Sean feared unpacking Grace’s suitcases would not fill enough time, but the task lasted almost two hours. Grace chattered about each item she withdrew from her bags. Sean had no idea that such an oratorio could be given on socks and their precise placing in the chest of drawers. When the unpacking was complete and her suitcases stowed in the bottom of her chest, another forty minutes passed as she picked an outfit for the day. As she pulled on her last sock, the doorbell rang. Sean rushed to the door and opened it to find Hope, her arms filled with loaded plastic grocery bags.
“Here, let me help you.” He relieved her of two bags and led her to the kitchen. She dropped her parcels on the counter and sighed. Sean peered into one of the bags. “What is all this?”
She playfully smacked his hand. “Don’t. I said surprise.”
He poked his lip out.
“So, how’d the unpacking go?”
“Let’s put it this way, I know all there is to know about every item.”
Hope grinned. “Sounds like a little girl.”
“I had no idea.”
Grace raced into the kitchen. “Whatcha got?” She stood on tiptoes.
Hope tweaked the girl’s nose. “You’re just as nosy as he is.” She jabbed her thumb his way.
Sean’s chest warmed. Hope did something to him, though for the life of him, he couldn’t quite pinpoint what that something was.
She reached into one of the bags and pulled out an oblong box. “How about some spaghetti and French bread?”
Grace clapped. “Yeah. Can I help?”
“Of course. Everybody can help.” Hope looked Sean in the eyes. “Where are your pots and pans and a cookie sheet?”
“I’ve gotcha covered.”
Chatter and giggles echoed throughout the condo as they worked together to prepare the meal. What had Sean missed by living alone?
They stuffed themselves with pasta and bread. Sean pushed back from the table. “I’m full. I can’t eat another bite. But, my compliments to the chefs.” He tipped his head to Grace and then Hope.
“I brought cookies.” Hope’s eyebrows wiggled.
Sean puffed out his cheeks.
Hope grinned. “Maybe later.” She stood, stacking dishes. “I brought a movie I think you might like, Grace.”
“What is it?” Grace’s eyes bulged.
“It’s a princess movie.”
“Can I watch it now?”
Hope glanced at Sean, raising her eyebrows.
“Well, sure.”
* * *
Hope went back to clearing the table.
“Why don’t you get Grace set up watching the movie, and we’ll get this cleaned up?”
Sean started the DVD and joined Hope in the kitchen. “Hope, I don’t know how to thank you.”
“You just did.” She leaned against the counter and gazed toward the living room. “She’s really precious.”
He crossed his arms. “I’ve got to tell my parents about her.”
“You sound like you dread that. Sean, they’ll adore her.”
“I guess it’s the initial shame. I mean, I was never married to Tiffany, and I know how they feel about that.”
“They won’t punish her or you for that. What’s done is done, and they need to know they have another grandchild. Not to mention the help grandparents can be.”
“Will you come with us? I was thinking about tomorrow when they get home from church.”
Her pulse kicked up a notch. “I don’t know, Sean. I might be in the way.”
“No, you won’t. Please.” He clasped his hands together like a beggar.
Hope rolled her eyes. “Okay.”
Just as Hope and Sean had the kitchen back in order, Grace slid around the corner.
“Hey, are you all ready for cookies now?”
Hope put her finger to her chin as if in deep thought. “Hmm, let me think.” She glanced at Sean for his reaction.
“I’ve never been one who could pass up chocolate chip cookies, especially warm and gooey ones straight from the oven.”
“Well, I guess that settles it. Time for cookies.”
After eating several cookies, the area around Grace’s mouth was splotched with chocolate. Her shirt hadn’t avoided goopy chocolate stains either. Hope giggled at Grace’s appearance. Had any of the chocolate chips actually made it inside her mouth?
“Looks like someone needs a bath.”
“Me?” Grace poked a finger into her chest.
“Yes, you. It’s a good thing I brought you some bath supplies, or we might’ve had to take you outside and use a garden hose.”
Grace giggled.
Hope looked at Sean. “Why don’t you wrap the rest of our cookies and wait for us in the living room?”
Sean mouthed a thank you and winked. A little shiver trickled down Hope’s back.
Hope headed home after the bath and settling plans to meet Sean and Grace after church to visit the Holland’s. Her apartment was especially quiet and lonely tonight, so she went to bed early. Her mind wandered back through the events of the day. Did God intend for her to be a mother some day? Would she ever have a family? She could pretend that the three of them were a cozy little family, but they weren’t. She swallowed at the lump in her throat. She wasn’t sure how she had gotten in the middle of Sean’s life again, but she didn’t relish the thought of being hurt by him. Surely God would guard her heart while she did whatever He willed her to do in this situation. She had always been open to His calling, but never had such an emotional stir as Sean and now Grace evoked inside her.