Mason drops onto the bench next to me. “Hey.”
“Hi, Mason. Thanks for taking a video.”
“No problem. Parker asked me to, and I like doing that kind of stuff. I did that for my dad too. And Parker is almost as cool as my dad.”
“I think he’s pretty cool too.”
“Yeah, because you kiss him. That’s how that works.” He nods toward the kitchen. “Did you see the cake Miss Ava made? It looks super good.” He rubs his belly. “Yum. But I have to eat real food first.”
“Me too. If I eat dessert first, I won’t feel good.”
“Dessert always makes me feel good.” He leans in close. “You’ll still let Parker come play with me, right? Video games and super soaker wars?”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Of course. You’re his friend.”
He beams. “Yep. And I’ll be your friend too.”
I planned on the ranch being a temporary place to stay. It’s quickly becoming my family, which is nice because my actual one is completely broken.
* * *
Late Friday night,I pause when someone knocks on my door. Dumplin’ left an hour ago. Is he back?
I pull open the door, and Paisley smiles. “Looks like you’ve been busy.” She motions toward the stack of boxes in the corner.
“Parker has been here every evening to help me pack.” I step aside to let her enter. “I didn’t mean for you to interrupt your move. But it’s good to see you.”
She wraps me in a hug. “Chris is holding down the fort and packing. I wanted to be here. Mind if I crash on your couch?”
“Not at all.” I hug her again. “You really aren’t upset about the situation?”
She drops her purse and bag near the door. “Upset? Why would I be? My best friend is marrying my brother. Now you’ll be my sister. My parents already love you. These are all good things.”
“I just hate that he’s giving up everything to do this.”
“All he’s giving up is being single. How is that bad?”
“That makes me feel better. Have a seat. Can I get you anything? Food? A drink? Does Parker know you’re here?”
“Water would be great. I grabbed tacos at a drive-thru on the way down. And I texted Parker before I knocked. But I really came to see you. How are you feeling?”
I pull one of the only two cups I haven’t packed out of the cabinet and fill it with ice and water. “Not horrible. The morning sickness comes and goes. But your brother keeps me supplied with peppermints, ginger candies, and Earl Grey tea. He’s seriously the sweetest guy.”
“He is.” She takes a long drink of water. “Where are y’all going to live?”
“His cabin. He’s been there longer. It would be harder for him to move. Shoot, some of my stuff is still in boxes in my closet.”
“Makes sense. Have you heard from John?”
Hearing his name sours my stomach. “Not yet, but I still have the ring, so he’ll be back at some point. It’s worth quite a bit.” I snuggle into the corner of the couch and tuck my feet up beside me. “I wish I’d seen him for who he was long before I agreed to marry him. You saw that he wasn’t good for me. How did I not see it?”
“Do not fault yourself. He’s a toad, but you always try to see the best in people. You’re nice that way.”
“Dumb is more like it. I feel so stupid. Parker’s just a friend, and he treats me way better than John ever did.”
“Enough talk about John. And I’m glad my brother is treating you well. You deserve someone who will do sweet things for you.”
“I always just thought your Chris was a special case. But now I see how good Dumplin’ is. John is just a jerk.”
