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Corbyn went into the café and sat at the counter. Cassie would be closing soon, and he hoped he wasn’t too late to order something. When she came out of the kitchen, she gave him a smile and walked over to him.
“Hey.”
“Hi. I know you’re about to close. I was hoping to bring something home to feed Rose for dinner tonight.”
“Don’t feel like cooking?”
“I never feel like cooking. Why do you think I come here so often?”
“Hmm. I thought you came here to see me.”
He smiled. “Well, that too.”
“Where is Rose? With your parents?”
“She’s with Pax and Elaina. We went over to see the baby, and I got called off. Chase was off with Booker on a call, so I had to man the ambulance. Elaina said Rose could stay. Which was a good thing. I don’t think I would’ve been able to drag her away from the baby.”
“I’ve seen pictures. He’s so cute. Are you just picking her up and heading home?”
“That’s the plan. Not sure how it’ll work out.”
“Well, I’ll gladly make you whatever you want. Or I could come make you guys dinner at home.”
“That’s taking customer service to a whole new level.”
“You’ve been super busy these days. And I haven’t seen much of Rose. I miss you guys. So it’s as much for me as it is for you. We could eat and play a game or something.” She looked at him. “Unless you’re too tired and you just want to veg out tonight.”
“Dinner sounds good. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“It’s never too much trouble.”
“Okay. I’ll go pick up Rose and let you know when we’re back home.”
“Sounds good. Any requests?”
Corbyn thought for a moment. “I could really go for some chili.” He looked at the pie case. “And that lemon meringue pie.”
Cassie laughed. “So, I don’t need to cook at all. I just need to deliver you food from the café.”
“I’ll let you heat it up if it’ll make you feel better.”
“Go get your daughter. I need to close up shop. I’ll see you soon.”
Corbyn stood. “I’ll call you when we’re home.”
Corbyn knew Cassie had a crush on him. She played it off as friendship. But he knew how she felt. Under different circumstances, he wouldn’t mind exploring what that might mean. But he still couldn’t get past the fact he was nine years older than her. It wasn’t a lot. But it was enough to make him feel like it wasn’t quite right. Maybe the fact he’d known her since she was an infant played into it. She, Cabe, Paxton, Becca, and Lainey all played together. And often Corbyn was in charge of keeping an eye on them. He’s not sure when the crush started. But over the last couple of years, it’d been pretty apparent. Especially since Julianna left.
He shook his head. “You shouldn’t be letting her come over.” But he couldn’t help it. He liked spending time with her. And Rose loved being with her. Since her mother left, she craved attention from women. Fortunately, the Calaway and Ambrose families had plenty of them who were willing to give it to her.
When he got to Paxton’s house, he knocked, then opened the door. “It’s just me.”
Rose was sitting next to Elaina, who was holding Raphael. “Dad, look. He’s awake.”
“I see that. I think it’s time to go and get out of Aunt Elaina’s hair.”
Elaina smiled. “Actually, she’s been a blessing. She’s been keeping Joaquin happy. He’s feeling a bit left out.”
Corbyn went to Joaquin, who was playing with some cars on the floor. “What do you think of your little brother?”
