Page 44 of A Simple Regret

I nod. “Thanks.”

We exit the barn, Wyatt pulling the door closed a bit to help block some of the colder wind. “Maren, it was good to see you again. You and Theo are welcome anytime.”

“Thank you,” she replies, her beautiful face flush from the cold.

“It’s mac and cheese time, Theo,” I state, scooping him up and tossing him over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

The sweetest giggles fill the air as we head toward her SUV.

“Bye, Theo!” Wyatt hollers, followed by a bark from Goose.

I get him situated in his car seat in Maren’s vehicle. We decided to bring that, since it was easier than playing musical chairs with Theo’s seat. While I get the little wiggle worm strapped in, Maren starts her vehicle and cranks up the heat.

Theo recounts the entire sledding adventure as we drive back to town, throwing in the occasional yawn every now and again. To be honest, I could use a nap. I didn’t exactly play as hard as I would have if my brothers and friends would have been riding with me, but it was still a great time. I realize immediately, I enjoyed myself immensely.

We pull into her driveway and stop in front of the garage. She prepares to shut off the vehicle and says, “It’ll be nice to park inside for a change.”

“Do you need help clearing the path?” I offer before my brain can catch up.

“No,” she replies softly, shutting off the ignition. “I’m almost there. Only a couple more boxes to sort through. Maybe by next weekend I’ll have it done and can start parking in there. It’ll be nice in the mornings to not have to scrape ice and snow off my windows.”

I almost offer to help, but I bite my tongue. It’s not my responsibility, even though I want to help. You know, be friendly? That’s something a good neighbor would do, right?

We climb out of her vehicle, and since she’s on the driver’s side, she has Theo’s door open and is releasing his buckles before I can get there. I stand to the side, awkwardly watching.

When she closes the door and reaches for Theo’s hand, she says, “You probably have something else to do, but if you’re hungry, you’re welcome to join us. You know, as a thank you for taking us sledding today.”

I open my mouth, fully prepared to accept the invitation, just so I can enjoy a few more minutes of time with them. Fortunately, my attention is drawn to my driveway, as a truck pulls in and parks near where we stand.

“Who dat?” Theo asks, watching intently for the newcomer to show himself.

“That’s my brother, Collin.”

He climbs from his truck, hands shoved in his pockets, and walks toward us. He doesn’t seem the least bit surprised to see Maren standing here. “Hey, Maren. Good to see you again.” There’s no shock on his face, telling me he already knows who my new neighbor is, most likely thanks to Wyatt.

“Hi, Collin. Good to see you too.”

“I Theo!” her little guy hollers, waving in greeting.

Collin offers a rare grin. “Hi, Theo. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yep. You wike mac and cheese?”

I shake my head, knowing what’s coming. Maren must sense it too, because she steps in and says, “It’s time to go inside, Theo, and let Camden and Collin get to what they need to do.”

“But…”

“Inside, Theo. You can watch Bluey while I cook you mac and cheese.”

“Okay. Bye-bye, Cam.”

“Later, little dude,” I reply, throwing a wave his way.

He pulls out of his mom’s hand and runs toward me, throwing his arms around my legs and squeezing. “Bye-bye,” he repeats, waving to both me and my brother.

Maren offers a polite wave to Collin before escorting Theo inside her house.

The moment they’re inside, I hear, “Cute kid.”