Chapter Ten
CHAPTER TEN
Kissing Caleb during work hours probably hadn’t been the smartest move she had ever made, Sophia realized. On the other hand, she didn’t regret doing so for a single second. She reached up and touched her lips. They still felt scorched by Caleb’s kisses. Their moment of intimacy had been inevitable since they had begun circling around each other since the night of the engagement party. She found herself attracted to him in a way she’d never experienced before, and she didn’t quite know what to do with herself.
Was something real brewing between them? Or was this just random stolen kisses spurred on by mutual attraction? What were Caleb’s feelings on the matter? Was a kiss simply a kiss? Only this make-out session hadn’t been ordinary in any way, shape, or form.
Relationships had always disappointed her. Not that she and Caleb were in a relationship or anything. They were simply feeling things out with each other. There was no sense in getting in over her head since she didn’t even know if he was sticking around Moose Falls. By this time next year, he might be back in California chasing moonbeams and stardust.
I hope he stays. The thought came out of nowhere, surprising her with its intensity. She didn’t want to get too attached to this man. He was a walking, talking embodiment of potential heartbreak.
Her mind was racing, and she couldn’t seem to slow it down.
When it was time to head home, Sophia thought about stopping by Caleb’s office to say goodbye, but nixed the idea. She already had Caleb on a nonstop rotation in her head. Why add to it? He might even start thinking she was assuming they were an item, and that could be embarrassing.
She knew that she was overthinking things, but being so out of practice with men was hampering her quite a bit.
When she pulled up to her house, she saw her father’s car in the driveway, along with Patience’s truck. It was thoughtful of her dad to finish the day at her home so she didn’t have to go to his house, pack Lily up, drive home, and then start dinner. He truly was the sweetest man in the world. She didn’t know what she had ever done to deserve such a loving father. Sometimes she wondered why her mother had been so eager to divorce such a wonderful man. According to Skip, she’d been looking for a more exciting romantic partner, which had always seemed like a choice one made in high school.
As soon as she opened the door to her house and stepped inside, the aroma of barbecue sauce made her weak in the knees. Her stomach grumbled noisily. Barbecued ribs. She would know the scent anywhere. Her father was literally an angel walking the Earth.
The sound of laughter led her straight to the playroom, where her father was playing the role of horsey while Lily rode on his back.
Sophia cleared her throat to announce her arrival. Her father looked up at her with a pained expression on his face. “Oh, thank God, you’re here. One more round of this and I might end up in the ER.”
“Horsey! Horsey!” Lily cried out as she held on to an invisible pair of reins.
“Lily, I think horsey needs a break, okay?” Sophia asked, bending down to scoop her up in her arms. “Where’s Patience?” she asked, looking around the room for her sister.
“She’s in the kitchen,” Lily announced. “Do you smell the food she’s making?”
“Okay, I’m going to go say hello to the chef,” Sophia said. “Lily, do you want to come with me?”
“Yes, Mama,” Lily said, vigorously nodding her head.
Sophia held out a hand and helped her father to a standing position. He winced as he stood up, then placed a hand on his lower back.
“Dad, next time she asks, just say no,” Sophia instructed. At this rate her poor father was going to have spinal issues. “She’s going to love you whether or not you play horsey.”
“Okay, okay,” he said, sounding annoyed. “This is the last time.”
Sophia knew full well it wasn’t going to be the last time. Lily had G-pop wrapped tightly around her finger. He would go to the moon and back for his special girl. Lily needed this type of devotion in the absence of a present and attentive father. Despite his newfound interest in his daughter, Donny hadn’t shown a bit of devotion over the past four years.
When she walked into the kitchen, Patience was pulling open the stove and peering inside. “Almost ready,” she crooned. She closed the oven door and turned toward Sophia. “Hey, lady. How was the first day at Yukon Cider?”
Sophia greeted her with a warm hug. “It was really good. And coming home to ribs makes this an outstanding day. You had me thinking dad was cooking. It smells fabulous.”
“Glad to hear your day went well,” Patience said with a warm smile. “I wanted to treat you to a good meal since I know it must have been tough working with Caleb all day.” Patience playfully stuck out her tongue.
Sophia dramatically wiped her brow with her arm. “It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it,” she said, letting out a wild laugh. Patience wiggled her brows and laughed along with her. Her sister had such an expressive face. On many occasions she’d thought Patience would have been a great actress.
“Who’s Caleb?” Lily asked, her little brow furrowed.
Patience looked as if she was going to bust a gut laughing while Sophia struggled with being an adult and answering in a grown-up manner.
“He’s someone Mommy works with,” Sophia explained. “Miss Hattie’s grandson.”
“Tell her the truth,” Patience whispered. “He’s somebody that Mommy has the hots for.”
