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I gasp and scan the room to check none of them suddenly popped up behind my couch. “Be careful. You don’t want to be on their naughty list.”
“They can’t hurt me.”
I giggle. He should know better. He’s lived in Winter Falls for a few years now. “Do you enjoy soy milk in your coffee?” I ask despite knowing he doesn’t.
He shivers. “Soy milk is gross. I drink my coffee with oat milk.”
“Try telling Clove how you drink your coffee once you’re on the naughty list.”
“I can avoidClove’s Coffee Corner.”
“Do you enjoy whipped cream on your ice cream cone?”
His nose wrinkles. “You know I hate whipped cream.”
“I bet Feather won’t remember how much you hate whipped cream when you order a cone atFeather’s Frozen Delights.”
“Fine,” he snaps. “You made your point. I don’t want to be on the gossip gals’ naughty list. But if I’m cornered, I’ll choose you over them any day of the week.”
I hold up a hand. “Stop.”
“Stop what?”
“We are friends. Nothing more. We will never be more than friends.”
He clears his throat and the sparkle in his eyes dies. He retreats and stuffs his hands in his pockets. Why do I suddenly feel cold? He’s doing exactly as I asked him to. After months of him asking for more, he’s finally getting the message. Friends only.
But why do I feel as if I lost something important? Why are my eyes itchy? Robin grunts before letting out a wail. Awesome. A distraction. I rush to her.
“What is it, baby girl?” I pick her up and cradle her to my chest. “Are you hungry?”
Elder rubs his hands together. “I’m starving. I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast.”
“I wasn’t asking you.”
“If you’re feeding her anyway…” He shrugs as he trails off.
“She’s two months old. What do you think she eats?”
“Bacon and eggs?” I gasp and he bursts into laughter. “You are too easy.”
I blow out a breath. I can’t believe I fell for his silliness. Again.
“Why don’t you show me how to prepare her formula?”
My jaw drops open at Elder’s question. He’s serious. He’s actually here to babysit Robin.
“Give her to me. I’ll hold her while you get her bottle ready.”
He doesn’t wait for a reply before taking the baby from me. I expect Robin to scream at him – she finds strangers a bit scary until she gets used to them – but she looks up at him with her big blue eyes as if she’s enraptured by him. I get it, Robin. I get it.
“Hi, Robin. I’m Elder.”
She coos at him in response.
“Go on. Make her bottle. Robin and I will get better acquainted in the meantime.” Elder nudges me and I realize my mouth is still gaping open. I snap it shut and do as he says.
“I have five brothers. Well, four brothers and a half-brother. But I’m the funniest brother of the bunch. You’re going to love me.”
