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The day after Thanksgiving, Chloe and I both slept later than usual. We’d had such a good time at the Moon family dinner that we’d come back to the cabin exhausted but happy.
Caspian had asked that I stop by this morning so we could talk about the position. After a shower, I dressed and made a cup of coffee from the machine in my cabin. While I drank it, I gave Chloe some cereal and milk for her breakfast. My stomach was in knots, so I couldn’t eat. Maybe later, after I knew one way or the other if we’d be staying. Just thinking of an interview made me want to run away. What if he started asking a bunch of questions I couldn’t answer?
I’d just finished dressing when there was a knock on my cabin door. I peeked through the peephole to see Thad standing on the small porch.
I opened the door to invite him in. No sooner had I done that than Chloe threw herself against his legs. He picked her up and tossed her into the air. She squealed and then wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. I was amazed by this. She’d always been afraid of men. But last night she’d snuggled right up to him to watch a movie while I played games with Finley and Elliot. I’d had so much fun I’d almost forgotten the truth about my circumstances. They’d come rushing back this morning.
“Sorry to barge in like this,” Thad said, setting Chloe down to the floor. “But I had an idea I wanted to run by you.”
“Sure.” We sat at the round table by the window. I actually drew the curtains back. Out of habit, I kept them closed, but there was no reason to here.
“I talked to Soren and Caspian about your situation.”
I must have looked worried because he shook his head. “Not about your need for privacy, but about your need for work and a home.”
“What did they say?” I asked in a small voice, sure it would be bad news. I braced myself, clenching my stomach muscles. It was fine. I would just head somewhere else. There were small towns everywhere with diners and restaurants. I’d find something down the road.
“They agreed that hiring you at the restaurant was a great idea. Caspian said he always needs more help during the holidays.”
“Really?” I pressed my fingers against my throat. “I won’t let you guys down. I promise.”
“There’s something else, though.” Thad played with the slight cleft on his chin, pinching it between his fingers and thumb. “I hope this won’t scare you away, but we have a spare bedroom at the farmhouse.”
“The one on the property? Where you all live?” I asked, sure I was misunderstanding.
“That’s right. We all grew up there, but now Caspian, Soren, and I share it.”
“Right, I picked that up last night. Your parents moved to a different house.”
“That’s correct. Anyway, we have an extra room there. Actually, it’s the bedroom Mama and Pop used to share. None of us felt right moving in there, but it’s nice and big. You and Chloe would have a lot of room. And, of course, access to the rest of the house. You’d have to put up with us, but it would be better than some dingy apartment, especially for Chloe. We have a great kitchen and family room, which you could use as you wanted. You’d be part of the family, so to speak.”
“Are you saying I could rent the room, or am I misunderstanding you?” This was not happening. No way could one family be this nice.
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”
“How much is the rent?” I thought to ask, before I got ahead of myself.
“We’ve never rented it out, but how does five hundred a month sound? You don’t need to worry about paying us right away.”
My mouth dropped open. “Five hundred?”
“Is that too much? Caspian says the tips are really good at the restaurant.”
“No, no. It’s not too much. It seems too little.”
“You’ll have to share a house with a bunch of smelly guys. Any higher would be obscene.”
I laughed. “None of you smelled bad yesterday.”
“You haven’t smelled Soren after a day with the animals. Caspian comes home smelling of grease. There’s also the kitchen. We’re not the tidiest of humans. Not that we’d expect you to clean up after us or anything like that.”
“I’ll be cooking meals for Chloe and me,” I said. “Will that be a problem?”
“Not at all. Caspian usually eats at work and sends something over for Soren and me, so the kitchen’s pretty much free. Other than the mornings. We all love to have coffee and catch up, a habit from when we were kids. Mama always had a hot breakfast for us. We’re like homing pigeons or something. Drawn to that kitchen like our mother’s still there.”
“I’m happy to cook a meal or two if you guys wanted. My—” Good Lord. I’d almost said, “my husband.” “I’ve never won any prizes for my meals, but I know how to keep people alive.”
