CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“H ave you recovered yet?” Drake squeezes my knee that’s thankfully quit trembling.
I swipe at the unshed tears dampening my lashes, daring another to fall. “Totally.”
But that’s a lie. The guarded version of myself that existed prior to Drake Granger barging into my heart is long gone. That protective layer didn’t stand a chance. Good riddance. This man is providing a detailed definition of what devotion looks and feels like. Don’t even get me started on the fact he’s wearing a western shirt with the sleeves rolled up to expose his inked, veiny forearms. Freaking yum. It’s safe to admit I’m smitten.
When he showed up at Greener Pastures thirty minutes ago, claiming we had a date to fulfill our Saturday tradition, I stood motionless as the math tried mathing. But the missing pieces couldn’t be ignored. It was my weekend with the kids. There wasn’t a babysitter in sight. Drake hadn’t said a word about hanging out.
The only part that made sense had been the twins urging me to wear a pretty dress for dinner. Although, at the time, I’d questioned their insistence. As far as I knew, we were eating at Auntie June’s house, but I decided to play along. There’s no harm in looking nice for family.
Except that wasn’t the plan, much to my surprise. Drake and his sidekicks had this night sorted into a very different format. Emotion got the best of me when my boyfriend explained he’d purchased and installed the same booster seats in his truck that I have for the kids. We were going out. Together. I’ve been a blubbering mess ever since.
Afternoon fades into evening outside the passenger window. I still don’t know where he’s taking us. Nobody has spilled the beans. The familiar landscape passing by in a blur doesn’t offer any clues.
Drake’s palm rests on my thigh, staking a permanent residence that I sense in my soul. “Are you happy, beauty?”
I shift my watery gaze in his direction. “Extremely.”
“That’s my cowgirl. My beautiful sunflower.” He snags my hand and kisses my inner wrist, then lowers our clasped fingers to my leg. “You brighten my days. When I bask in your warmth, all is right in the world. Shine on me always, beauty.”
“Good grief. My chest might burst.” In addition to the fresh wave of heat attacking my eyes as I recall the oversized bouquet he gifted me.
“Can’t have that,” he rasps. “Allow me to turn those wobbly lips right side up.”
Which could involve so many things. I brace for the unexpected. Drake takes a tight turn and punches the accelerator. The engine roars, launching us full speed ahead. Kenzie and Charlie squeal in the backseat. Giddy applause soon follows.
“Wheeeeeeee!” The twins erupt in a chorus of glee when he hits the gas after another curve.
“He got stuck in the mud again,” my daughter giggles to her brother.
“It’s sooooo fun,” Charlie laughs.
My smile is stretched so wide that an ache blooms. It’s a welcome twinge, sending my mood even higher. “You bend to them like a willow branch.”
Drake flicks on his blinker when we reach Main Street. “Can you blame me? Your kids are perfect angels.”
A sting spreads in my nose, reigniting the waterworks. I sniffle while fanning my face. “This is too much for one night.”
A dry chuckle rumbles from him. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Uh-huh, ‘cause we’re the VIP.”
I turn to see Kenzie dancing in her seat. “VIP?”
“Mhmm”, Charlie replies. “It means very important peoples.”
My makeup is a lost cause at this rate. “Oh, my.”
“I’ve got the dream league.” Drake nods to us and parks the truck.
My jaw unhinges when I notice where we’ve stopped. “You can’t be serious.”
“What’s the problem?”
“My kids can’t go into your bar.” I fling an arm at the windshield as if there’s any question of our destination.
Drake unbuckles himself. “It’s a family-friendly restaurant.”
My butt remains firmly in place. “Since when?”
“Until about nine o’clock. The crowd gets rowdy after dark.”
“Oh, oh, oh! Mommy, look.” Kenzie has taken the liberty of removing herself from the harness. “There’s a rooster.”
Charlie follows her lead, propping himself on the center console. “Can we climb on it?”
“I don’t think—”
“Absolutely,” Drake says at the same time. “He’s a very sturdy—”
“Don’t say it,” I warn.
“Statue?” He winks at me. “Dirty girl.”
Kenzie sniffs my hair. “Do you need a bath, Mommy?”
“I’ll hose her down later,” Drake offers.
An outraged squeak rips from me and I thwack his bicep. “Pinkie Pie is just teasing me. Isn’t that right, trouble?”
He nods dutifully. “Your mom smells like sunflowers and happiness.”
Charlie glances between us, shrugging after his analysis. “Can we ride the rooster now?”
Drake drums on the steering wheel. “What’re we waiting for?”
Kenzie purses her lips. “You were talking. It’s rude to interrupt.”
“Raisin’ ‘em right, beauty.” He blows me a kiss and opens his door.
