“I think we’ve got some orange juice. But we’re definitely going to need to order groceries today.”
“Can I help with that?” Lacey asked as he lifted her onto the other stool before walking back around so he could face both of them.
“Sure.”
Eli smiled. “The guys and I talked last night. We’ve got some information and guessed you also did.”
Cason nodded. “I do. I started a file last night.”
“We thought you two could come to our building. We could work on this, and Lacey can play with the others.”
“I’m worried about getting her out into the open.”
Eli chuckled. “The girls thought of that.” He leaned down and picked up one of the bags, and pulled a wig out. It had short curly brown hair. “She’ll wear this, and”—he pulled out a pair of gaudy pink sunglasses—“and these.”
Lacey squealed. “I love them.”
Cason and Eli smiled at each other.
“It will help cover your eyes,” Eli told her as he handed them to her.
Cason nodded. “I think that will work.”
“They have some other things. I think they’ve been watching too much TV. They have fake fingernails, fake earrings, bracelets, and sparkly barrette.”
“Oh, can I try them on?”
Cason pointed to her plate. “After you finish. You didn’t eat a lot last night. I also want your juice gone.”
She huffed but picked up her fork and finished eating.
“I’m done,” she announced and held out her plate for inspection.
“Okay. Bring your dishes to the sink, and I’ll show you what to do.”
He showed her how to rinse everything and then stick it in the dishwasher.
“See, you’ve learned a few things already.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. We’ll leave in thirty minutes. Take the bags back to the bedroom, and I’ll be right there to pick out what you’re going to wear.”
She grabbed the bags and rushed down the hall.
“Thank you, Eli. I’ll make sure we thank the girls, too.”
“You guys look really good together, and she already obeys you without question.”
“She’s still in limbo and getting her bearings.”
“Oh, it has more than that. Remember, I have my own little?”
Cason nodded. “I tried to convince myself I didn’t want one because I didn’t think I’d ever find one. It scares me to think of a future without her, but we’ve just met, and there are so many obstacles.”
“And we’ll figure every one of them out. Don’t let fear keep you from having what you want.”
“I’ll try.”
“Good, I’ll head back. We’ll be in my condo.” Eli gave him the code and left.