Page 31 of Single Omega Dad

“I miss Father,” Luke said softly.

“I know.” I brought him into a hug against my thigh. Drayden had beenFatherand I wasDaddy. It had always been that way.

“Okay,” I said, rubbing my hands together. “It’s going to be steaks on the grill tonight for me and Mister Vandergale, and for you boys, you get a choice. Hamburger or hotdog.”

“Hotdog!” said Luke.

“Hamburger!” said Tybor. “With ketchup.”

I laughed. “One each coming up.”

I had gone shopping earlier, and had everything I needed for a good dinner. The potatoes were already baking in the oven.

I brought the boys with me into the kitchen where they sat at the island on stools. They wanted to color in the books Mathias had given them in the diner.

While they created art, I made a tossed salad. I kept glancing at the stove clock, counting the minutes until Mathias’s arrival.

The baking potatoes gave off a mouth-watering aroma. I had rolls in a package but decided it was too much. The food I had already prepared would be enough. The steaks were seasoned and waiting for the grill which I would light when Mathias arrived. The hamburger patty and hot dog for Tybor and Luke were ready to go on the grill as well, and each one had its properly designated bun. I’d bought a pre-made apple pie for dessert.

The doorbell rang.

Both boys started to climb down from their stools.

“You guys stay right there,” I told them. “I’ll get it.”

Tybor pouted but they both obeyed and went back to their coloring.

When I opened the door I saw Mathias standing with his hands full of bags and an attaché case under his arm.

If he had looked amazing last night, he was even more handsome tonight. The whites of his eyes were like gleaming lights surrounding beautiful, dark irises. He wore no tie, which made the pale blue dress shirt go into a V at his neck and showed off his gorgeous dark skin tones. Over that shirt, he wore a light gray blazer with matching trousers. The blackness of his braid glimmered against those paler colors, resting over his right shoulder.

I reached out and took two of the bags from him. “I told you I was cooking. What is all this?”

“Hmm. I was taught never to go to anyone’s home with my hands empty.”

“You’re bringing me a refi that will save me a fortune. I think that’s quite enough.”

I led us into the kitchen area.

The boys looked up and in unison said, “Hi.”

“Hello,” Mathias said. Then he peered down at Tybor’s book. “A purple fire engine?”

“Purple is my favorite color,” Tybor said proudly.

“Mine, too,” said Mathias, and set his goods next to them on the counter.

I saw one of the packages was a wine bag.

“I told you I can’t have any of that.” Without thinking, I placed my palm over my abdomen.

Mathias put his hand over the top of the bag. “It’s cider.”

“Oh.” A warmth suffused through me that he’d cared that much. “Great.”

As Mathias began taking things out of the bags, I saw that it was too much. Cookies. Fruit salad. A platter with crackers, meats and cheeses.

“We aren’t going to be able to eat all that,” I said.