Page 49 (2/2)

“To read to Oscar, I assume”

“Yes, and I also want to take soirl in tenty-two She’s going to be stuck in the hospital at least a week, and ere talking yesterday, she was really upset She’d planned to randma, and sister for Christmas, but she didn’t think she’d have the chance now I promised to help her out, since she obviously didn’t want to ask her o to a craft store and pick out some stuff for her”

He touched ly kind person”

I shrugged and grinned at hi kids tablets”

“Not all of theh I knohat it’s like to be all alone, and…” His voice trailed off, and he looked away and h”

“Me, too”

I had a feeling he kept revealing more about hi alone must have felt like a step too far He went to the sink and started rinsing the dishes as he changed the subject “If you want to, maybe we could combine our errands A craft store sounds fun, and that nursery is actually one of my very favorite places I’d love to show it to you”

“Let’s do that I have a feeling you’re going to coht need help with that”

He chuckled and said, “It could happen”

“I just need to run hoe and check in with my housemates I haven’t seen much of them lately”

“What about the gym and laundry?”

“They can wait”

“Okay I’ll clean up the kitchen and get ready while you do that”

“I’ to leave you with this mess”

He gave me a playful push toward the door “You cooked, so I’ll clean up It’s only fair”

“Well, alright” I glanced at the time on his stove and said, “I’ll pick you up at ten”

I went up to his bedroorabbed my backpack He met me in the foyer, and I scooped hi kiss on him As I put hirinning and looked a little flushed as I headed out the door