of her thoughts as well. "Snuggling with Brett, I couldn't help but remember the times when I was a little girl, and I'd sneak into Kelly's bed at night when I was scared. She always told me a story and made me feel better."
"So, there was a time when she was a good big sister?"
"Yes, but it was long ago." She took another sip of coffee. "I'm going to call Adam when we get back to town. I don't want it to be official business, but I need someone to tell me how to start looking for my sister."
"You don't think that will trigger a full-scale investigation?"
"I'm hoping not. But I don't think I have a choice. Do you?" She found herself wanting Jake's advice, because she was a little too close to the problem, and she didn't want to make a mistake.
"It's the right move. You're Brett's aunt, so I don't think anyone would take him away from you. By the way, I don't know if you noticed, but there's a car seat on the floor by the door."
Her gaze swung toward the front door. "I didn't see that before. Kelly must have left it in case I had to take Brett somewhere. This was planned, Jake. She thought of all the details. She put food in the house. She made sure it was warm, that there was something on the television so Brett wouldn't be scared when she left. And she even left the car seat. I just wish the plan had included a conversation with me."
"That would have been good."
Jake filled three plates with eggs. She took them to the table while he spread cream cheese on the bagels.
When Brett returned, she said, "Did you wash your hands?"
"I did," Brett said, holding them up.
Since they were still dripping wet, she knew he was telling the truth. She handed him a paper towel and they sat down at the table.
Jake's eggs were perfectly cooked, with a nice seasoning of salt and pepper. "Do you cook a lot for yourself?" she asked, as she took a bite.
"I'm good for breakfast. The other meals tend to be more of the eat-out or pick-up variety. I've had a lot of meals at Chloe's café, I will say that."
"Her chef is good."
"He is. How's Chloe doing these days? I heard she and Kevin have separated."
"Unfortunately, yes. He decided he wasn't done with being a soldier, and she decided she was done with him being a soldier. I know she has mixed feelings about it. She's taking the blame for breaking up the family, but it isn't all on her. Chloe had to give birth alone while Kevin was missing in action. That was very traumatic for her, and she's been on her own for a long time. She runs the café that was his family's business. I think Kevin should have put his family first. He served over ten years. He has done his duty."
"But it's not just duty to him. It's what he loves to do, what he's always loved. Chloe knew what she was getting into."
"I think the idea of what she was getting into turned out to be very different from the reality of being a military wife. I understand that Kevin should have a fulfilling job. I just also understand how hard it's been for her. I like them both. I want them to be happy. But maybe they can't be happy together."
"Or maybe they'll figure out a way."
"When Kevin is on the other side of the world? That's optimistic, but then you always were the optimistic one."
He shrugged. "What's wrong with being a positive person?"
"Not saying it's wrong. Just saying it's who you are."
"If you can dream it, you can make it happen. That requires optimism." He paused. "I dreamt about you last night, Hannah."
That comment sent a tingle through her body. "I don't want to hear about it. And whatever you dreamt will not happen."
"We'll see."
She didn't like that he was being optimistic about them. There was no them. They were over. "Last night was a mistake, Jake."
"We'll see," he repeated.
"Oh, my God, you're so annoying."
"You said God. You're supposed to say gosh," Brett interrupted.
Now she was being reprimanded by a four-year-old. "You're right. Are you done eating?"
He popped the last bite of eggs into his mouth and then said, "Can I have a cookie?" with his mouth full.
"Finish what you're eating first."
He swallowed and smiled. "Now?"
"I suppose you can have one."
"I'll get it for you,