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I left to go grab it, and when I returned, Riley said, “You didn’t have to get her anything.”
“I wanted to.” I handed it to Maddie, who expression was filled with anticipation.
I smiled at Riley over her head. I wasn’t sure if she’d like it, but I hoped she would.
She squealed when she pulled out the ReSail bag. “These are so cool.”
I relaxed at her words. “I’m glad you like it.”
She threw the ropes that served as straps over her shoulder. “Everyone’s going to be so jealous.”
Riley’s smile fell. “That’s not why we get gifts, Maddie. Now, please thank Easton for the gift.”
Maddie wrapped her arms around my waist.
Not expecting the sudden display of affection, I patted her back awkwardly.
She pulled back to smile at me. “Thank you for the bag. I love it.”
A strange sensation washed over me. A sense that I could love this girl. I cleared my throat. “You’re welcome.”
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Riley asked me as I helped carry the gifts to their car.
“I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” The evening stretched out at the thought of spending another one alone.
“You should come with us to get dinner,” Riley offered when the last present was in her trunk.
“Yeah, we have cake,” Maddie added.
“Well, I can’t miss out on cake.” I couldn’t remember the last time I ate a birthday cake. Nannies were usually too busy to take me to birthday parties when I was a kid.
“Unless you’re too old for it?” Riley asked with a smile on her face.
“I don’t think you’re ever too old for birthday cake,” I scoffed, and Maddie beamed.
A warmth spread through my chest. I wanted to find any way I could to make Maddie and Riley smile.
I followed them to the restaurant, the feeling of rightness spreading with each minute I spent in this town in their presence.
We had a meal—just the three of us—and it felt like we were a family. With each passing minute, a growing sense of contentment settled under my rib cage.
I was invited back to their home for Maddie to open the rest of her presents. There were journals and fancy markers, art kits, and gift cards. She seemed pleased with everything. Finally, Riley sent her to bed, and I wondered if I should leave.
Riley sat next to me on the couch. “I’m so glad you came.”
“You don’t think it was presumptuous?” Maybe that was when she’d tell me I’d come on too strong. That I should have waited for an invitation.
“I liked that you showed up. It shows you’re interested—invested even.”
“The last few weeks, I’ve been working on getting everything ready for me to move here. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure when things would be ready for me to make the change finally.”
She let out a breath. “You didn’t say anything, and I wasn’t sure.”
I interlaced my fingers with hers. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to get your hopes up if there were any issues. But it was always my plan to come back. I still have my house in Annapolis. We can visit the store, or I can, to make sure things are running smoothly.”
She looked up at me from under her lashes. “I’d like to go with you sometimes. See where you lived. See your other store.”
I drew her closer, content to have her in my arms. “We can do that.”
