Marcel hesitates for a second. “Don’t you finally want your shot with Mercy? You’ll walk her down the aisle.”
A sly grin spreads across Carter’s face. “I have more than I can handle, bro, but I appreciate the thought.”
“Don’t encourage him,” I say to Marcel.
A few minutes later he sets a perfectly golden grilled cheese in front of me.
“Oh my God.” I bite into the crispy, buttery, cheesy bit of heaven and close my eyes.
“You all right, Charlotte?” Carter asks. “Never seen you get so worked up over grilled cheese before.”
Marcel shoves a plate in front of Carter.
Carter tips his head back. “You’re such a good dad already.”
I freeze, mid-bite.
Marcel has a smooth answer prepared. “Took care of Heidi when she was little. So, I have experience.”
“I’ve heard. She talks about you like you’re freakin’ Thor.” He flicks his hand at Marcel. “Without the thunder and pesky sibling rivalry.”
Marcel slants a look my way and I shrug.
“Oh man,” Carter moans with a mouthful of grilled cheese. “This is good. I’m sorry I doubted.”
“The secret is the garlic seasoning on the bread.” Marcel sets a bowl of pickles and olives on the table with a soft clink. He sets a smaller bowl of baby dill pickles next to my plate.
I tip my head back and meet his amused eyes.
“You got any apples?” Carter slides out of his chair. “Char, you want apple slices?”
“Sure.”
Marcel directs him toward a bowl of fruit on the counter and hands him a knife.
Two of my favorite men, side by side in the kitchen. Uncle Chuck would roll his eyes so hard they’d fall out of his head. The thought makes me snicker as I bite into a crisp, tangy pickle.
“What’s funny, Sunshine?” Marcel asks, setting his own plate across from me and sitting. His eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles at me. Like, he’s bursting to share our news right now.
I could be wrong, but I don’t think we’ll keep this secret for long.
At least this time, we’ll be hanging onto something joyful instead of painful.