His eyes lit up, and a smile spread across his face.

“Yes, I’ll share.” He took a step as if he was going to kiss her but seemingly remembered where they were and quickly turned away. Serenity’s heart rate kicked up, and she took a furtive glance around to see if anyone had noticed. She relaxed when she saw everyone engaged in their own conversations and not paying attention to her.

“Ms. Wheeler!”

Serenity spun around just as Brianna launched herself at her and wrapped her small arms around her waist. She hugged the little girl and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “How are you, Brianna?”

“I’m good. Mommy is getting me ice cream because I finished reading my book.”

“That’s wonderful. You’ll have to tell me all about it next time I see you.” She shifted slightly and spoke to Brianna’s mother. “Hey, Pam.”

“Hi, Serenity. Good to see you.”

“Good to see you, too.” Pam divided a curious glance between Serenity and Gabriel, and Serenity made the introductions. “Pam, this is Gabriel Cunningham. Gabriel, this is Pam.”

“Nice to meet you, Pam,” Gabriel said.

“Same here, Gabriel. Are you new in town?”

“I’ve been here for a couple of months. And who is this little one?”

“This is my daughter, Brianna. Brianna, say hello to Mr. Cunningham.”

“Hi, Mr. Cunni…cummi…You have a big name.”

Gabriel chuckled and squatted down to Brianna’s level. “How about you call me Mr. C. That’s easier. It’s very nice to meet you, Brianna.”

She shook his outstretched hand and shyly said, “Okay. Hi, Mr. C.”

“Brianna, Mr. Cunningham is Mrs. Williams’s grandson. Do you remember the lady who gave you the candy when you were at the doctor’s office?”

She bounced up and down. “Yes. She was nice.” Brianna looked up at Gabriel. “I like your grandma. When you see her, can you tell her I finished my book?”

Smiling, he said, “I sure will. I’ve heard you have the best tea parties.”

Her eyes widened, and she giggled, nodding vigorously. “I do. Ask Ms. Wheeler. She came to my house and she had a hat on. You can come next time.”

Serenity’s heart warmed as she viewed the exchange.

“Thanks for the invitation, but I didn’t know guys could go to a tea party.”

Brianna put her hand on her hip. “My daddy is a guy, and he always comes to my tea parties.”

Pam rolled her eyes, and Serenity outright laughed, then said, “Well, there you have it.”

Gabriel shook his head. “Since you put it that way, I’d be honored. Just let me know when and I’ll be there.” He rose to his full height.

She clapped. “Goody! Mommy, Mr. C is going to come to my house. Ooh, and Ms. Wheeler can come, too. It’s gonna be fun.”

“I heard, baby. Gabriel, I hope she didn’t—”