The incorrigible charmer frees the children, scooping one under each arm. Their legs spin in the air and immediately blast off once touching the concrete. My boyfriend grabs the activity bag before joining them on the sidewalk. He stomps the ground like a bull ready to chase. Kenzie and Charlie squeal in delight, racing around the rooster statue to avoid getting caught. They’re no match for Drake. After two spins, he has them lofted and plopped astride the metal mascot.
I’m frozen for a second, caught in a rare moment where I don’t need to do anything other than get myself out of the vehicle. It’s two parts strange and magical. Drake slides into the role effortlessly, as if he’s truly been waiting for the opportunity. The way he interacts with my kids is the most attractive thing I’ve ever witnessed. He might surrender to their every whim, but that’s something we can work on. Or he’ll figure it out on his own when they push too far. That’s a problem for later. For now, their bond strengthens before my eyes and I’m about to bawl. Instead, I snag my phone to snap a picture.
Drake beckons to me. “C’mon, mama.”
The nickname shouldn’t be sexy coming from him but I trap a moan while climbing down from the truck. His gaze is hot on me as if he can sense my desire. A sigh breezes from me but it does little to extinguish the flames. I’m about to hump his leg when he tucks me tight against his side. Sandalwood and mutual affection swaddle me. Promises of delayed gratification join in too. My body slumps into his, which he rewards by kissing my forehead.
“Look at us, Mommy!” Kenzie flaps her arms like the rooster she’s perched on.
Charlie crows. “Cock-a-doodle-doo!”
“Too cute for words. Let’s capture the memory.” I grip my phone and turn the camera on us huddled close. “Say cheese!”
The prompt shouts from us and sweeps Main Street. Our smiles mirror each other as I snap the shot. We get several curious glances from fellow pedestrians. I’m sure it’s not a regular occurrence to see two kids riding a rooster.
“Shall we?” Drake motions toward the entrance.
“Are you sure about this?”
“You wound me, woman.” He clutches his chest. “My place of business isn’t that seedy.”
“Except when it’s called—”
“Don’t say it,” he teases.
“The most popular spot in town?” I wink. “Get out of the gutter.”
“They’re weird,” Kenzie mumbles to her brother.
“Okay,” I laugh. “Off you go.”
Drake swoops them back on solid ground and holds the door open for us. We stride into Roosters as a cohesive unit, which warms my heart to romantic mush. My eyes adjust to the dim lighting to reveal a sparse crowd. There are no sordid activities on open display. But I recognize several familiar faces.
“Hey, honored guests.” Harper waves from behind the bar.
“It’s the moment we’ve been anxiously anticipating,” Garrett hoots from beside her.
Drake snorts. “Are we in the right place?”
A little girl swivels on a stool, waving wildly. The twins rush forward to join her. They’re already acquainted thanks to riding lessons.
“Mama is teaching me how to make a Shirley Temple with extra cherries,” Sydney explains.
“See?” My boyfriend hitches a thumb at where she’s proudly sitting. “We’re a kid-friendly establishment. Put that on Google.” He returns her enthusiastic greeting. “Hot date tonight, Syd?”
She frowns. “Daddy wouldn’t like that.”
“Mhmm,” Harper cuts in. “Don’t put ideas in her head. She’s leaving shortly for a sleepover.”
“Such trouble.” I elbow Drake.
“It’s my job to stir the pitcher.” He mimics the motion.
“Or a pot. Whatever.” Harper rolls her eyes but she’s grinning. “The others have already arrived.”
A question for clarification parts my mouth but firm pressure at the base of my spine sets me in motion. I peek at Drake to find a smirk slanted in secrets aimed at me. Kenzie and Charlie begin weaving patterns around the tables, taking the long way. My stride falters when the others in mention are revealed.
“Auntie June! Paisley!” The kids screech and dash toward them.
The older woman stands to wrap them in a hug. “Welcome to the party.”
My cousin gets to her feet as well. “Surprise! The other two are on the road. You know how it is.”
My lips work soundlessly for several seconds. “What…?”
“We’re having family dinner,” Drake fills in the gaps for me.
“It’s a date,” Kenzie corrects. “Buts don’t forget we gotta get home for bed, m’kay?”
Amusement brightens my expression until the room sparkles. “Oh, I see. You were all in on this.”
My boyfriend nods and pulls out a chair for me. “Your parents send their regrets. They already had plans.”
I snort while sitting down. “Some fancy dinner party no doubt. Their social life is fit for New York City.”
Drake folds himself into the neighboring seat. “Sounds like mine.”
“You don’t talk about them much,” I note. “I only met them once when you hosted that homecoming bonfire in eighth grade.”
“They’re great, if you recall. Wonderful folks.” His broad shoulders bounce. “Just busy doing their thing. You’ll see them again eventually. Until then, we’ve got plenty of ties binding us together in town.”
My gaze travels from my aunt and cousin loving on the twins to Drake’s besties tending the bar. “We’re blessed, huh?”
His soulful blue depths sink into mine. “Very much so.”
