“Got it.” She made a zipper motion across her full lips that was oddly sexy. “Asher is just inside. He was worried about interrupting you on your big day. I could watch him if you need some help.”
Asher had seen the suit earlier and asked if Grandpa had died. The only other time Asher had seen Deek so dressed up was at Annie’s parents’ funeral. So he’d had to explain his important business meeting. But would Asher think Deek was abandoning him? “If I let you help me, would that make me the worst parent ever?”
“No. I already own that title.” Lori waved a hand. “Besides, what’re two sick kids when you have one already? Can Asher take ibuprofen?”
“Yes. He’s not allergic to anything as far as I know.” He ran a hand through his hair as he considered. Lori was obviously a caring mom. “Let me ask Asher.” If his son freaked, he’d just suck it up and tell his client he had to reschedule. He’d probably lose the account, but there were others. Not many he wanted as much as this one, but his kid had to come first. “Be right back.”
Deek squeezed through the gathering of parents bundling up their kids and met the nurse. He signed his name to check Asher out of school and then found his son sitting in a row of chairs. One of the last kids remaining. “Hey, buddy. Sorry it took me so long. Ready to go?”
Asher nodded and then slid off his chair. He held out a hand to hold, which Asher rarely did anymore, and it made Deek feel even worse. The kid was really sick. He should just cancel his meeting.
When they found Lori and Emily in the hallway, Lori held her arms wide, and Asher slid right into her embrace. Maybe he should have hugged Ash. Deek’s father never hugged much, so he wasn’t sure by the second grade if guys were supposed to do that still.
Lori murmured softly, “I’m sorry you don’t feel well, sweetheart. Want to come home with us? I have Popsicles, and we can watch cartoons or movies. That way, your dad can finish up his meetings and then pick you up after. How does that sound?”
Asher looked up. “I can go with Emily, Dad. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.” Deek felt like a horrible father. But Asher was in good hands. Although he didn’t usually let Asher watch many cartoons. It’d probably be okay for just one day. “Lori, can we exchange information? I’ll do my best to move things along and get him as soon as I can. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem.” She started digging in her giant purse for her cell.
After they typed in their data and swapped back, he said, “I’ll call and check on you guys in a few hours, okay?”
“We’ll be fine.” Lori pulled stocking caps onto the kids’ heads. “Good luck with Zeldane. If they serve Chinese takeout there, bring us some.”
“Um. What?” He blinked for a second as he processed that. Had Lori meant bring takeout for dinner? Annie always accused him of being way too literal. “But the kids—”
“Will have chicken noodle soup and crackers if they get hungry. I have plenty of that. Chinese takeout, not so much. Knock ’em dead, Deek.”
“Okay. But what do you like?”
Lori turned and walked down the hall with the kids in tow. She called out, “Surprise me.”
“Yeah. Will do. Call if you need anything.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets and watched them go. Surprise her? He hated when women said that because inevitably, he always got the surprise wrong.
After a hugely successful, if not a bit rushed, meeting, Deek was armed with bags filled with Chinese food. He texted Lori from his car to apologize for being so late. It was almost eight.
Be there in ten minutes. Sorry!
No problem. I’m buried on the couch under two sleeping kids, so don’t knock and wake them. I’ll unlock my front door with my phone for you now.
Okay. See you in a few.
Deek tucked his phone away and then headed for Lori’s house.
After he had parked in her driveway, he gathered up all the bags and navigated Lori’s snowy walkway. He stomped the snow from his shoes, then stood before the front door of Lori’s vintage Craftsman-style home with its cool, modern electronic lock. It felt weird to let himself in, but she’d told him to. He walked slowly inside and then softly closed the door behind him.
Lori’s living room was big, with lots of wood accents. There were splotches of different colored paint on the walls as if she was deciding which she wanted, and all the furniture was under plastic drop cloths. The wood trim had been painted over years ago, but a few spots were uncovered and polished up, just enough to see the beautiful home it had once been. Lori must be in the middle of a remodel.