26. Chapter 26
Chapter twenty-six
Parker
Trace bounds up the front steps to Laiken’s mom’s house, his belly full and his hat crooked.
Laiken trails behind him, just a step or two in front of me.
I don’t plan to stay, but I’ll admit, I don’t want to leave.
I need to. We unloaded some heavy baggage this morning, and she needs time to roll over all the information.
Decide how she wants to move forward. If that’s still an option.
She probably has a raging hangover to boot.
“Thank you for breakfast,” she says as we reach the front steps of the porch.
I didn’t have to follow her home. But I did anyway.
“You’re welcome.”
She fidgets with her keys. “I, uh—”
“Mom!” Trace gasps from the porch, his back pressed to the door. “Tomorrow is carnival day. The goody bags!”
Laiken’s head tilts back, a groan falling from her lips. “Crap.”
“We got the stuff?” His smile wavers. “It’s my turn to bring the treats. Remember?”
“Got it on my list.” Laiken smiles, her eyes radiating exhaustion. “Let’s get cleaned up, then we can make a trip to the store and—”
“I’ll go.” The words are out of my mouth before she can finish. “Why don’t you go take a hot shower. Relax a little, and I’ll get what you need and bring it back to help.”
“To help?” She laughs. “You want to help me make twenty-two goodie bags for a bunch of first graders?”
My palm lands on my chest. “I would be honored.”
Laiken shakes her head, walking over to the door to shove her key inside the lock. She opens it for Trace, and he darts in before she faces me again.
“You don’t have to do that, Parker. I appreciate the offer, though.”
“Will you let me, Laik?” I glance away sheepishly. “I’m trying to use a kids’ carnival party as an excuse to spend time with you. Can you cut a guy some slack?”
Another musical laugh filters from her mouth. “All right. You asked for it. I don’t want to hear it tomorrow if your shoulder is on fire.”
With a grin, I back away. “Send me the list.”
She rolls her eyes, but her cheeks blush. “Bossy.”
“You used to like it when I was bossy.” I reach my truck before adding, “If I recall.”
Her cheeks flush even more.
A pretty sight I missed that has those memories affecting more than my heart.
“You press your luck too,” she quips before cracking open the screen door.
“Another thing you used to like,” I quip.
“Bye, Parker.” She waves behind her, disappearing inside the house.
“Text me. Firefly.”
And just like that, hope is back within reach.
“And number twenty-two.”
Laiken falls back against the couch as we proudly access the area rug covered in plastic bags.
Each one had everything from chocolate M&M’s to popcorn, to cotton candy sticks.
I’d lucked out at the grocery store and the Party Factor just outside Mayson Ridge saved the day with carnival-themed party favors.
She glances over at me. “You have to be uncomfortable. Just sitting on this floor is killing my back.”
Chuckling, I lean back on my palms. “Not really. I’ve been in worse positions.”
She brings her legs up, resting her chin on her knees. “I must be getting old.”
“You’re not even thirty.”
“Still. Not everything goes back after popping out a baby.”
Her tone is light, but something flashes in her eyes. Insecurity maybe? I have no idea why. Laiken is gorgeous and her curves only show how beautiful her body is. How beautiful motherhood is on her.
“Wow!” Trace slides into the living room in nothing but socks, his Spiderman underwear, and his cowboy hat.
“I thought you were supposed to be in bed.” Laiken climbs up from the floor. “It’s a school night.”
“I know, but I just wanted to check on the treats.” He crosses his tiny arms and lifts a brow. “Did you get the Tootsie Rolls?”
“Sure did. The big ones.” I point out.
“The chocolate ones, right? Not those fruity ones?”
“Certified chocolate,” I assure him.
“Yes!” He pumps a fist in the air.
“All right, Spiderman. Bed.” Laiken motions upstairs.
“Fiiiiine. But can Parker tell me a bedtime story?” He blinks up at Laiken and I’m sold. I’d read this kid anything.
“That’s up to him.” She hesitates. “He might be tired.”
“Cowboys don’t get tired,” he scoffs. “Right, Parker?”
“Never.”
Trace shoots toward the staircase, belting out all the wrong lyrics to “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”.
When I go to follow, Laiken catches me by the wrist. The touch catches me off guard. I’ve initiated all contact since I’ve been back.
“Thank you for tonight.”
I take a single step to her and drop a kiss to her temple. “You’re welcome, Firefly.”
Then I jog upstairs, holding onto the thought that this could be our life every night of the week if she would give us a chance.