Burning the Midnight Oil: A Single Dad Small Town Romance

Chapter 41

Two Months Later

“Hey, can you hand me the other thing of lemonade in the fridge?” Jade asks as she walks into the house from the backyard, carrying a nearly empty glass drink dispenser. “I can’t believe how fast everyone drank this one.”

“Yeah, of course.”

She unscrews the lid to the dispenser as I hand her the replacement lemonade. “Thank you. Is the food almost done?”

“Yeah, Boone’s almost done grilling, and I’ve nearly got all the fixin’s ready in here.”

Today is Miss Suzy Q’s sixth birthday party, and nearly all of Copper Lake is here today to help her celebrate the big day. Hundreds of little giggling, squealing kids occupy the backyard as they run in and out of the bounce house we rented for the day. Okay, hundreds is a little dramatic, but it seems like it with how loud they are. Suzy started kindergarten a few months ago, and it was “super-duper important”—her words, not mine—that she invite all her new classmate slash friends to her unicorn-themed party. Daddy Boone was more than happy to oblige for his little girl, even though I could see the panic in his eyes over having that many kids in the house.

A few weeks ago, Boone and I moved into this rental house. His and Jade’s house finally sold, and it was time to get out. It’s significantly smaller than the previous house, especially when it comes to land, but it’s close to the arena and it’ll do for the next year, or however long we stay here. It’s something we both can afford, which was important to me. Just because he makes the big bucks riding the wild beasts doesn’t mean I do too, and I want to be able to pull my share.

Jade tosses the empty jug in the recycling bin before screwing the lid back on the lemonade. “Okay, perfect. I’ll let everyone know it’s almost time to eat. Shooter’s bitching about being starving.”

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “Of course, he is.”

Right before we signed the lease to this place, all of us—Boone, Jade, me—sat down with Suzy to tell her about mine and Boone’s relationship. With Boone and I planning to share a room at the new house, we didn’t want there to be any confusion or secrets. I think we’ve all had enough secrets for a good while. Talk about a fucking nerve-wracking conversation, trying to explain to a six-year-old that Uncle Grady is now also Daddy’s boyfriend. I don’t know why, but I was terrified that she would hate the idea. Thankfully, she’s six, and went along with it easy enough. The only awkward question she asked was if she should call me Daddy now, too, or if Uncle Grady would still be okay. The question left me speechless but, thankfully, Jade cut in and said Uncle Grady is more than okay.

“Burgers and dogs are done,” Boone says as he saunters into the kitchen from out front. We put the grill out there for the party so there’s more room for everyone out back. He sets the tray of meat down on the counter as he rounds it, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing a kiss to my neck. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine, and I let my head fall on his shoulder and my eyelids flutter closed for a moment to soak it in. “How’re you holding up?” he murmurs beside my ear.

“Doing okay,” I say, getting back to positioning the sliced tomatoes on the plate next to the lettuce and pickles.

As Suzy’s grandparents, my folks are here today. Jade offered to do something with them separately for Suzy’s birthday so I wouldn’t have to be around them, but I told her absolutely not. I could easily deal with them for one afternoon. Besides, like the good, old-fashioned people my parents are, they know how to put on a nice face for the world and act like they aren’t disappointed in my every living and breathing decision. They had some choice words for me when they found out about my relationship with Boone. I knew they would, but it still stung.

Jade actually stood up to them on our behalf, which surprised me. Up until that point, we’d been fine, but it was sort of an unspoken agreement that we didn’t discuss my relationship. But after that, it felt like the last bit of awkwardness left, and things between us—all three of us, actually—have been great.

Neither of my parents have even acknowledged all my work that I’ve done at the arena either, but it’s fine. I’ve long since accepted that they’ll never be the parents I need them to be. I have all the family I need, blood and otherwise.

Together, Boone and I bring the food outside, and everyone digs in. Suzy and her friends are nearly too excited to sit down and eat, but we manage to wrangle them long enough to get in a few quick bites. Her cheeks are wind-kissed and bright red, her blonde curly hair up in a messy pony on top of her head, and her clothes have dirt stains from where she’s slid along the grass after flying out of the bouncy house earlier. After we all eat, Boone and a few of the guys clean up before we can do cake and presents.

Plopping down in the grass beside Jade, a crisp, cold beer in my hand, I watch as Shooter runs around the yard with Suzy on his shoulders. She’s holding on for dear life, belly-deep giggles bubbling out of her as they go around and around. Jade and I both laugh at the sight.

“He is so good with her,” Jade mutters, a wide grin on her face.

“Think him and Sterling will ever have one of their own?”

Jade turns her head, hand covering her eyes from the sun as she meets my gaze. “I’d be surprised if they didn’t.”