“This is so thoughtful,” I breathe. “Thanks for organizing this.”
Drake drops a peck to my temple. “Anything for you, beauty.”
“You’ve found yourself a keeper.” Aunt June pats my hand. “Keep it that way.”
My throat clogs, vision blurry. I lower my gaze before more tears fall. “Wow, so… what looks good to eat?”
“Mini tacos!” Charlie exclaims.
Drake cringes. “Those aren’t on the menu, but I’ll get them added.”
My son pouts but his enthusiasm rebounds instantly. “I want mac and cheese.”
Kenzie gasps. “Me too!”
“I’m hearing there are big appetites to feed.” Harper appears, balancing a tray of water glasses. “This is my assistant. She’s still in training.”
Sydney bows before helping her mom distribute the full cups. “I’m gonna work at Roosters when I’m old like Mommy.”
“Jeez, thanks.” Harper huffs, barely looking a day over twenty-five.
“Want some candy?” Syd wedges herself between Kenzie and Charlie.
“Yes!” The twins lift their cupped palms in eager acceptance.
“It’s rainbowed and funny shapes.” Sydney opens a metal box, popping a tiny piece into her mouth. “Tastes yummy.”
“Holy smokes.” Harper is immediately at her daughter’s side, horror painting her face. “Where did you get that?”
Syd blinks. “On the counter.”
The feisty blonde snatches the tin and whirls on her heel, marching to the bar. “Garrett Foster!”
“Uh-oh, that’s her mad voice.” Sydney skips off after her mom, completely unperturbed by the outburst.
“Peens are private,” Harper hisses to the man responsible. “Don’t leave your junk lying out.”
“That’s definitely what she said,” he jokes.
“It’s not funny.” She presses the container into his chest. “Sydney was munching on these and offered them to her friends.”
Garrett shrugs. “Sharing is caring.”
The two begin arguing while we return to our gathering. Kenzie and Charlie slouch in their chairs, sullen after the loss of a sweet treat. I shudder at what they almost put in their mouth. Paisley and Drake are on the verge of laughing their pants off. Nothing like penis candy to spark a controversy. My aunt fidgets, more than likely trying to scrounge up a more appropriate topic.
“Oh!” Her expression shines. “Are you getting excited for T-ball, Charlie? Your first practice is next week, right?”
I wince and subtly shake my head. “No, no, no.”
My little boy’s bottom lip begins to wobble. “It got cancelled.”
“What? Why?” June appears stricken at the thought.
“The coach backed out at the last minute,” I mutter. “I’m looking for a different activity but kindergarten starts soon.”
My optimistic gaze studies Charlie for a shift in mood. The mention of school usually boosts his energy like a plug into a socket. But his posture stays stooped, along with his frown.
“I’ll be the coach.” Drake announces the suggestion casually as if the option is that simple.
“Trouble,” I scold.
But it’s too late. The little baseball hopeful heard him. “You gonna be my coach?”
“Sure thing,” he drawls. “I happen to know my way around the bases. Not too bad with a ball and bat either.”
“You can’t just…” My words trail off as I flounder for why this isn’t the best idea since I went to Bean Me Up five Saturdays ago.
“I can,” he murmurs into my ear. “Let me do this.”
“But why would you? You’re a professional. This is T-ball we’re talking about.”
“For starters?” He nods toward Charlie. “Look at your son.”
My little boy is beaming like he swallowed pure sunshine. “I get to play! Thanks, Rake.”
“You bet, Cheese. We’re gonna go undefeated.”
The kiddo glances at his sister who appears just as clueless. They share a shrug before refocusing on Drake. “Huh?”
“You’ll see.” My boyfriend extends an arm for a high-five, which Charlie is fast to slap.
But I’m not convinced this will go well. “Do you have any coaching experience?”
“Beauty.” The nickname is paired with a cluck of his tongue. “I’ve got this.”
“My kids might’ve convinced you that entertaining them is easy but there are only two of them. You’re talking about a dozen in an open field.”
“It’s fine,” he insists.
“You don’t expect me to accept that answer,” I laugh. “Natural instincts only get you so far. Those children are going to eat you alive.”
“I’ll bring the utensils.”
A grin appears, spreading with the warmth in my chest. “I can’t believe you’d do this for him.”
“For us,” he amends. “We’re a team, right?”
“You’re my MVP,” I exhale.
“Love the sound of that, beauty.” Drake’s palm reclaims its rightful place on my thigh. “Makes me think you’re ready to depend on me to be there. Rely on me to be an equal partner. Believe in me to show up. Trust that I’m in this with you.”
“Whew,” Paisley presses a hand to her forehead. “Marry him or I will.”
“Don’t let him slip away,” my aunt reiterates.
“I wouldn’t dare.” My stare falls headfirst into the unconditional devotion reflecting at me. “He’s stuck with us. Endgame style.”