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“Looks like you found yourself a pool table.”
“Awesome. Next time you talk to Mathias, tell him he’s invited to billiard night on Saturday.”
“That will get him home. You might want some furniture in there. A couch and a couple of chairs. Maybe a pub table.”
“That I definitely need help with.” He slid the laptop in front of her.
“Okay, let’s see what we can find.”
An hour later, Milo was halfway through a bowl of cereal, and they had a loveseat with two matching chairs saved in the website cart. He ate the last of the cereal, then picked up the bowl and drank the milk.
Wilda watched him, and he shrugged. “What?”
“I’m glad Caleb didn’t see you do that.”
He set the empty bowl aside and wiped his mouth with his hand. “Are you saying I’m a bad influence?”
“I’m saying that you’ve been living alone too long.”
“Well, good thing I have a couple of roommates now.”
She returned to the laptop. “Anything else?”
“Let’s hold off on the table. I think this will be a good start.”
“Okay. All you need to do is push the checkout button.”
He drew in a breath. “That’s always the hard part.”
“You just bought a $3500.00 pool table. A few hundred more on some furniture shouldn’t hurt too much.”
He clicked the checkout button. “The bank will probably be calling to ask if my card has been stolen.”
He completed the transaction. “Okay, delivered by the end of the week. Looks like we are in business.”
“Glad to help you spend your money.” She got to her feet. “I need to get Caleb into the bath.”
“I’ll be in the living room waiting to read.” She left, and he closed the laptop. “Seems we navigated that hurdle.”
After Caleb’s bath, Milo read him two books. The boy was tired and stayed silent, his head resting on Milo’s chest. He was dozing off by the time Milo finished the second book.
“Okay, kiddo, I think it’s time for bed.” Caleb climbed off Milo’s lap, then took his hand. “You want me to put you to bed?” Caleb nodded.
Wilda took a few steps back. “Um…that’s sweet, honey.” Milo raised an eyebrow, and she smiled. “It’s fine.”
Milo went with Caleb to the bedroom, then helped him into bed and tucked him in. Caleb held up his arms, and Milo leaned over and hugged him. “Sleep well, Caleb.” He straightened, stepped back and turned, running right into Wilda. “Oh, sorry.”
She moved back. “It’s fine.” She stepped by him and hugged Caleb. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”
Milo left the room and headed for the kitchen. Wilda came in as he was looking for something to snack on in the cupboard. “I guess I should’ve had dinner.” He found a can of peanuts and opened it.
“Caleb is getting very attached to you.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying…”
“I know. I just worry.”
“I’m not going to hurt your kid, Wilda.”
