* * *
A half hour later,I park outside the main house, and Parker jumps out of his truck and opens my door.
As soon as my feet touch the ground, he presses me to the truck and kisses me. We’ve done a lot of this so far today, and at this rate, we’re going to miss breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
He breaks away but keeps one arm resting on the truck beside me. “You have plans tonight?”
I run a hand down the front of his shirt. “With you, I hope.”
“Definitely.” He laces his fingers with mine and leads me toward the mess hall. “I’m looking forward to it.”
In line, he lets go of my hand when it’s time to get food. But when we sit, not even a whisper of air would fit between us.
Mason plops down next to Poppy and waves. “Guess what! I don’t have school tomorrow. Can we go swimming after dinner and then play Xbox?” He’s focused on Parker, eyes wide and hopeful.
I don’t want Mason to feel like I’m keeping Parker away, so I rest a hand on Parker’s leg. “You should do that. I don’t mind.”
Dumplin’ looks from me to Mason, then back to me again. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’ve kept you so busy, you haven’t had time to spend with your friend.”
Mason bobs his head. “I miss playing with you, Parker.”
Parker squeezes my hand under the table. “Sure, kid. We can do that.”
Poppy rubs Mason’s back. “If y’all are busy, he can wait until another night.”
“No, it’s fine.” Parker flashes his wonderful smile. “We’ll have fun.”
I kiss his cheek and whisper. “I’ll wait up.”
“You can come swimming too if you want.” He shoots a look at Mason. “Is that okay with you?”
“Sure. Bluebonnet’s nice.” He downs the rest of his juice. “This’ll be so fun. I can’t wait.”
Kent walks up and pats Mason on the head. “You ready to go, bud?”
“Yeah.” He cleans up his spot. “But I thought Mom was taking me.”
“Not today. She’s getting ready for a meeting soon.” Kent leans down and gives Poppy a kiss.
She beams, clearly enjoying her happily-ever-after. “But I’ll pick you up after school, okay?”
Mason flashes a thumps-up, then runs out the door.
And I lean into Parker, no longer wishing our marriage was more like Kent and Poppy’s. Our relationship may have started out in a strange way, but I think Parker and I are on the path to real happiness.
* * *
Startled awakeby the front door opening, I blink, trying to shake my haze. “Hey. How is he?”
Parker sheds his clothes and slides in next to me. “I am so sorry. And he’ll be okay. His foot is in an air cast, and he’ll be on crutches for a bit.”
I run my fingers through his hair. “What happened? He seemed fine when I left the pool.”
“After beating me four rounds in a row, he jumped off a recliner in triumph. His glee lasted until he landed. I’m not sure what the kid was thinking. I’m just glad it’s only a sprain. He could’ve broken it.”
“How many bones did you break growing up?”
