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“No buts, Savannah. You don’t have to have the answers.” Fallon pressed their lips together quickly and pulled back. “Go home, take the day, and I’ll come by when I get off work.”

“I have Brin.”

“Even better. I can teach her how to make something for dinner.”

Savannah smiled, her eyes lighting up, and the tension in her heart easing a little. “You’d really do that?”

“For tonight I will.” Fallon kissed her again. “I’ll see you later.”

seventeen

The door inched open, and Brinley’s face lit up the small crack before she opened it wider. Fallon gripped the fabric grocery bag she held in her left hand tighter and plastered a smile on her lips. She didn’t want to come off like something was wrong or that she didn’t enjoy Brinley’s company. So far, she had.

“Mom said we’re cooking dinner.”

“Yeah,” Fallon answered with a light chuckle. “I tried to pick the most complicated recipe that I know.”

“Really?” Brinley’s eyes widened, the perfect match for her mom’s.

“No.” Fallon stepped inside the apartment, which was warm from the heat and from the people inside. “I thought we’d make one of my favorite dishes tonight.”

“What is it?” Brinley led the way into the small kitchen.

“You might not like it.”

Brinley frowned as she stepped into the kitchen. Fallon tried not to smile at it. She nodded toward Savannah who sat on the couch with a drink in her hand and a curious look on her face. Fallon winked before sliding into the kitchen. She didn’t bother to greet Savannah as she moved in to start their dinner.

“What is it?” Brinley asked, standing at the kitchen sink and scrubbing her hands with soap.

“It’s a fish dish, with a teriyaki twist.”

Brinley frowned, a deep furrow forming on her forehead before she shrugged. “I’ll try it.”

“That’s all I can ask.” Fallon set the bag onto the counter and pulled out the items one by one. “Will you grab the cheese grater?”

Brinley dug around in a cabinet while Fallon washed her hands and the vegetables. By the time Brinley popped back up, Fallon set her up to grate the carrots and put them into a casserole dish. Stepping out of the kitchen, Fallon finally did what she’d wanted to do.

Walking right over to Savannah, she bent down and pressed their mouths together. She swiped her tongue out and along Savannah’s lower lip, digging her fingers into Savannah’s hair and holding her steady. Savannah melted underneath her. She moaned lightly, a sound that Fallon had quickly become addicted to.

“It’ll be about forty-five minutes before dinner is ready,” Fallon whispered. “I’m assuming I can’t do this when she’s in the room.”

Savannah hummed, but she didn’t really answer. Fallon kissed her again quickly, knowing that Brinley would be done soon and searching for whatever was next.

Fallon put her hands on top of Brinley’s as they sliced the bell peppers. It took three times as long as she’d anticipated. She’d all but forgotten what it was like to cook with children, especially one who didn’t quite know what she was doing in the kitchen yet.

Did Savannah do all the cooking on her own then?

“So what now?”

“Put them in the dish on top of the grated carrots.” Fallon helped to pick up the peppers. They worked nicely together,mixing the sauce before sliding the tilapia on top and then dumping half the sauce over it. They’d baste the rest on later.

Fallon brought the rice over to the sink to wash it, and Brinley gave her the oddest look. “What?”

“Why are you washing the rice?”

“You’re supposed to.” Fallon nodded toward the sink. “Come on.”

Brinley moved the small stool next to the sink and helped Fallon. “You like my mom, don’t you?”