Page 13 of Daddy’s Little Secret

“Thank you, Uncle Chuck. Thank you, Tae.”

“You’re welcome, sweet boy,” Chuck told him. “What did Tae get for your new kitty?”

Trey shrugged. “I dunno. Didn’t want to open it until she was with me. Can we go to our cabin now, Daddy, and let Sabrina out?”

“Check with Grandma first and make sure she’s settled in.” I envisioned walking into a cat-toy explosion with the boys at the center of the mess, enjoying them more than Sabrina was.

“Tae, let’s go check,” Trey said as the boys took off across the lot toward our cabin.

“One of the many things I love about living up here is that he can run like a madman if he wants.” This life was meant for us for sure.

“Agreed. No slippery tile floors, busy streets, or nosy neighbors.”

“Amen, my brother.” I clapped his shoulder. “Let’s go see what they’re getting into.” This would be the first time Esther not only saw Trey and Tae playing together, but with their Littles running wild.

“Daddy!” Tae ran over and grabbed Chuck’s hand. “Come see Sabrina. She’s so pretty. I remember her when she was a teeny-tiny baby kitty.”

“Daddy, look,” my boy called out. “Uncle Chuck and Tae got her a princess costume.”

“They make those?” Huh, who knew.

“That and so much more,” Chuck said. “Imagine what you have times three.”

Glad Trey only picked one cat…

Well, at least my portion of the land payment was less than the rent was in Phoenix. Now I could afford to spoil my boy the way he deserved, and Sabrina too. I’d come to learn that was a new package deal.

“What smells so good?” Esther asked as she came out of her room.

“Daddy put dinner in the crockpot for everyone this morning,” Trey happily announced. “Smells nummy, Daddy.”

“Thank you, Angel. It’s chili, but I’m grilling ribs to go with it. Everyone good with that?”

“I’m good with anything that I don’t have to cook,” Chuck chimed in.

“Same,” Esther added. “It’s been a long couple of weeks for this old lady. But I have to say, these cabins are amazing. No wonder Ashwood has grown as it has. You boys do good work.”

“When you’re ready, we’ll give you a tour of the other two,” Chuck said. “Mom’s is a mirror image of yours but with the layout flipped. Tae has painted all the artwork for each of them.”

“Oh, my goodness, you did all this?” She pointed to the paintings we’d hung.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m an artist,” Tae happily replied. “Daddy’s Little artist.”

“And a very talented one from what I can see. Can I pay you to do some for my cabin?” Esther asked him.

“Nope, I’m doing them for free. My gift to you for being a part of our family.”

Esther teared up. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you boys, but I thank the good Lord in my nightly prayers for all of you. You’ve shown me and my grandson more love than we’ve ever had. Those are things that won’t be overlooked or forgotten.” The boys were just as teary eyed and ran over to hug her. “Okay, enough of this mushy stuff. Who’s playing tour guide?”

“Let’s all go,” I suggested. “A nice walk before dinner will do us all some good.” Plus, with as busy as this morning was, I was sure tonight would be an early one for the group.

“Is this what I think it is?” Esther’s face lit up when we got to the concrete pad for her new home.

“It is. Not much to look at now, but step one is done.” Chuck and I walked across it, checking for any imperfections, which I’d already done. But Chuck wouldn’t be the business owner he was if he didn’t have eyes on it too. Esther followed us up and walked around, I was sure envisioning the layout we’d mentioned as best she could.

“Can I see your mom’s cabin, Chuck?”

“Absolutely.”