“Mommy says it’s rude to whisper,” Lily said, sticking out her lip.
“I’m so sorry, bitsy,” Patience said, bending down and tickling her. Lily burst into giggles, instantly forgetting her aunt’s infraction.
“How soon is dinner?” Sophia asked. “I can set the table,” she offered.
“It’s about fifteen minutes to sheer perfection,” Patience said. “I’m hovering by the oven so it doesn’t overcook.”
“Let me go upstairs and change out of my work clothes,” Sophia said. She let out a groan. “I need to get comfy.” Five minutes later she was back downstairs. Lily had her nose in a picture book while her father and Patience were sitting at the table drinking wine.
“Oh, a glass of wine would be wonderful right about now,” Sophia said, sinking down into a chair. Just then the doorbell rang, causing all of them to stop what they were doing.
“Are you expecting anyone?” her dad asked, placing his wineglass down on the kitchen table.
“Not that I know of,” she said, standing up to answer the door. “Let me go find out.”
“Do you want me to answer it?” her dad asked, poised to get up from his chair.
“Just enjoy your wine, Daddio. I don’t think it’s a serial killer or anything,” Sophia said, sharing a glance with Patience. They both knew their father was overprotective of them. He made a habit of supplying them with mace and signing them up for self-defense lessons.
Moose Falls had a very low crime rate, and she was more worried about an annoying neighbor than a criminal.
Without bothering to look out the window first, Sophia yanked the door open.
“Caleb!” she said, her voice coming out a little louder than she’d intended. He was standing at her doorstep wearing light washed jeans and a black peacoat and looking way more fine than any man had a right to look.
“Sophia,” he said, saying her name like it was a caress. He smiled, showcasing his captivating dimples.
“What are you doing here? And how did you know where I live?” she asked, practically sputtering. She smoothed back her hair, suddenly wishing she hadn’t scrubbed her face clean of every inch of foundation, mascara, and eyeliner.
“You left something at work,” Caleb said, holding up her crimson-colored purse.
Her jaw dropped. She had left Yukon Cider so fast, only managing to grab her keys, her coat, and her saddlebag. “Oh my goodness. Thank you, Caleb. I can’t believe I did that.” She let out an uneasy chuckle. “I was on autopilot when I left work, and I guess leaving my purse was the end result.”
“One of the janitorial staff discovered it while cleaning your office. The staff at Yukon Cider are pretty incredible.” He handed the purse over to her. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your night, but have a good one.”
“Wait,” she said as he turned around to leave. “Are you hungry? Patience made ribs. The least I could do is feed you since you brought me back my purse. A woman’s purse is pure gold.” She waved him into her home.
Caleb grinned. “You had me at ribs,” he said as he stepped inside.
Sophia’s house was just as charming on the inside as it looked from the outside. What it lacked in size it made up for in coziness. From her yard one could catch a stunning glimpse of the lake area that was just beginning to thaw for spring. Heat embraced him as soon as he walked into Sophia’s house. Lights were gleaming in every room. The corridor had family pictures hanging on the wall.
The smell of the ribs was enticing. He couldn’t think of the last time he’d eaten some good down-home cooking. He hadn’t known that ribs were a thing in Alaska, but from the aroma floating around Sophia’s house, Patience knew how to throw down in the kitchen.
“Come in the kitchen and meet everyone,” Sophia said, beckoning him as she walked toward the back of the house.
Everyone? He had no idea who everyone was, but he was hoping to meet her daughter. Caleb wanted to know everything about Sophia’s world, and he knew Lily was at the center.
When they reached the kitchen, Caleb quickly scanned the room, noticing a little girl sitting in a breakfast nook playing with a doll. He spotted an older man at the stove while Patience was sitting at the table sipping from a goblet.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Caleb Stone,” Sophia said by way of introduction. “Patience, the two of you have already met. Caleb, this is my dad, Skip Brand.” Her father wiped his hands on his apron and stuck out his hand.
“Nice to meet any kin of Hattie’s,” Skip said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” Caleb said, enthusiastically gripping his hand.
“Call me Skip. ‘Sir’ make me feel old,” Skip said.
“And this is Lily,” Sophia said, taking Lily by the hand and bringing her over toward Caleb. “Lily, this is my friend Caleb.”
Lily buried her face behind Sophia’s legs. “Hi, Lily. You have such a beautiful name. My mom is named after a flower too. Daisy.”
Lily inched away from her hiding spot until he could see her entire face. Looking at her was like gazing upon a pint-size Sophia. The same gorgeous mocha complexion. Big brown eyes that radiated pure innocence. Her hair was a mane of curls, while Sophia’s was straight. Other than that, they were doppelg?ngers.
Caleb stooped down so he was at her eye level. Lily took a few steps toward him.
