I Choose Us: Book 2 in the Crossing Midian Series - A Christian Romance

Chapter 7

–Lottie–

Lottie stood in the kitchen as she chopped vegetables at the counter. Friday afternoon was her least busiest day of the week because she only taught the preschool class, leaving her plenty of time to try the new recipe she had found while Cassie played in her bedroom.

The recipe involved glazed carrots, roasted red potatoes, and seasoned brussels sprouts with baked chicken. It was pretty simple as far as recipes go, but Lottie was excited to cook something so nice all on her own.

Lottie glanced up when she heard a car door shut. Then, when she placed the heavy gait walking across the porch, she checked her watch. It was only a quarter til five, but sure enough, a moment later she heard the front door open and Coop call out, "Anybody home?"

"In the kitchen," Lottie called back.

Despite everything, a smile spread across her face. She couldn't remember the last time they were both home so early in the day. Normally Coop was at the store until well past closing, and even when Lottie had shorter classes, she usually got home in time to make something quick for dinner for herself and Cassie, leaving Coop a plate in the microwave to warm up later.

But ever since their argument in the kitchen a few days before, Coop seemed to be trying to get home earlier and help with Cassie more. Today was actually the first day since the argument that Lottie had picked Cassie up from school, and it was only because Cassie was in the class she taught.

Then there was the fact that he cooked dinner the night before, cleaned up afterward, and got everything ready for the bath Lottie had enjoyed so much. She had needed it badly and had spent such a long time simply relaxing in the tub as she thought about what all of this could mean. The way he had told her he still loved her was something she had thought about all day long. Lottie was so torn between wanting to believe him and thinking it was too late.

She thought back to the divorce papers she'd stowed in the bottom drawer of her dresser, beneath her summer shirts and tank tops. Lottie knew she had promised Anna that she would tell him about them, but she didn't have it in her to drop more on him right now when he was already dealing with so much. Especially with Christmas so close. As selfish as it might seem, Lottie wanted one more Christmas with her family together. And besides, what if things were actually turning around? Lottie didn't want to put any real hope into the notion, but she didn't see what harm waiting a few more days could cause.

But Thanksgiving came first. Coop had volunteered to host this year, and everyone was coming. Not only their family, but Hank, Coop's dad, Jack, and his step-mom, Rejena, their two daughters, plus Wesley, Anna, T.J., and the Andersons. Coop had already said they might need two turkeys in order to feed everyone.

Most people would stress about having fifteen people in one house for a meal, but not Lottie. Mostly because she wasn't the one cooking it. Coop was a pro in the kitchen. Everything he cooked turned out delicious, and Lottie would be lying if she said she wasn't jealous of his skills. Especially considering how she struggled with simple meals.

Coop came into the kitchen, shaking his hand through his hair and sending water droplets spraying around the room as he grinned gleefully. He looked so youthful and carefree. Lottie felt something spark inside her heart, making her wonder if, instead of falling apart, her heart was only cracked.

And cracks could be mended.

"Man, that rain is cold!" Coop said, as he moved to stand behind Lottie and peered over her shoulder. "Whatcha making?"

"Baked chicken and vegetables," Lottie answered.

Coop leaned around her to pick up a small chunk of carrot Lottie had chopped. He stood so close Lottie was sure if she were to turn her face, she could kiss his cheek.