Page 94

“I’d mind if you told me I couldn’t do it.”

“He’s ready for you.”

Milo read two books, then helped Wilda tuck Caleb into bed. Then they sat in the living room.

Wilda sat close to Milo, and he reached for her hand. “Any word from Mathias?”

“He will definitely be here this weekend, and he’s looking forward to playing some pool.”

“Cool. I have a feeling he’s going to have…mixed feelings about…”

“I think maybe we should…”

“Not tell him?”

She turned to him. “Would that be okay? Just for now. Just until I get used to the idea.”

“Whatever you want, Wilda.”

“Thank you.” She moved closer and leaned against him. “I want you to know, I’ve thought about this all day.”

“Okay.”

“I even had a talk with Tom.”

“Um…okay.”

“I know that sounds silly. But it helped. I’m ready.”

He put a finger under her chin and lifted it so she could look at him. “We can go at whatever speed you want. If you want to start with holding hands and stolen kisses, I’m okay with that.”

Wilda smiled. “I think maybe we’re beyond that.”

“True. But…”

“I don’t want to backtrack.”

“Full steam ahead? Emphasis on the steam?”

“Yes.”

“So…”

“Caleb should be asleep by now.”

“Um…up to my room, then?”

She kissed him, then stood and pulled him to his feet. “I’ll still need to leave at some point.”

“I know.”

She put her arms around him, and he pulled her in close. “But until then…” He kissed her.

He turned off the lights while Wilda checked on Caleb, then they went upstairs holding hands. He stopped at his bedroom door. “Last chance to change your mind.”

She went through the doorway and pulled him inside.

Chapter twenty-five