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I propped my head on my folded arm and waited for her breath to even out. There was nothing like having her in my arms, soft and warm. I should have moved out from underneath her and slept on the couch or moved to the other guest room, but I didn’t want to leave her.
Nights like this would be few and far between since she had a child. I wanted to cherish every minute I had alone with her. She trusted me enough to let go with me. It made my heart throb with affection and something even heavier for her.
I wanted so much more, but I needed to go slow. The best things in life took time, and I could be patient. There was nothing more important to me than having Sarah and her daughter close by.
The next morning, I woke with the sun shining through the curtains. My eyes popped open. It was late. I never slept in this long. A glance at the clock told me it was already seven-thirty. The farm opened at eight. I threw off the sheets, noting that the other side of the bed was cold. I wondered if Sarah had already left with Addy but hoped she hadn’t.
I took care of business in the bathroom and threw cold water on my face before I dressed in jeans, a farm shirt, and a heavy flannel for the day. Layers were important because I got hot when I was lifting and carrying trees.
I checked my phone that was on the nightstand. There was a missed message from Heath.
I can cover you this morning if you have guests.
I ran a hand through my hair, chuckling in relief.
I’ll take you up on your offer.
Heath sent back a heart-eyed smiling emoji. I shook my head and went downstairs to see if my guests were still here. The smell of pancakes greeted me when I hit the top of the stairs. In the kitchen, Sarah stood next to Addy, who was on a kitchen chair, mixing something.
“You’re making pancakes?” I asked, my voice cracking. The image of the sun shining on their heads, their smiling faces as they saw me, was everything. I wanted to wake up to this vision every day for the rest of my life.
“We’re trying to make pancakes.” She nodded toward Addy. “Someone is making more of a mess.”
I took in the flour covering the island and the cupboards, my heart constricting. “I don’t mind.”
“We need lots of chocolate chips,” Addy said as she popped a handful into her mouth.
Sarah moved the bag of chocolate out of her reach. “You’ve had enough chocolate for one day.”
Addy pouted, even as her hands were covered in melted chocolate.
“Come on. Let’s get your hands washed.”
To my surprise, Addy immediately hopped down off the chair and took my outstretched hand. I led her to the guest bathroom and helped her wash her hands, then mine. “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Uh-huh.”
“That’s Ember’s bedroom when she stays over.”
Her eyes widened. “She comes a lot?”
“Maybe once a month or so. She has a lot of uncles she spends time with, as well as her grandmother.”
Addy bit her lips, seemingly lost in thought.
“You’re welcome to stay over any time your mom says it’s okay.”
“Maybe we can do a sleepover with Ember?” Addy said excitedly as she dried her hands on the towel and dropped it onto the floor. I wasn’t sure what the protocol was, but I was fairly certain she wasn’t allowed to drop towels on the floor. “Please pick up the towel and hang it on the rack.”
She gave me a look as if gauging my reaction to see if I was serious. “Uh. Fine.”
“My house is no different from yours. Your mom’s rules still apply.”
She grabbed the towel and draped it over the rod.
“And I’m not sure about sleepovers with Ember. That’s up to your mom.”
I followed her back down the hall, where Sarah was cooking the pancakes on my griddle.