“I like flowers,” she said, tugging at the hem of her sweater and looking down instead of gazing directly at him.
“So do I,” Caleb said. “Do you like forget-me-nots?”
Lily nodded, finally looking at him. She gifted him with a beautiful smile. “They’re my favorite ones.”
“I just found out they’re the state flower of Alaska,” Caleb said. “I think I might’ve known ages ago, but I’ve been gone from Alaska for a long time.”
“Mommy likes them a lot. Don’t you, Mommy?” Lily asked, turning toward Sophia for confirmation.
“I sure do, but I’m partial to all types of flowers,” Sophia said. “They make the world a better place.”
“So, Caleb, are you joining us for supper?” Patience asked. “Far be it from me to brag, but my ribs are to die for. Some have said they’ve actually brought tears to their eyes.”
Skip rolled his eyes. “Modest, isn’t she? Her ribs are amazing, but she learned everything from me.” He puffed out his chest. “I’m the original barbecue king.”
Sophia shook her head. “This isn’t a contest, Dad. I already invited Caleb to eat with us, so why don’t we get settled. I’m going to set the table.”
“Let me help,” Caleb offered.
“You don’t have to do that,” Sophia said.
“It’s a small contribution toward this amazing meal.”
“I want to help too,” Lily piped up.
“Okay, you two. Here are the plates,” Sophia said, handing them over to Caleb. “Why don’t you put out the napkins? Lily, show Caleb to the dining room, please.”
“Follow me,” Lily said, looking pleased at her task.
Caleb followed behind her, and after he placed each plate down, Lily put a napkin beside it. Sophia came behind them and added glasses, along with utensils. Within minutes they gathered at the table and sat down. Much to his surprise, Lily insisted on sitting next to him. During dinner she kept stealing glances at him. He wasn’t really used to being in the presence of small kids, but she was making him feel like a welcomed guest. A few times he looked back at her, which caused her to giggle.
As promised, the ribs were finger-licking delicious. During the meal they engaged in lively conversation, which he was actively involved in. He loved being in the presence of people, even those he didn’t know very well. The Brands made him feel like he was part of their crew. He couldn’t have felt more at home if he’d known them all for years.
“The meal was delicious,” Caleb said, placing his napkin down on his empty plate. There wasn’t a single morsel left on his plate. Just bones. “Thanks for including me.”
“It was our pleasure,” Patience said. “We hear you’re going to be the face of Yukon Cider.”
“That’s the plan,” Caleb said. “We’ll see how it goes.” He didn’t want to get too carried away as Xavier had warned him about this morning. Sometimes it all came down to everything working out just right. Serendipity. Although he didn’t want to let Hattie down, he had decided not to stress over failure or success. After what he’d been through in the last few years, he had a healthier attitude toward what it meant to be successful. It wasn’t all roses and moonlight. There were plenty of thorns and storms along the way.
“I think Caleb is going to be a smash hit,” Sophia said, a knowing look on her face. Her belief in him made Caleb feel ten feet tall.
“You’re the real star,” he raved. He looked over at Skip. “Your daughter is immensely talented. If I make any impression at all, it’ll be due to her talent.”
“Sounds like the two of you make an amazing team,” Patience said from across the table. He wasn’t sure, but he thought she was smirking at them.
Sophia gave her sister a look, and it appeared as if the two of them had a silent conversation. He easily recognized the behavior since he and his brothers had been engaging in the same sort of communication since they were kids.
As dinner ended and they all pitched in to clear off the table, Caleb found himself stacking dishes in the dishwasher with Sophia.
“You really don’t have to do this,” she protested.
“I know. But it gives me an excuse to hang out with you a little bit longer,” Caleb said.
“Is that so?” she asked, looking up at him with her big brown eyes. They were the type a person could get lost in. And little by little he was forgetting all about his true goals for being here in Moose Falls. Falling for a stunning single mother hadn’t been on his bingo card.
“Sophia, I haven’t met anyone who draws me in the way you do in a very long time. I want to get to know you better.”
Patience walked into the kitchen. “Sorry to interrupt, but there’s a little lady upstairs who’s requesting a bedtime story.”
“I can finish this up,” Caleb said, taking several plates from Sophia’s grip. “Go see to Lily.”
“Umm, no. It’s not Sophia who’s being requested. It’s you, Caleb,” Patience explained with a snicker. “Clearly, you’ve made a huge impression.”
Sophia let out a sound of outrage. “She’s a fickle girl, dropping the rest of us like hot potatoes when a handsome man comes to dinner.”
Caleb smiled extra wide. He knew Sophia thought he was handsome, but he never tired of hearing her say it. He loved the way she didn’t hesitate to lift him up.
