Chapter 10
Allyson breathed when Crash texted to tell her he’d found the kids. He didn’t go into details, but what mattered was that they were found and safe. She wasn’t sure Crash would survive if anything happened to the kids.
To kill time while she waited for Crash and the kids to arrive, she cleaned and freshened the guest room after Elijah left. She didn’t know if Crash wanted to stay in the room with the kids or a separate room, so she got both rooms ready.
She took one last look around the living room to confirm nothing was there to hurt curious little hands. She always did the same thing when her sister visited with the kids. It was difficult not to be envious of Bethany because she was married to the love of her life and had an amazing little family.
Allyson didn’t have that because she wanted someone she couldn’t have. She cared too much about him to deny him the family he deserved.
She glanced at the patio door and froze. She’d cleaned the glass two hours ago, but now it had a large smear across the center. As she walked closer, it was clear it was outside. If she didn’t know better, she’d say someone had their cheek pressed against it.
After she’d removed the bar from the door to open it and clean the streak, she checked around the deck. Nothing looked out of place, but something felt off. Allyson quickly hurried back inside and put the bar back on the door when she heard him.
“Knock, knock.” Crash’s voice echoed from the foyer.
“I’m in the living room,” Allyson replied, setting aside the cloth and cleaner.
Footsteps shuffled down the hallway, and Crash stepped into view. He held the hand of a little boy and carried the most adorable baby she’d ever seen.
“Well, hello.” Allyson walked toward the trio.
“Caleb, this is Dr. Sullivan.” Crash crouched to be at eye level with the child.
Allyson did the same and smiled at the little boy, who shyly lifted his head. His huge blue eyes glanced back and forth between Crash and Allyson. The poor kid was probably so confused. It was hard for adults to understand the death of a loved one, but for a child, it had to be impossible to comprehend.
“It’s nice to meet you, Caleb, but you don’t have to call me Dr. Sullivan. All my friends call me Ally,” Allyson told him.
“Hi,” Caleb said.
“You know what? My nephew left some toys here. They’re next to the table and bookcase with all those cool books.” Allyson pointed to the corner of the living room.
Caleb looked at Crash, and when he nodded, the little boy made his way to the box of toys. Allyson saw the hint of a smile when Caleb pulled out a small truck and began to roll it around the floor. At least he found something to make him happy. She and Crash stood silently, watching for several seconds before Crash spoke.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“You don’t have to thank me. I’m happy to help,” Allyson met his gaze.
Crash was the first to look away when the baby started to squirm in his arms. Allyson was surprised when the little girl leaned forward and stretched her arms.
“Mila likes you.” Crash chuckled.
Allyson took the little girl into her arms and held back the tears as the baby rested her head on Allyson’s shoulder. Crash gently ran his hand over the top of the baby’s soft curls.
“She doesn’t go to just anyone,” Crash informed her.
“She’s probably tired,” Allyson whispered.
“After I found them, we stayed at my parent’s place. Neither of the kids slept well last night. It’s been a long day.” Crash sighed.
“I’m glad you found them so quickly,” Allyson said as she began to sway with the baby.
“I’ll tell you about it, but I have stuff in the truck. Nick gave me a portable thing for her to sleep in. Are you okay with them while I bring it in?” Crash asked.
“I’m fine.” She smiled as Mila snuggled into her neck.
He glanced between the kids and Allyson before rushing outside to get everything. After several trips to the car, he closed the front door, and she escorted him to her son’s old room.
“I hope this is okay,” Allyson said as she bounced the baby in her arms.
“It’s perfect,” Crash assured her.
She left Crash to set up the crib while she kept an eye on Caleb. She didn’t know if the little boy would be afraid or get into something he shouldn’t. She found him in the same place, pushing the same little car around the floor.
She was playing with Mila on the floor next to Caleb when the front door opened again. Allyson glanced up as her son appeared in the doorway. Cameron’s blue eyes grew large, but only for a few seconds. When he leaned against the door jamb, he raised an eyebrow.
“I know it’s been a week since I’ve been here, but is there something you haven’t told me?” Cameron narrowed his eyes. “Do I have new siblings, Mom?”
“You don’t have siblings. This is Mila, and that’s Caleb. It’s a long story, but…” Allyson stood with Mila in her arms.
“I like stories,” Cameron laughed.
She walked closer to her son so Caleb didn’t overhear her. She didn’t know if he knew about his parents yet or even if he understood what was going on. How could he? The child was barely out of diapers.
