Braden kept his jacket on and slumped down in a kitchen chair. “I think my blood is frozen.”

“Think hot chocolate will thaw it out?” Lily asked.

“Is it that stuff out of a package or the real thing?” Braden shivered so hard his teeth rattled.

“It’s homemade, like you like it,” she answered.

“We’ve got to get him a warmer coat. A hooded sweatshirt isn’t enough on cold days,” Mack said. “My blood isn’t frozen, but hot chocolate sure sounds good. What can I do to help?”

“You can get down a couple of mugs,” Lily answered.

“You aren’t going to have any?” Mack asked.

“I just finished a glass of sweet tea, so I’m good,” she answered as she used a whisk to mix cocoa, sugar, coffee creamer, and a little vanilla together. The milk in the pot came to a boil, and she stirred in the other ingredients and poured the hot chocolate into the mugs. Before she took them to the table, she topped both mugs with whipped cream. When she handed off the first cup to Mack, her fingertips brushed against his. There was that tingle again.

Braden took a sip and picked up a cookie. “I feel my blood thawin’ out.”

“Amazing what a little heat, cookies, and really good hot chocolate will do for you, isn’t it?” Mack agreed.

“Mama makes the best.” Braden used his cookie to skim off the whipped cream and then popped the whole thing in his mouth.

Lily couldn’t remember the last time Braden had said anything to her other than smart-ass remarks and a few grunts. She would’ve hugged him but didn’t want to jinx anything. They’d only been in Comfort a few days, and each of the kids had said something kind to or about her. Miracles did happen.

“It’s the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had for sure,” Mack said. “Thanks for making it for us, Lily.”

“You’re very welcome.”

“Are those girls still up there with Holly?” Braden asked.

“For about thirty more minutes”—Lily nodded—“then their mother is coming to get them.”

Braden sighed. “I guess I can stand it for that long. It would sure be better if I had my tablet or my Nintendo.”

“But you don’t.” Lily was not giving in, no matter how pitiful he sounded. “But I noticed a package of earplugs in the secretary in my bedroom. Daddy used them when he was out in the garage running the table saw. They’re bright orange. Why not go see if they’ll work?”

Braden frowned. “What’s a secretary?”

“It’s that big piece of furniture with a glass front,” Lily explained.

“I guess that’s better than nothing.” He finished his hot chocolate and picked up another cookie to take with him. “See y’all at suppertime.”