“Wow. I won’t be able to walk out of here, now that Lily’s given me a swelled head,” Caleb said with a chuckle. “Point me in the right direction,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “I can’t wait to read to her. If it’s all right with you.” Caleb looked over at Sophia to make sure it was okay.
“Of course it is. It’s rare that I get a night off from reading to her before bedtime,” she said. “On the other hand, it’s shocking that I’m so easily replaceable.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Patience said. “Why don’t the two of you head upstairs and I’ll finish up. Then I’ll head into the TV room to make sure Dad hasn’t dozed off.”
“You’re the best, Patience. Follow me, Caleb,” Sophia said, heading out of the kitchen and toward the staircase. He followed after her, glancing at the framed photographs on the landing. A few were portraits, but the majority were photos of the Alaskan landscape. He recognized local spots in Moose Falls, Kachemak Bay, Denali, and Homer Spit. Sophia’s talent was limitless. Caleb was in absolute awe that he had the privilege of working with her. Hattie had scored a major coup by hiring Sophia to work at Yukon Cider. He had the feeling that in a few years she would have made quite a name for herself in the industry.
At the top of the stairs Sophia turned left then entered the first door. A soft light glowed from inside.
Lily was sitting up in a little pink bed with a frilly comforter and heart-shaped pillows. She was wearing purple fuzzy pajamas and a stuffed lamb sat beside her. A pink canopy hung over her bed. Pictures of castles and fairy-tale princesses hung on the walls.
“Caleb!” Lily cried out. “I was waiting for you.”
“Hey. What about me?” Sophia asked. Caleb could tell by the smile twitching at her lips that she wasn’t at all offended.
“Caleb, sit,” Lily said, patting the spot beside her. Once he sat down next to her, Lily handed him a book with a brown-skinned princess on the cover. “This one, please.”
“Oh, I’m sensing a theme here,” Caleb said. “ Princess of Hearts ,” he said, reading the title out loud. Lily let out a squeal of approval, which went straight to Caleb’s heart. She was so excited and endearing.
“She’s in her princess era,” Sophia said in a loud whisper.
“Shh, Mommy. He’s about to start the story,” Lily said, frowning.
“Once upon a time,” Caleb began, using his most dramatic, princely voice, “there was a beautiful little princess named… Lily.” Lily’s eyes went wide. Caleb had changed the name, just to see her smile. Mission accomplished.
By the time he was finished reading, Lily was fast asleep. Caleb gently stood up and closed the book. Sophia tiptoed over to Lily’s bed and placed the cover on top of her until only her face was showing. She leaned down and pressed a kiss on Lily’s forehead. “Good night, sweetheart,” she whispered. A soft night-light glowed next to her bed.
“Good night, Princess Lily,” Caleb said, before taking Sophia’s hand and heading out of the bedroom. They stepped outside into the hallway, with Sophia softly closing the door behind them.
“Thanks for reading her a bedtime story,” Sophia said. “That was awfully sweet of you.”
“My pleasure,” Caleb said. “That used to be me as a kid. Always clamoring for a story before bedtime.”
“Just like Lily,” Sophia said. “You two are birds of a feather.”
“I should head home, since we’ve both got work in the morning,” Caleb said, “but I’m so glad I stopped by.”
“I am too,” Sophia said. “And thanks again for bringing my purse over. I’m sure panic would have set in once I realized that it was missing.”
“Happy to oblige,” Caleb said. “Meeting your family, especially Lily, was incredibly special. She’s one amazing kid.”
“I’m so lucky,” she said, letting out a contented sigh. He was happy to see her in such a good place after her frustration earlier over her ex. Being with family and Lily had to feel reassuring, he imagined.
“I hope to see you tomorrow,” he said, knowing he wouldn’t be working with her again for a few days. She’d told him earlier that they were going to do an outdoors shoot by the mountains. He rubbed his hands together and shifted from one foot to the other.
“Me too,” she said in a soft voice. He knew she was probably talking in a low voice so she didn’t wake Lily up.
Caleb leaned down and brushed a kiss over her lips. Sophia reached up and placed her arms around his neck and kissed him back with an abundance of tenderness. In its own way this kiss was just as spectacular as their earlier one. After it ended, he was buzzing with endorphins.
A few minutes later he was in his vehicle driving back to Hattie’s house. The moon was brilliant in a pitch-black sky. The back roads were dark, save for the moon and a smattering of twinkling stars. The soft rhythms of an R & B station filled the air. He began to hum along to the music, experiencing a peace of mind he hadn’t enjoyed in quite some time. Never in a million years had he imagined finding such peace here in Alaska. It was strange how one’s life could turn on a dime. Coming to Moose Falls had been a risk, but at the moment he felt like it had been one of the best decisions he’d ever made in his life.