“They lost their parents, and Brent became their legal guardian. They were friends of his,” she whispered.
“Damn, that’s tragic.” Cameron looked over at the little boy.
“Yeah.” Allyson cupped Mila’s tiny cheek.
“Wait, if Crash is caring for them, that doesn’t explain why they’re here with you.” Cameron smirked. “Have you finally decided to…”
“Brent and I are friends, and he’s staying here until he can finish the renovations to his house. It’s easier than having to drive back and forth to the city. I’m off for a few weeks, so I offered to watch the …”
She stopped when Crash came down the stairs, looking like he’d just crawled out of bed with mussed hair. His face was a little red, but she wasn’t sure if he was mad or embarrassed.
“Hey, Cam,” Crash said with a smile.
“Hey, Crash.” Cameron raised an eyebrow at seeing Brent coming downstairs.
“He was setting up the portable crib for Mila. She’s ready for a nap,” Allyson explained.
“Yeah, about that.” Crash plowed his fingers through his thick hair and blew out an aggravated breath. “I think it’s broken. I can’t get it to stay up.”
Allyson chuckled as she handed Mila to Crash and began to head toward the stairs. Anyone who set up a portable crib knew how frustrating it could be.
“Come on, I’ll bet you it’s not broke.” Allyson headed toward the stairs. “Cam, can you stay with Caleb while I help Brent with the crib?”
“On it.” Cameron sat on the floor next to the little boy.
Caleb looked at her son as if he was a movie star, especially when Cameron lay on the floor and started playing with the small matchbox cars. The little boy was in the best hands.
Allyson entered the guest room and pressed her lips together to prevent the giggle from escaping. The crib lay upside down on the floor. She shook her head at Crash, who shrugged as he shifted Mila to his other arm.
“I’m telling you, it’s broken,” Crash grumbled.
Allyson set it up in less than a minute with blankets at the bottom. When she turned around, Crash stared, his mouth hung open. Mila giggled as if she understood how funny the situation was.
“What kind of witchcraft is that? I swear it wouldn’t open.” Crash grumbled.
“They can be pretty tricky if you’ve never set one up before,” Allyson reassured him.
“Is that your nice way of saying even an idiot can do it?” Crash asked.
“No. The first time I had to set one up, I sat on the floor and cried,” Allyson admitted.
She wasn’t lying, but Crash narrowed his eyes, wondering whether to believe her. Before he could say a word, Mila drew his attention when she yawned and placed her head on his shoulder.
“Do you want to put her down?” Allyson stepped aside.
“I’ll try. I hope she’ll go to sleep in another strange place.” Crash gently lowered the baby into the crib.
“When babies are tired, they don’t care where they sleep.” She hoped.
Allyson walked to the doorway and turned. Crash leaned over the crib, whispering to Mila as he pulled a blanket over her. The baby babbled as she fisted the material and pulled it against her face.
“Go to sleep, sweet girl,” Crash whispered and backed out of the room.
They stepped into the hallway, and Crash froze as Mila whined. He then chattered as she wiggled around for a few seconds. He peeped into the room, and after Mila exhaled, there was no other noise.
“I think she’s going to sleep.” Crash sighed.
“Leave the door open so you can hear when she wakes up. You should probably pick up a monitor,” Allyson suggested.
Crash nodded, and they headed back downstairs. They found Cameron still playing cars with Caleb. Allyson smiled, remembering how much her son loved the tiny diecast vehicles when he was little. She still had a box of them in the attic because she couldn’t bring herself to throw them out when he stopped using them.
“Vroom, vroom, eeek.” Cameron pushed a little car across the floor to a smiling Caleb.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen him smile since I found him.” Crash leaned close, and his warm breath tickled her ear.
It took everything in her not to moan and lean closer to him. The fact that his scent was already playing havoc with her libido didn’t make things any better. She quickly stepped into the kitchen to put some space between them.
“You never said where you found them,” Allyson reminded him.
“With Ellie’s former foster parents. They told us Wyatt and Ellie dropped them off the night before the accident, and if they didn’t come back, they weren’t to tell anyone where the kids were except me.” Crash kept his voice lowered.
“It sounds as if they knew they weren’t coming back,” Allyson whispered.
“I know, and Caleb hasn’t asked for either of them. I wonder if they told him something before they dropped the kids off, or he’s waiting for them to show up.” Crash’s eyes moved to the little boy.
