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“So…”

Wilda shook her head. “Not really in the market for a relationship. Not sure I ever will be.”

“I understand. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t disappear out of Milo’s life, though. He seems pretty attached to Caleb.”

“They do get along well. He’s close to his uncle, but there’s something…I don’t know. I guess it’s hard not to get drawn into Milo’s…” She shook her head. “I don’t even know what to call it.”

“Just don’t discount the possibility.”

“Honestly, the possibility scares the crap out of me.”

“Think how boring our lives would be if we didn’t have the crap scared out of us once in a while.”

Chapter nineteen

“I’m a little terrible.”

Caleb fell asleep on the way back to the house, and Milo glanced back at him. “Looks like we wore him out.”

“He had a good time. Thank you for suggesting it.”

“A little distraction usually works.” He gripped the steering wheel. “So, are you sure…”

“I’m sure.”

“It just seems like we should talk about it.”

“Milo, I want to forget it happened.”

He passed a slow car in front of them. “But…”

“Milo, please.”

“Fine. I don’t want you to be mad at me, and…I don’t know…move out or something.”

“I’m not moving out. We’re fine. Although you’re being a little annoying right now.”

He cleared his throat. “Got it.”

They arrived home, and Caleb woke up when Wilda opened the door to the back seat. “Come on, sweetheart.”

“Are we home?”

Wilda looked at Milo, then smiled at Caleb. “Yes, honey, we’re home.”

Caleb crawled out of the backseat and took Wilda’s hand as they headed toward the porch. Milo stayed by the car to give Wilda a few minutes with her son, who had just spoken to her after a year and a half of silence.

He took out his phone and called Rachel as he started walking down the private drive toward the mailbox.

“Hey, Milo!”

“Rachel.”

“What’s up?”