“Thanks for making breakfast.” Eva brushed past him, and her citrusy scent made him forget what he was about to say.
“Uh...” He glanced around the kitchen, then remembered. “Oh, I have fresh coffee here if you’re interested.”
“I’d love some.” She looked tired, and he wondered if Mikey had suffered more nightmares during the night. He hadn’t heard crying but knew that didn’t mean the child hadn’t woken her up.
He poured a mug of coffee and pulled milk out of the fridge for her, too, knowing she preferred it that way. Turning back to the stove, he flipped the pancakes and then glanced at her.
“You’re staying here with Mikey today.”
She nodded. “With police guarding the house, right?”
“Yes. Any idea when Pete is getting in?”
“Not sure. He was hoping to get the first flight out of Atlanta.”
After watching the pancakes for another minute, he flipped them off the griddle and onto a plate. He set them on the table, then chose a seat between Mikey and Eva. “Let’s pray.”
“Pray?” Mikey echoed with confusion.
Finn took the boy’s hand and then held out his other hand toward Eva. She placed her small palm in his. “Yes, we need to pray before we eat.”
“But I’m hungry,” Mikey insisted.
“This will only take a minute.” Finn bent his head. “Dear Lord, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We also thank You for keeping Mikey safe in Your care and for providing us the strength to find him. We ask that You continue to guide us on Your chosen path. Amen.”
“Amen,” Eva said, her voice clear and firm.
Finn glanced at Mikey. “You need to say ‘Amen,’ too,” he encouraged.
“Amen,” Mikey repeated. “Now can I eat?”
Finn chuckled and released the boy’s hand. “Yes, now you can eat.” He glanced at Eva and winked before releasing her hand.
She blushed. He found himself hoping that meant she was remembering their kiss and that soon the line she’d drawn would be wiped away. She avoided his gaze, taking a deep sip of her coffee.
Pulling himself together, he helped cut up Mikey’s pancakes and added a nice dollop of maple syrup. “I have to report in to work,” he told her. “There will be two officers in a squad car parked out front, keeping an eye on the place while I’m gone. I’ll head back here as soon as possible.”
“I appreciate that.” She helped herself to a pancake. “Hmm. This is delicious.”
“See? Told you I could cook,” he teased.
She blushed again, and his heart squeezed in his chest. This wasn’t good. He was getting far too emotionally attached to Eva. He forced himself to remember how his own mother couldn’t handle being a cop’s wife. How he’d been determined not to make the same mistake his father had.
He finished his breakfast quickly, then rose to carry his empty plate to the sink. “I’m sorry to leave you with the dishes, but I have to go.”
“It’s not a problem,” Eva insisted. “I need to clean the place up before Pete gets home anyway.”
Finn hesitated, then nodded. “Come, Abernathy.”
The yellow Lab came instantly to his side. Finn leaned over to rub his silky fur, then clipped on Abernathy’s vest and leash. He tucked the food and water dishes under his arm. “Call if you need something.”
“Okay. Let me know if you find anything.”
“I will.” Finn went over to press a kiss on the top of Mikey’s head. “See you later, buddy. Be good for your aunt Eva.”
“I will.” Mikey grinned, his face sticky with syrup.
The domestic scene was becoming a bit much, so Finn quickly left with Abernathy. It pained him to realize how much he suddenly wanted what he’d told himself he could never have.
A family.
* * *
Eva called Wade to let him know she wouldn’t be at work that day. Her boss was uncharacteristically upset with her decision.
“Eva, with Cocoa missing, it’s even more important that you work with George. He needs to have the basics in place so he’s ready to be fostered.”
“Finn is going to find Cocoa.” She truly believed in Finn and Abernathy. “And it’s only for one more day. Pete should be home later this afternoon.”