“I’m sure he’s wondering where his mom and dad are. You haven’t told him yet, have you?” Allyson asked.
“No. I don’t know how I’m going to tell him.” Crash sighed.
“Cam was eleven when Trent died, and it was hard for him to understand. I’d suggest talking to a therapist. I can recommend someone from the hospital,” Allyson told him.
“I’d appreciate it.” Crash turned his gaze to her, and her breath hitched. “Thanks, Ally.”
“That’s what friends are for,” she whispered.
“Yeah.” Crash sighed.
“I think us men need a snack. What do you think, little man?” Cameron shouted from the living room.
When Cameron stood up, the little boy nodded and jumped to his feet. It seemed her son had made a friend in young Caleb. Then again, Cameron was fantastic with small children. She wondered if he would follow in her uncle’s footsteps and become a teacher. He hadn’t picked a major at university because he was still thinking about what he wanted to do.
“I’ll get you something,” Allyson offered.
“Nope, me and Caleb are going to get a big boy snack. Don’t need help.” Cameron winked at his mother as he scooped Caleb up into his arms.
“He’s good with Caleb,” Crash said.
“Cam’s always had a way with small kids,” Allyson said proudly.
They stepped into the living room, and Crash sat on the edge of the couch. He rested his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands under his chin. It wasn’t hard to see he was exhausted and wound tighter than a drum.
“You look tired.” Allyson sat next to him and gently touched his shoulder.
“I don’t remember the last time I slept. I’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Mom and Dad took one thing off my plate and went to make the funeral arrangements,” Crash told her.
“Why don’t you take a nap while Mila is sleeping? Cam and I will keep Caleb entertained,” Allyson suggested.
“Thanks, but it’s no use in trying. My mind won’t shut off.” Crash leaned back and dropped his head against the sofa.
“You won’t be able to help anyone if you’re exhausted. At least sit here and close your eyes. Even if you don’t sleep, you can rest briefly.” Allyson stood up. “I’ll keep Caleb and Cam in the kitchen.”
Crash didn’t argue and closed his eyes. For a moment, she watched him. Tension marred his handsome face, and she wished she could do something to relieve all that stress.
“I can’t relax with you staring,” Crash muttered.
“Sorry,” Allyson muttered and then hurried out of the room.
Cameron and Caleb were eating cookies and drinking milk when she found them. They both looked up at her as she walked in, and her son gave her a huge grin.
“Greatest cookies in the world, Mom,” Cameron told her.
“You say that because you want to take some back to the apartment with you.” Allyson narrowed her eyes and pointed her finger at him.
“Well, yeah, but I’m going to stay here tonight. Me and Caleb are going to watch a movie.” Cameron held out his hand, and Caleb slapped his little hand on top of it.
“Oh, I see. Don’t you think you should okay that with Brent first?” Allyson asked.
“He can watch it too.” Cameron chuckled.
“I’m sure he’ll be overjoyed,” Allyson said sarcastically.
“Do you know Caleb has not seen Toy Story?” Cameron looked utterly shocked.
“That’s tragic.” Allyson gasped.
“I gotta Buzz Lightyear. Daddy got it for me,” Caleb said in a low voice.
“And you never saw the movie?” Cameron feigned a gasp.
“No. Daddy and Mommy went to heaven before we could watch it.” Caleb lowered his head.
Allyson locked eyes with Cameron. Crash said he hadn’t told Caleb about his parents, but somehow the kid knew. She wasn’t sure who told him, but Crash was probably going to be pissed.
“Who told you that, Caleb?” Allyson asked.
“Nanny Adams talked to her friend on the phone and said Mommy and Daddy died. When my fish died, Daddy told me it went to heaven.” Caleb explained.
Iris was going to be upset that Caleb overheard her. Crash told her Wyatt and Ellie called his parents, Mom and Dad, which was probably why Caleb called Iris Nanny.
“My daddy is in heaven, too,” Cameron said, placing a comforting hand on Caleb’s back. “But that means he’s up there watching over me, so I’m safe.”
“I miss them.” Caleb lifted his head and looked up at Cameron.
“I miss my dad too, but I have lots of people who love me, which makes things a little easier. Hey, that’s the same as you. You have lots of people who love you, too.” Cameron nudged the little boy with his shoulder.
Caleb’s face lit up with a huge grin as he stared at Cameron like he was the best person in the world. Allyson knew how the little boy felt because, watching her son with Caleb, she felt the same way.