Chapter 123

Jaden

“Can I help at all?” I ask her mother, almost startling her in the process. She clasps her hand over her chest as she stares at me. “Your very light on your feet. You scared me to death!” I smile as she lets out a breath. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you bring these dishes to the dining table?” Her delicate hand points to a stack of fine china sitting on the kitchen counter.

I hear snippets of Stacey’s conversation with her dad talking quietly on the couch. They sit close together, their heads bent towards each other. Despite their hushed voices, they both have a small smile on their faces. Seeing my pumpkin smile like that, I’m glad we’re here. Although I know her and her dad have always got on, I just know she would prefer him to speak up more when her mother starts to berate her. As I head back to the kitchen, I feel the need to say my piece. I shouldn’t get involved, but I don’t want anything to remove that smile from her face.

“This all smells delicious.” I complime