His eyes twinkle as he smiles. “I wouldn’t know. I spent all day in a barn and probably don’t smell so peachy myself. We could get takeout and eat in the truck.”
“I like that idea.” I fall in step beside him as we walk toward his truck. “You’re sure everything is fine?”
“Think so.” He’s quieter than normal.
Well he’s been quieter than normal for a while. I wondered if I’d done something to hurt his feelings, but after Saturday, I think I was imagining things. He’s been nothing but sweet and attentive, just like the old Parker.
He opens the door, and I climb in.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like a burger with extra pickles. And cheese.”
His golden-brown lashes are long, and right now, they’re catching the afternoon light. “With a vanilla Dr Pepper?”
“Yes.” I rub his arm, thankful for how sweet he’s being. “You always know exactly what I want.”
He smiles and walks to the driver’s side.
Instead of filling the quiet with small talk, I lean my head back and close my eyes. My nap lasts until we pull up to the drive-through window. The only place to get fast food anywhere close to where we are is by the highway.
When we get our food, he hands me the bag. “I’ll find us a quiet spot.”
“You going to take us to lookout point?”
“Good idea.” He chuckles and heads that direction.
We’re the lone vehicle out here, which isn’t a surprise for this time of day.
“This would be funnier if I were already showing because then I could warn all the girls that they could end up with a watermelon in their tummy.”
“I’d watch that.”
I unwrap my burger and dive in, wondering how I’m going to take in enough calories to satisfy my insatiable hunger.
“Bluebonnet, I’ve been thinking. Is the engagement really over?”
“Absolutely. Because I’m notfixing the problem, so he can live his own life.” I slide a pickle out of my burger and munch it. “We’re done.”
After a long sip of his drink, he stuffs his cup back into the holder and looks at me. “I’ll take care of you.”
He’s always been a caring soul, so this isn’t a surprise. Years ago, he offered to carry my backpack when we walked home from school. And when my mom would call late at night during a sleepover and decide I needed to go home right then, Parker would walk me home to keep me safe. Back then, I found it funny because he was pretty scrawny, and I couldn’t imagine him fighting anything or anyone off. But the company was nice. And I didn’t have to walk alone in the dark.
But now, he could fight pretty much anything off. He’s not bulked, but there’s muscle. And thanks to Saturday, I’m fully aware of how fit and toned all those muscles are. My little friend has grown up.
I reach out and cup his cheek. “You are one of the good guys, Parker, and I appreciate your kindness. I really do.”
As I reach into my bag for a fistful of fries, he drags his hands over his face, then climbs out of the truck. The door slams, and I’m left confused. Did I say something wrong?
I can’t figure out where he disappeared to. He walked around the back of the truck, and I lost him when I dug into the bag for more fries. But he has to be here somewhere.
Focusing on the trees, I wonder if he found a private spot because of nature’s call. But I don’t see him. And if that is what he’s doing, I shouldn’t be looking.
A knock sounds on my door, and I yelp. There isn’t anyone standing there, but it has to be Parker, so I swing open the door.
He’s on one knee. “Will you marry me, Bonny Blue?”
Bonny Blue? He hasn’t called me that in a long time. I love that nickname. My emotions are all over the place. Normally, I have plenty to say, but right now, all I can do is blink. And every time I do, he switches between the kid I met fifteen years ago and the man he is now.
He flashes a smile, but the rest of his face is a sea of uncertainty. “I know this is probably unexpected, and you don’t have to give me an answer right now. But you don’t have to be a single mom. I’ll marry you and be a father to your baby. Please say something.”
