Temptation

by Kris Bryant

  “You two are so loud.” Brook slipped into the chair next to Noah. My heart thudded every time she walked into a room. She kissed Noah’s cheek and winked at me.

  “Art. Being creative cannot be done quietly.” I waved the spatula at her. “I hope scrambled eggs are fine.”

  “Just don’t burn my bacon.”

  “Shit,” I said and flipped the pieces over in the pan. I cringed. “Sorry, Noah.”

  He giggled. “It’s okay.”

  “I think we’re ready for the toast.” I pointed at the bread, and he jumped up to put slices in the toaster. I looked at Brook. “He’s very helpful. He might end up being a chef like his Uncle Anthony or Patrick.”

  “Or a truck driver,” Noah said.

  Brook gave me an eyebrow raise.

  “He’s six.”

  “I’ll be seven in ten days,” Noah said.

  Brook had planned a birthday party that was out of this world. He was at the age where it was expected to invite his whole class to his party. Even though it was May, the weather was iffy, so Brook was having it at the country club. She thought the house was too small and also didn’t want a ton of people traipsing on the grounds, especially after the pool incident.

  “Your party’s going to be off the hook,” I said.

  I fixed three plates and sat on the other side of Noah. I tried not to read too much into this moment, all of us together doing a normal family thing, but I had to look away because I was choking up. I had lost and gained so much in less than a year. Who knew I would end up here, so much in love with an instant family? I knew it wouldn’t always be perfect, but right here, right now, it was my everything.

  “You better eat your food before I do,” Noah said.

  I turned back around to face them, knowing they would see the tears in my eyes even though I tried hard to hide them. “I can always make more.”

  “We have everything we need right here. Thank you for making us breakfast,” Brook said.

  “Thanks for having me over. You know how much I love you both.”

  “We love you, too, Cassie,” Noah said. He munched on his toast like nothing major had happened this morning, like us sitting at the counter eating breakfast was normal.

  Brook brushed away a tear off her own cheek. “I couldn’t have said it any better.”

  “You still good with everything?” I was still worried about Noah finding out and how Brook would handle it.

  She leaned back, winked, and gave me her signature single nod.

  About the Author

  Award-winning author Kris Bryant lives in Kansas City. She received her BA in English from the University of Missouri. She enjoys reading, writing, binge-watching TV shows, photography, spending time with her family, and being the faithful sidekick to her famous dog, Molly. Reach her at krisbryantbooks@gmail.com, www.krisbryant.net, or @krisbryant14.

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