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Returning to the living room, I asked, “Want me to turn on the fireplace?”
“Sure. The remote’s on the shelf.”
I found it and flipped it on. “Almost like the real thing.”
“Hunter really wants a fireplace. When he was little, he wondered how Santa got in. No matter how many times I told him Santa was magic and could do anything, he was still concerned. And there’s just something about a fireplace. They’re warm, cozy, and inviting. So I bought this to tide us over until we can get one.” She moved to the slow cooker, where she dished out the fragrant chili.
I moved to stand next to her, eager for any information I could get about her life. “Did you have anyone come out to give you an estimate?”
Her nose scrunched. “I expected it to be expensive, but it was double what I was thinking it would be.”
“A gas fireplace?”
“Yeah. We have a second hookup, but they’d still have to re-route the line, build the housing for the fireplace, and install it. Even a small unit added up to a lot.”
“I hope you get it.” She deserved every luxury she wanted. I was curious if Hunter’s dad assisted financially, but I’d never ask about that. It was none of my business.
I’d never felt like that for anyone else before. I’d dated but had never gotten close enough to worry about the woman in the relationship. It was purely for fun. Looking back, I was probably waiting in case Brody needed me. I didn’t want a relationship to complicate my life.
I helped her carry the steaming bowls to the table. She set out smaller bowls of tortilla chips, cheese, and onions.
“Can you ask the boys to come in?”
“Of course.” I opened the slider to say dinner was ready, and the boys immediately dropped their balls and gloves and ran inside.
“I’m starving,” Brody said as he slid into a chair and picked up the spoon as if he was going to dig in.
“Brody. Watch your manners. Wait until everyone’s seated.” I knew Austin hadn’t instilled any sense of decorum in him. I doubt they’d ever had the occasion to socialize with friends. Austin was too busy with his own life, whatever that was, to make sure Brody knew how to act at a table.
Hunter sat next to him while I filled glasses of water for the boys.
“Did you want a beer?” Abby asked me.
“Sure,” I said as she grabbed one from the fridge.
Did she keep beer stocked for her future brother-in-law or potential dates? Did she bring men around Hunter?
I didn’t like the idea of her dating other guys. Not that we were on a date. It was her returning a favor.
She’d made the effort to light scented candles and fold cloth napkins under the silverware. So I unfolded one and placed it on my lap.
Abby stood abruptly just as I was about to take my first bite. “I should move the flowers. They make the perfect centerpiece.”
I shot Brody a look, and he sighed before putting his spoon back down. Abby set the vase in the middle of the table and fussed with the flowers so that the sunflowers were visible on both sides. “There. It’s perfect.”
My heart twinged the entire time she was fussing with the flowers. She appreciated them, and I loved that I could make her happy with something so simple. I made a note to always pick up flowers if I came here for a meal.
“Let’s eat,” Abby said when she realized everyone was waiting for her.
We dug in, and for a few minutes, no one said anything other than how good it was. When I finished my bowl, Abby asked, “Seconds?”
“Please. I haven’t had homemade chili in forever.” Probably not since I was at my parents’.
“I thought it was the perfect time for it,” Abby said, gesturing outside where the leaves on the trees were turning gold and red.
It was chilly today, but the sun was shining, so it felt good to be outside.
“Can we roast marshmallows?” Hunter asked.
