“We’ll handle it. Just have fun.” He strides down the hall, and my dad follows.
I try to block out my worry and focus on the party. And that’s easier when Parker walks up and hands me a plate of food.
“All good?”
“Yep.” He kisses my forehead. “I figured you hadn’t made your way to the food yet.”
“You’d be right.” I grab the pickle spear and hold it out. “Want my pickle?” Laughing because I’m sure he’ll say no, I freeze when he takes it out of my hand.
After three bites, that thing is gone. “Thanks.”
“You like pickles?”
“I love pickles. But I’ve always loved you more.” He dances his eyebrows. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to get you another pickle.”
“Dumplin’, this is the best of all my birthday surprises. I had no idea.”
He winks. “Love you, Bonny Blue.”
* * *
We’re tucked in bed,my head on his chest like always. “We’ll have to talk to your family about having Christmas at Dad’s place. There’s enough space for everyone to stay overnight. But I don’t want to interfere in y’all’s regular traditions.”
Parker trails his fingertips up and down my back. “I think they’ll like the idea, but we’ll call them tomorrow.”
“When are you going to tell me what was going on tonight?” I won’t be able to sleep with the big question flashing in my brain.
“You know how your mother didn’t have any contact, but then called on your thirtieth birthday?”
“Yeah. She always had to be the center of attention, so I half expected her to call.”
He rubs his face, then kisses my head. “She doesn’t want your attention. She wants your money. And she went to the bank and forged your signature. Then tried convincing them you’d given her permission to do that.”
This seems low, even for my mother. “So what happened?”
“Your phone was repeatedly ringing in my pocket. And I ignored all your mother’s calls but decided to answer a different number. They wouldn’t tell me anything because I’m not on the account, but your dad is, so he handled it. She was at a branch out in California somewhere. And she might be going to jail.”
“I’m glad you told me. And I’m glad she got caught.” I push up to look him in the eye. “And Monday, we’re going to the bank and adding your name to the account.”
“I don’t want your money, Bonny Blue.”
“I know. You just want me, and that’s why I want your name on the account.” I run my fingers through his beard. “When we do have children, I hope they’re all boys.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because the world needs great men, and I can’t think of anyone better to model that.”
Tears glisten in his eyes. “Wow. It’s like you’re trying to make me cry.”
Laughing, I pull him to my lips. Kissing Parker still affects me the same as that very first time, which is why it’s one of my favorite things to do. “Love you. Dumplin’.”
Epilogue
Dag
Glancing around, I make sure Goldie isn’t in the area before walking up to Parker’s cabin. I need to talk to him and Bluebonnet, but I don’t want Goldie to know anything about this conversation.
That would ruin the surprise. And I only need to keep it secret for a couple of more days.
