tension eased. The Selbys were fine. But both boys stared at him, their disappointment evident.
“You’re not staying?” Cubby’s lower lip protruded, his expression darkening to thundercloud proportions, and she caught alarm flashing through Sawyer’s eyes. He no doubt recognized the makings of a public meltdown.
He gave the boy a hug, then set him down on his feet. “This is a little kid’s play, buddy. I’m a big kid.”
“Tori’s a big kid and she made the costumes, too.” Landon looked around the now-crowded space, noting mothers, fathers and grandparents in abundance. “There are lots of big kids. Don’t you want to sit with us?”
Sawyer glanced uncertainly at Cubby, whose lower lip was trembling. The overhead lights dimmed, then brightened again, signaling that audience members should be seated.
“Sawyer can’t stay tonight.” She reached for Landon’s hand, then stretched out her other one to Cubby. “Let’s find our seats. The play is going to start. It’ll be fun.”
But Cubby shook his head and turned away from her.
Standoff.
She sent a pleading look in Sawyer’s direction. Surely he could suffer through a single hour with his brothers, couldn’t he? Having spent but a week under the same roof with them, she hardly knew the boys, nor they her. She had no “street cred” with them. Hadn’t yet gained their respect or established her own authority beyond Ray’s warning, as he and Therese departed, to “do what Tori tells you to do.”
The lights abruptly dimmed and as her eyes adjusted to the darkness she looked anxiously toward the stage, where Pastor Garrett McCrae stepped out in front of the curtain to welcome everyone.
“I guess I could stay,” Sawyer whispered. “Sure won’t be able to find my friend now, even if he’s here.”
Landon squeezed her hand in excitement and, in the dim light, she felt Cubby searching for her other hand. Meltdown avoided. Thank You, Lord.
It took a bit of doing, but they found their pew near the front. Landon slipped in first, she followed, then Cubby and Sawyer. But they’d barely gotten situated when Cubby stood again and maneuvered his way to the other side of Sawyer. They all shifted in their limited space, leaving her sitting next to the rugged outdoorsman.
Like she’d be able to pay attention to the play with his rock-solid arm brushing against hers.
Sawyer wasn’t quite sure how he’d gotten himself roped into this, but despite the twins’ manipulative tactics and the silently persuasive appeal by the woman now seated next to him, he had a sneaking feeling he was at fault. If he’d paid Kyle what was due him last week or had at least gotten out to his friend’s place before dark today, he wouldn’t have been lurking in the church doorway, where the boys could spy him.
He glanced at Tori from the corner of his eye, noting her attention was as rapt on the unfolding scenes before them as was that of his brothers. In his own defense, he had no idea she’d be taking the boys out tonight. Where were Therese and Ray anyway? Wasn’t it too soon to be leaving Cubby and Landon solely in the care of newly hired help? Sure, she was the help he’d recruited. But still...
Even though it lasted only an hour and he hadn’t minded in the least sitting by the sweet-smelling young woman next to him, he was restless by the time the youthful actors joined hands across the stage for the final applause. It hadn’t been a half-bad production. You know, if you were into that sort of thing. He’d been impressed, too, by the costumes Tori apparently had a hand in designing. Especially the shiny-scaled dragon that had the kids roaring each time he muffed well-known Bible verses. At first Sawyer had worried the actor had forgotten his lines, but as the play progressed that fear was put to rest.
“You are, aren’t you, Sawyer?” Landon tugged on his sleeve as they stepped into the wide aisle, but Sawyer’s eyes were scanning the packed sanctuary for his friend. It had been a long, trying day and he’d rather not have to attempt finding Kyle’s place on those unlit back roads.
“Are you?” Cubby echoed.
“What’s that?”
“Cookies.” Landon clarified. “Are you staying for cookies?”
“Cookies? No, afraid not.”
“But—”
“Boys.” Tori’s soft voice sounded firm as she drew their attention. “Your brother did as you asked and stayed for the play. But he can’t stay for cookies, too.”
“But we can, can’t we?” Cubby’s eyes searched hers.
“Yes. You each can have one cookie.”
“One?” Landon’s mouth dropped open. “Are you kidding me? Sawyer, can’t we have more than one?”
He glanced down at Landon, then met the look Tori leveled at him. “Uh, no. Only one.”
She smiled and his heart beat a jerky rhythm. He’d personally give up sweets altogether if she’d keep smiling at him like that. He again scanned the crowd. If he could find Kyle, he might give in and join the twins for postproduction refreshments. Ah, there he was.
Pulling the check from his wallet, he quickly made his way to his friend’s side and handed it over.
“Here you go, pal. Sorry again about the delay.”
“No problem.” Kyle’s expression clouded over. “Everything’s okay? I mean—”
“Cash flow. Scout’s honor.” He and Kyle had been friends since they were teenagers working at Hunter’s Hideaway for several summers. Then buddies in college. Neither had been Boy Scouts, but he’d get the drift.
Kyle nodded, satisfied, then cocked his head in the direction from which Sawyer had come. “Who’s the chick?”
“Chick?”
“The blonde you and the boys were sitting with. I’ve seen her here before. Seems to be a sweet gal, so I never associated her with the likes of you.” He elbowed Sawyer. “Getting back in the game, are you?”
“Don’t get any ideas.” Would no one who knew him in his college days ever believe he’d turned over a new leaf? “She’s a part-time nan—caregiver Therese and Ray Selby hired for my little brothers. Tonight’s her first solo evening event with them. Since I was here to see you, I stepped in to help keep the peace.”
Now might not be the best time to admit to hiring her to help at the Outpost.
Kyle tucked the check in his shirtfront pocket, then reached for his jacket. “Whatever you say.”
But when Sawyer turned back to where he’d left his brothers, they and Tori were gone. Probably off to get their one cookie.
Tori was tougher than she looked.
Much to his own surprise he found himself in the fellowship
