A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed

Author:Terri Reed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howard Books

CHAPTER

10

Wow, little dude. Dressing to impress.” David stopped in the doorway of Troy’s room. They were getting ready to go next door for dinner with the ladies and Louise’s male friend. Troy had taken a bath and then insisted on dressing himself. He wore a pair of chinos, a denim button-down shirt, and brown loafers.

Troy grinned. “I want to look nice for Sophie.”

David nearly groaned at the innocent words that cut through him like a two-edged blade. His nephew was falling for Sophie big time. David didn’t blame him. She was beautiful, fun, and sweet. He’d really enjoyed spending time with her today. And when he’d seen Troy and her holding hands, he’d had to fight the urge to take her other hand. He was getting in too deep. They both were. David needed to pull Troy, and himself, back from the edge of the cliff they were on the brink of careening over.

Troy canted his head. “Aren’t you going to change?”

David glanced down at the jeans and hoodie he’d put on before they’d gone to the church. He’d planned to go as is, but now he reconsidered. Maybe he should put on something a little less casual.

He gave his nephew a lopsided smile. “I suppose I will.” He moved into the room and sat on the bed. “But first I need to talk to you about something.” He opened his arms and Troy moved to sit on his knee and wrap his arms around David’s neck.

“You remember we talked about Sophie leaving after the holidays, right?” David asked.

“Yes. She’s going to take pictures. That’s what she does. She’s a photographer.”

Sophie must have talked to him about her trip as well. Okay. Good. Troy got that she wasn’t staying. “Right. Her job takes her all over the world.” David brushed back Troy’s hair from his forehead. “I want to make sure you don’t get hurt.”

Troy drew back. “Hurt? I’m real careful. I look both ways before crossing the street. I don’t use knives.” The earnest expression on his little face made David’s heart ache. “They are for grown-ups. I don’t touch the stove either. It could be hot.”

David pressed his lips together to keep his smile under control. He sought for a serious expression. “All good things to remember.”

“That’s what Sophie said.”

David sighed. “She’s a smart lady. But she’s not going to be here much longer. I know you’ll be sad when she’s gone.”

Troy nodded. “Won’t you, too?”

Sucking in a sharp breath, David searched his heart for the answer. “Yes. Yes, I will. We’re friends, and it’s always hard when our friends go away.”

A frown pinched Troy’s eyebrows. “But she’s not going away forever. Not like Mommy and Daddy. Sophie will come back, right?”

The burn of tears welled up in his eyes. Troy was so innocent and loving. “I’m sure she will come to visit.”

Troy brightened. “She has to. Her grandma lives next door. And when Sophie is here, she can take care of me. I like when she takes care of me.

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