Page 78

Demetrius

“Yes, I’m certain I want you to come with me.” I scraped the bit of crust I hadn’t eaten into Jai’s compost container. “I’m meeting Cadence Crawford at the first house in forty minutes. Enough time to grab a Starbucks coffee.”

He arched an eyebrow. “You’ve had two cups already.”

I shrugged. “I want a caramel macchiato.”

“Ah.”

“And we can get you a black coffee at Starbucks or Timmie’s. But only if we head out now.”

He eyed me dubiously.

“I mean, unless you have something else to do. I’m being kind of presumptuous—just assuming you can drop everything and come with me.”

“First, it’s Saturday, and I don’t have any campers. Even I get a day off.”

“Okay.” I waited.

“Secondly, of course I want to come with you. But this is a family thing.”

“Right. We’ll narrow it down to two or three and then talk to the kids. The thing is…I don’t know Mission City.”

“Cadence does. I realized I went to school with him.”

“Yeah?”

He put the last dish in the dishwasher. “I went to school with a lot of people. Some of whom moved away and never came back. Some of whom never left.”

“And some who moved away andthencame back.”

“Yeah.” He met my gaze. “The town has changed. Remember, I went away ten years ago. First for university and then for…other stuff. I didn’t come home much.”

On impulse, I held open my arms.

He didn’t disappoint. He stepped right into them and rested his head above my heart. “Things will have changed.”

“And Cadence can take us through that. Some things won’t have changed—like I don’t want your parents as neighbors.” I chuckled. “But I mentioned Arnav and Foster’s neighborhood. It’s at the top of my price range, but it’s doable.”

“That’s a great neighborhood—and near Cedar Street Elementary school. A bit of a longer walk to the high school, but not much.”

“Cadence said all that. There are two houses in that area we’re looking at. I can certainly drive the kids to school, but I’m trying to give them more independence.”

“Because you’re a good dad.” He pulled back and met my gaze. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.” No matter the role he might play in my life, I wanted his input. I trusted him. “So do you want to drive or should I?”

“If you drive, I can review the houses you’re looking at.”

“Great.” I pulled my keys out of my pocket. “Are you okay with me leaving the toys and gifts? They’re for you, after all.” I wanted him to feel comfortable. I knew having his toys had ended in betrayal before.

“I have a safe.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” I grinned. “Why don’t you put them away while I pack up my things and then we can get on the road? Timmie’s or Starbucks or both?”

“I suppose I could try a caramel macchiato.” He arched an eyebrow.

“You’ll love it.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek.