Chapter 23
Chapter
Twenty-Three
“I’m in love with you.”
His words echoed around Kate’s head as the usual weekend mayhem exploded in her house. After their first time having sex, she and Marley had laid together in his bed, talking and laughing, and then she’d tried to get her way to taste him, but he’d insisted on her riding him, and damn if the memory wasn’t making her blush as she mainlined coffee, ready to face the day.
She had to work this morning. Addy and Ethan usually came with her when she worked on Saturdays, but her mom and Carlton had offered to babysit.
Her mom walked into the kitchen right as Kate was pouring another cup – because it felt like a two-coffee morning.
“How was last night?” her mom asked, an expectant smile on her lips.
“It was fun.”
“You didn’t get home until three.”
Damn, she thought her days of explaining herself to her mom were over. “Mom…”
“It’s okay. I’m glad you had a good time. By the way, we met Marley’s mom at the diner.”
“You did?” Kate asked, surprised. Her mom wasn’t the diner type of person. Nor was Carlton. They were usually fine dining all the way.
“Mmhmm. She invited us to their place for lunch tomorrow.”
Kate blinked. “I thought you were leaving this afternoon.” After she got back from work. That had been the plan. Carlton had meetings back home on Monday. And as much as she’d actually enjoyed their visit, she was looking forward to things in the house getting back to normal.
And maybe having a chance to think about last night.
I’m in love with you.
The words made her heart pound against her chest.
“Well, we decided to leave after lunch on Sunday instead.” Her mom beamed at her. “Maddie is lovely. Did you know Marley’s dad is Gray Hartson? The singer?”
“Yeah.” Kate nodded. “I know.”
Of course her mom would be impressed by that. She loved famous people. Especially rich ones. And she loved going out. Being invited to Marley’s parents’ house for lunch would definitely mean them leaving later.
Before she could reply, Kate’s phone buzzed.
How are you feeling this morning? Because my bed feels empty. Wish you were here. – Marley xx
She smiled, despite knowing her mom was watching.
Pretty satisfied, actually, thanks to you. A little tired, though. Thank you for taking such good care of me. – Kate xx
If ‘taking care of you’ is a euphemism for sex, then the pleasure was all mine. – Marley xx
Before she could respond to that one, another message from him flashed up.
By the way, my mom says she met your mom. And that you’re all invited to lunch tomorrow. Did your mom tell you? – Marley xx
She grinned, because from the sounds of it, he was as happy about the situation as she was.
Yes. It feels a little like a medieval set up, doesn’t it? Like they’re negotiating our betrothal. Do you think my stepfather will pay a dowry? – Kate xx
He wouldn’t have to pay me, Kate. I’m yours for free. – Marley xx
“Isn’t he wonderful with the kids?” her mom asked as Kate stood with her and Carlton in Marley’s parents’ backyard the next day.
Not that ‘backyard’ was the proper description for it. The sprawling ranch house that his parents had built almost thirty years ago stood on a big expanse of land. It wasn’t the only building on the estate, either. There was a separate guest house which was originally built for Maddie’s mom, but after she died the boys had used it. Currently it was Marley’s brother, Hendrix’s, base when he was home. Which he was for now.
The huge grass lawn was filled with people holding glasses and chatting. Most were members of the Hartson family, but there were some friends there, too.
And Kate and her family. At least her stepfather was always at ease in a crowd. Carlton had started up a conversation with Marley’s dad and uncles about the baseball season. James was helping Pres carry out chairs and tables from the garage.
And Marley was running a game of softball over on the far side of the lawn, Addy hanging onto him as he threw a ball toward Ethan, who was swinging the bat.
“Yeah, he’s great with kids,” Kate agreed.
Marley looked over and caught her eye, smiling softly. And her heart did a little leap.
She smiled back at him, and then Addy started tugging at his hand, talking nonstop.
“Mom!” James ran over to her. She reached out to hug him because she hadn’t seen him since he’d headed off to Junior Firefighters that morning. Marley had brought him back here to shower and help set things up.
“Guess what?” James said, his eyes shining.
“What?” She smiled at how happy he looked. Even if she had to lift her head up to catch his eye now, he was still her baby in so many ways.
“One of the kids has dropped out of camp. There’s a space for me to go.”
“What camp?” she asked, confused.
“Junior firefighter camp. At Jackson’s Mill. I wasn’t picked originally since I am still new, but Nathan had to pull out and there’s an open space. I heard Marley and Tayto talking about it. They’re gonna ask you if I can go.” His eyes were full of excitement. “I can, can’t I?”
“That’s lovely.” Her mom beamed at James. “What a great opportunity.”
“I told Grandpa,” James said. “He thinks it’ll be great for my college applications.”
Kate took a deep breath. “You’re already signed up for science camp.” All three of the kids went to camp in the summer. Not every day, but enough that she could cover her shifts at the library.
“I know, but that’s after this one. I can do both.” His smile was bursting. And her heart hurt. Because she knew it would be good for him. Not just for his college applications, but because he loved being part of the firefighting community. He always had, since he was a tiny child.
“I’ll need to see if I can afford it,” she said softly, not wanting her mom to overhear, because she knew that Carlton would offer to pay if he knew money was a problem.
“It’s already paid for. The station raised all that money at the concert, remember? I just need to show up. Please, Mom?”
She hugged him again, mostly because she needed that closeness with her oldest child. He felt solid in her arms. Her almost-man child.
Kate took a deep breath. “Let me talk to Marley. But if the offer is really there you can go.” Her chest still felt tight at the thought of it.
His smile was huge. “Thanks, Mom. I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
And sometimes love meant letting go. Even if it hurt her to the core.
“He wasn’t supposed to overhear that,” Marley said to Kate later. “I was going to talk to you first. I don’t want him putting any pressure on you.” His fingers brushed against hers, because he was trying to be discreet, since they were not alone.
But to his surprise she slid her fingers between his and squeezed his hand tight. They were standing on the side of his parents’ house. It was getting later in the day. All the kids were in the den watching a movie, and some of the older guests had gone home. Kate’s parents had left about an hour earlier, but not before her mom and Carlton had cornered him.
“Thank you,” her mom had said, hugging him. “For taking such good care of my daughter.”
Carlton had shook his hand and said he hoped to see him again.
Marley hoped he would, too.
His parents and uncles and aunts were sitting around a small fire. Some of his older cousins were there, as well. He was tired and part of him wanted the night to be over, but then Kate would go home and he wouldn’t be with her.
Funny how much more relaxed he felt when she was around. Like he could breathe easy again.
“I told him it was okay,” Kate said, still holding his hand. “As long as the offer is real.”
“It’s real. Nathan broke his arm.”
“At the station?” she asked, sounding alarmed.
“No, playing football with his brothers. Did an amazing tackle but then ended up with his arm twisted the wrong way beneath his body.”
“Ouch.” Kate grimaced. “Poor kid.”
“And lucky James.” He was pretty happy that her son was the first reserve for the place. Not just because he loved the kid – and he did. But because he knew James would step up to it. Sure, he’d had his moments this year, but overall he was a great kid. And he’d thrive at camp.
The camp was run by the fire service at their state academy within the university, and had a mixture of class based learning and practical training taught by professionals. Marley had taught there himself a few times, but not this year.
“I was thinking,” Marley said, his thumb brushing against her wrist. “Maybe we could drive James to camp together.” He gave her a half smile. “Stay the night there and come home the next day.”
“The two of us?”
“Yeah. We can find a hotel somewhere. Break up the drive.”
She smiled at the way he was looking at her. His gaze was pointed. Needy. “It’s only a couple of hours away,” she pointed out.
“Yeah, but a very tiring drive.” He lifted a brow.
“Addy and Ethan will have to come with.”
“I thought about that. I know Pres and Cassie would love to have them stay over.”
“They already have three kids. I’d feel terrible dumping two of mine on them.” Kate shook her head, the smile still lingering because the thought of spending the night with Marley, just the two of them, with no need to worry about kids, was kind of enticing. Yes, it was great when he’d climbed into her room, and when she’d gone back to his after their date.
But being away, just the two of them, if only for a night, felt like something they needed.
“I’ll ask Shana,” Kate said. “She’ll jump at the chance.”
“You sure?”
He wasn’t just asking about Shana babysitting. She could tell that. He was asking if she was ready for them to be alone together.
For people to know they were together. Because James wasn’t stupid. If they drove him together he’d know there was something more than friendship there.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” She ran her tongue along her bottom lip, lifting her gaze to his. “I trust you,” she whispered. “To take care of my kids’ hearts. And mine.”
And damn if that didn’t feel like he’d just won the lottery.
“Good. Because I’m not going to let you down.”