That was the best kiss I’ve ever had. John can stick that on his docket.
Clutching Parker’s hand like letting go means waking up from a blissful dream, I follow him into the mess hall.
Mason is informing everyone else in the room about what Parker was doing on the porch. With me.
Kent cocks his head. “Is this something that you should’ve kept quiet about?”
The kid shakes his head. “No. I can keep a secret now because I’m seven, but they don’t care who knows because they have been hugging and kissing all over since Saturday. Secret kisses are like when it’s only two people in a barn and they don’t know I’m watching.”
Clint, the foreman, tugs Mason toward the food line. “Grab a plate, kiddo.”
Kent is holding in a laugh, which makes me think there’s a story I haven’t heard. I bet it involves Clint.
Parker stops at the end of the bench. “Have a seat. Same as yesterday?”
“Please.” I drop down and leave enough room for him on the end.
“I’ll be right back.” He rubs my back before walking away.
Maybe being prickled by all those whiskers is some form of acupuncture because I haven’t been the least bit nauseous since he kissed me. At least now I know a cure for when it gets bad.
He sets a plate in front of me, then takes a seat. “Need anything else?”
“No. Everything is good.” More than just the food. For the first time since Saturday, the knot of worry in my tummy has loosened. I lean into him. “Thank you.”
“Oh, here.” He swaps mugs. “I got you a fresh cup.”
He’s only taking care of me because of the baby and my fragile emotional state. I know that. But it feels good. I pick up the fork and dig into my breakfast.
The guys talk ranch business while they eat, and I soak in the atmosphere.
Growing up, I spent as much time at Paisley’s as I could. Laughter echoed off their walls. Mrs. Fields was always feeding us something yummy. Being with Paisley and her family made me happy. And Parker was always sweet to me.
Now he’s working at a place that has the same warmth.
All my delight crumbles. Will Paisley and her family be in favor of Parker marrying me? He’s younger than I am, but is four years a big deal now? I hope not. He’s not a kid anymore.
But if his parents and sister think it’s a bad idea, I’ll step back. Causing a rift in his family isn’t a choice I can live with.
I swallow my last bite, then glance at the time. Getting to the office early doesn’t shorten my day, but I still feel the urge to rush out of here. “I’m going to head out. Will I see you later?”
“I’ll walk you out. Wait here a sec.” He slides off the bench, then gathers our dishes and carries them to the plastic bin Ava has set up. When he returns, he holds out a hand.
Holding hands with Dumplin’ should be weird. Instead, it’s comforting.
When we get to my truck, he opens my door. “Will you be back in time for dinner?”
“Should be. Unless there is an emergency or something.”
“After dinner, we can chat about when we want to get married.”
“Yeah. And I should call Paisley.” I meet his gaze “Are you going to tell your parents?”
“Plan on it. When I get a break today, I’ll call. Hopefully, I’ll catch them both at home. Dad hasn’t been going into the office much.” He tugs on the seat belt and hands me the buckle. “But I wasn’t planning on spilling any other secrets. I’m just telling them we’re engaged.”
“I can’t keep that from Paisley.”
“If you want me to let my parents know, I can do that, Bluebonnet. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
