Thanks,” she muttered as she walked through the door without looking back.

I knew my leaving affected Leo, and that his siblings likely hated me for hurting him, but once they found out about Luke, I was sure they’d hate me even more before they understood the whole story as to why I didn’t return.

I looked both ways before crossing the street, and shook off the feelings I had regarding my run-in with one of the Courtright siblings. I’d digest that after Luke went to bed.

The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and welcome. Her eyes immediately went to the box in my hands.