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“Was he scared?”

“No, he just wanted to be with us. He went right back to sleep.”

She reached up and touched Milo’s face. “This. The three of us.”

“Yeah.”

“I think this is what I want.”

He smiled. “If you let me, I’ll do my best to give it to you.”

She sat up and kissed him. But when he tried to kiss her again, she nodded toward Caleb.

“He’s sound asleep.” He leaned in and kissed her.

“There will be time for this later.”

“Later, huh?”

“Yes. Do you know what time it is?”

“My phone’s upstairs.”

She stood and stretched. “I’ll go check the clock in the kitchen.” She left, then returned a minute later. “It’s 7:45!”

“Oh, damn.”

Wilda put a hand on Caleb’s back. “Wake up, sweetheart. You need to get ready for school.”

Caleb mumbled. “School?”

“Yes, honey. Come on, wake up.” Caleb opened his eyes, glanced at Milo, then held out his arms to Wilda. She picked him up. “Let’s get you dressed.” She looked at Milo. “You, too.”

They left the room, and Milo stretched, then stood. He stretched again, yawned, then headed for the stairs. When he got to his room, he called Rachel.

“Why are you calling me on your cell phone from the classroom?”

“I’m not in the classroom.”

“Where are you?”

“Um…at home.” He sat on the edge of the bed.

“Milo! Are you sick?”

“No, just running really late.”

“The bell rings in twenty minutes.”

“Yeah. I’m not going to be there by then.”

“When will you be here?”

“I’m getting dressed now.” He stood and went to his closet. “Twenty minutes to get there. Figure, best case, 8:45.”

“Don’t rush in. I’ve got your class until you get here.”

“I’ll see you soon, Rach.” He ended the call, grabbed a shirt from the closet, and headed to the bathroom.