Behind Jade, Sterling is standing, watching his boyfriend and Suzy. The look on his face is one of pure awe and love; he practically has hearts for eyes. “I think you’re right,” I agree, my gaze dipping down to meet hers again. “Speaking of relationships,” I start, quirking an eyebrow. “Tell me about this guy.”

Jade’s cheeks pinken, and she rolls her eyes, looking back into the yard at Shooter and Suzy again. “I don’t know what you mean.” She’s biting back a smile.

“Bullshit.” I laugh, shoving her arm with mine. “You act like I missed the fact that you weren’t alone when you dropped off Suzy’s blanket the other day. I saw the man in your driver’s seat, so spill.”

The smile she was trying so hard to conceal breaks free, and I can’t help but mirror it. “It’s new, but he’s really sweet.”

“I knew it,” I tease. I can’t help but feel giddy for her. “Where’d you guys meet?”

Hiding her face in her hands, she mumbles, “You’re going to laugh.”

“No, I won’t, I promise. Tell me.”

Jade blows out a breath. “We met at the vet.”

She narrows her eyes as she looks over at me, like she’s fully waiting for the teasing to ensue, which, of course, only makes me want to laugh. But I bite the inside of my cheek to hold it back. “Oh?”

“I was bringing Maple in for her shots, and he was there with his dog too.”

When Jade moved out of the house and into the apartment with Michelle, Suzy quickly realized that when she was with her mom for her half of the time, she wouldn’t get to see Mabel, and that just wasn’t okay. At first, she suggested bringing Mabel with her every time, but that is a terrible idea for a dog. Logically, the next best thing was to adopt another chocolate lab that would live with Jade. Clearly, Jade let Suzy name the puppy because her name is Maple.

“And you guys, what, just hit it off right there in the waiting room?” I ask.

Laughter spilling past her lips, Jade nods. “I mean, yeah, kind of. That’s silly, right?”

“I think it’s cute,” I say genuinely. “It’s like one of those adorable romance book worthy meet-cutes.”

Before long, Boone and the guys come back out, and we have cake and ice cream, and then Suzy opens her presents. She was beyond spoiled by everyone, and she was beaming by the end of the party. It’s a little after seven in the evening by the time everyone leaves, and Jade stays to help me clean everything up while Boone gets Suzy into the bath and ready for bed. They’ve worked out a fifty-fifty parenting schedule with her, and tonight is Boone’s night.

“We’re going to light the fire outside and have a couple beers out there once Suzy’s down,” I tell Jade as we finish up. “Want to stay?”

“Thanks. I would, but I have plans with Ford.”

“Is that vet meet-cute’s name?”

She hits me with a look that has me chuckling. “Yes, that’s his name.”

“Invite him. Could be fun.”

“I don’t think so.” She laughs. “It’s a little soon for him to meet my ex-husband slash kid’s father and his boyfriend, also known as my brother.”

“Well, when you put it like that,” I mutter, scrunching up my face before we both bust up laughing. “No, I get it. I’d love to meet him sometime soon, though.”

“You will,” she promises, tossing the dish towel on the counter. “I’m going to go say bye to Suzy before I head out.”

Thirty minutes later, I’m changed into pajama pants, joining Boone out back where he’s got the fire going and a couple of cold ones set beside him. His face lights up when he sees me, and the sight makes my stomach bottom out. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to Boone looking at me like I hang the stars in his sky. It’s surreal, but I love it so damn much.

Before I have a chance to sit in the chair beside him, he hooks his arm around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. “I don’t think so,” he murmurs, burying his face in my neck. “I need you right here, G.”

I wrap an arm around his shoulders and bring my lips down to meet his. “Today was perfect,” I say.

“Yeah, it was. Thanks for all your help.”

Kissing him again, and then once more for good measure, I rest my forehead against his, breathing him in. “I can’t believe we’re here,” I admit softly.

“Where?” he asks. “In this house?”

I chuckle. “No, I mean us. Together. I never thought this would happen. You just don’t have crushes on your sister’s husband and have it work out in your favor.”

Boone pulls back slightly, a grin tugging on his full lips. “Hold up,” he mutters. “Are you telling me that Shooter’s annoying ass was right this whole time?”

Breathing out a laugh, I ask, “What do you mean?”

“You had a crush on me?”

“Um, obviously?” A grin splits my face as his eyes widen.

“When?”

“When what?”

“When did your crush start?”

I feel my cheeks heat, and I know they’re red. “Well, basically since I met you,” I admit. “But it was mostly just a physical attraction until I came to stay with you guys.”

Boone leans forward, smashing our lips together in a messy kiss. “That’s so fucking hot,” he breathes before sealing our mouths together again.

“It is?” I ask once we break apart.

“Yes. I don’t know why, but it is. And I was so clueless. I’m glad I finally caught up, though.”

His words make my chest tighten, and my smile grows even wider. “Me too.”

“I love you, G.”

Pressing a kiss to the tip of his nose, I say, “I love you.”