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There was milk for Cassie and Coop, while she and Joe chose to have coffee with their dessert. It was an easy time, for the most part, everyone relaxing and enjoying the cake. And, afterward, Taylor pitched in to do the dishes. Cassie cleared the table, while Joe washed and Taylor dried. Coop was designated to put everything away.

Taylor liked being a part of something bigger than her. She hadn’t had much sense of family in her life lately and being with the Coopers gave her an iota of peace, if not belonging. At times like these, she wished she’d had brothers and sisters, a whole family intact. But she loved her dad and promised to see him soon. She wouldn’t break that promise. She’d already scheduled a long weekend trip to see him in two months, come rain or shine.

“Well, what do you think, Coop?” she asked.

He peered into her eyes and what she saw in his stopped her heart. He was always doing that to her, making mush of her brain with his potent looks, his mesmerizing stares.

“About what?” he said softly as she handed him a dish to put away.

“About…Cassie and Muffy?”

“Oh.” He glanced away, thinking. “I suppose it’ll work.”

“Great. I think so too.”

“She’s got a game tomorrow though.”

“And I promised to be there.”

“So she can start on the next day.”

“Daddy, really?” Eagle ears Cassie had picked up on their conversation and walked over, standing between them. “Can I see Muffy every day? And Taylor?”

“Yes, but remember, it’s only temporary until Julie gets back. And not on game days. And only if you get all your homework done.”

“I will, Daddy. I promise. And I won’t break my promises. I’ll be just like Taylor.”

Coop squeezed his eyes shut for a second, and then recovered quickly, but she saw his doubt, his indecision in that moment. “Yeah, just like Taylor.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too. Now, it’s time for bed, Cass.”

“I’ll get her ready,” Joe offered. “It’s my turn and you know how much I like tucking her in.”

“It’s not your turn, Pop.” Coop rolled his eyes. “But okay. Won’t do to argue the point.”

Taylor smiled at Joe. He was a matchmaking devil.

“Say good-night, Cassie, and don’t forget to brush your teeth.”

Cassie bid them goodbye and then gave each one of them a kiss, Muffy included. Grandpa Joe took Cassie’s hand. “Good night, Taylor.”

“Good night, and thanks again for dinner.”

“Son, you be sure to take Taylor home now. The sun’s gone down.”

Once Joe was out of the room, she shook her head. “You don’t have to take me home. Muffy’s a good watchdog. I’ll just walk home.”

He pointed to Muffy, who was chewing on his shoelace. “That’s like saying a corn dog is a gourmet meal.”

“I like corn dogs.”

“Not the point. C’mon. I’ll walk you. It’s a nice night.”

“And I can burn off cake calories.”

He gave her a once-over. “Like you need to.”