Page 35 of Together Is Where We Belong

“Remind him we have to put the Legos together,” Luke replied, his voice sounding so hopeful about his next visit with Leo.

“What did you think about your visit with him?” I asked to try and change a bit of the subject.

“He seems nice, and he got me the coolest Legos. I can’t wait to tell Grandpa,” he replied so innocently. If only the world were simple and adult problems could all be solved with cool Legos and firetrucks.

“You ready to go, buddy? We need to leave or else I’ll be late to work,” I reminded him as I packed his favorite cup in the backpack that was on the barstool.

“Yeah, I’m all done, see,” Luke said as he shuffled the last bite into his mouth and turned the bowl on its side to show me it was empty.

“Put your bowl in the sink, and I’ll go grab your blanket,” I said as I went to his room.

After I tidied his bed, I grabbed the blanket and walked back to the kitchen to see Luke tying his shoes by the front door. I grabbed my bag as well as Luke’s backpack and threw the blanket over my shoulder. Checking the counter to make sure I shut off the kettle, I saw my phone sitting beside it. After I grabbed it, I pulled up the camera app on my phone.

“It’s picture time, bud,” I told him as I held up my phone.

He looked up at me and smiled; his fingers wrapped around the shoestrings as he was midway to tying his shoe. I snapped the photo, smiled at his toothless grin, and dropped my phone into my bag. Ever since Luke was little, I had this urge to always take a photo before I dropped him off at daycare. I couldn’t explain it, but I needed to have a current photo of him in case anything ever happened to him, I could show the officers exactly what he had worn that morning. Shaking my head to ward off those thoughts, I slid on my tennis shoes and opened the door.

Luke went out first and I followed, twisting the doorknob to ensure I locked it before closing the door. My eyes instantly went next door, finding the driveway void of any vehicles. I don’t know why I even looked. They were all at the ranch before the sun rose.

Letting out a sigh, I walked down the porch to my SUV.

After I buckled Luke in, I rounded the SUV and climbed inside.

I pushed the button to start my vehicle and looked over to the house next door as I put the SUV in reverse. It was still so strange to me that of all places we could’ve moved it was right next door to the man who shared half the DNA with my son.

After dropping Luke off, my mind kept replaying Leo meeting Luke for the first time.

He was so gentle with him albeit a bit nervous. But back when we were younger, I knew Leo would be a good dad. He was so good with his younger siblings and all the kids who came to the ranch. He never lost his patience and always encouraged everyone to keep trying when they failed at something. But seeing him with Luke last night, there was no denying that he loved our son. I just needed to figure out a way to keep my heart out of the equation because the way it melted at the sight of him tucking Luke in for the night, there was only a matter of time before I felt more for him than I already did.

I found a parking spot and pulled in, putting the SUV in park. I toyed with the necklace around my neck before I tucked it back inside my scrub shirt.

I needed coffee as soon as possible.

Checking the time, I had thirty minutes before I was due at the office. Hopefully Cafe Latte wasn’t too busy so I could get there and get situated before the start of the day. Grabbing my bag and checking that my phone and badge were inside, I exited the SUV and locked the doors.

After looking both ways, I ran across the street to the other side to find someone holding the door open for me.

“Thank you,” I said as I walked inside. The smell of coffee immediately assaulted my senses. I loved that smell.

The line wasn’t too long, only three people were ahead of me. I browsed the menu and decided I’d treat myself to a blueberry scone this morning and another cinnamon roll latte.

The line moved quickly, and the barista greeted me with a smile. It was the same girl as the last time I came here.

“Good morning, Carolina. Welcome back to Café Latte. What can I get started for you today?” she asked with a bright smile. I was taken aback at her remembering my name, and my face must’ve shown my shock.

“I remember names well,” she replied.

“No worries,” I replied as I gave her my order, trying to shake off the nerves that hadn’t settled just yet.

She gave me my total and after I paid, I stepped aside to wait for my order.

Pulling my phone out of my bag, I had another text notification from Leo.

Leo

How’s Luke this morning? I’d like to see him again tonight, if that’s okay.

Leo