Chapter 42
42
The morning sun shone brightly through the bedroom windows. Michelle gently lifted Keith’s arm and slid out of bed. She cinched the belt on her robe after she closed the bedroom door. Shuffling her way to the kitchen, she started the coffee and then walked into her office, where she checked emails and looked at the calendar.
“I followed the light. I hope you don’t mind,” Keith’s scratchy voice came from the door.
Michelle gave him a welcoming smile. “Not at all. Good morning.”
“Working already?”
“Actually, I’m looking at my schedule so we can discuss dates for me to come see you in Montana.”
“Seriously?”
“I needed something to do while the coffee brewed.” She winked.
He stood behind her. “I like the way you think.”
With her calendar on the monitor, she scrolled through the next couple of months. “When do you leave?”
“Middle of November.”
“Then the holidays are upon us.”
“I want to spend them here with you.”
“I want that too, but what about your sons?”
“Their mother will have them on some vacation in a warm climate.”
“I can fly out at the beginning of December. My book will be in the final editing stages. When you bring me back, you can stay for Christmas if your schedule permits.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I like this plan.”
Michelle added the tentative dates to the calendar. “How about coffee and breakfast before Chip arrives.”
He chuckled. “I like that plan even better.” He held out his hand for her to hold.
“Why don’t you get ready, and I’ll cook.”
“No, I’m helping. I always want to help you.”
“Then come on. What’s your specialty?”
“Toast.”
She laughed. “Why don’t you make the toast and get the avocado out of the refrigerator? I’ll prepare the omelets.”
“See, we’re a great team.”
They enjoyed the morning until a knock sounded at ten sharp. Keith stepped out of her bedroom just as Michelle and Chip walked through the kitchen.
“You ready, Keith?”
“Yeah.” He looked at Michelle. “I left my bag beside the bed for tonight if that’s all right.”
“Perfect.”
He gently kissed her. “See you tonight, honey,” he said with a grin.
“Have a good day, dear,” she said with a playful tone.
“Good grief.” Chip rolled his eyes and pushed Keith through the door.