“We have the party today,” Lawson argued.
“We’ve got it, Dad. Practically done. But Hallie needs help with the balloon arch.” Luke motioned to the array of balloons taking over the sectional.
Lawson’s eyes went huge again. “You mean the balloon monstrosity?”
Charlie giggled. “Careful, it could eat you.”
“No kidding,” Lawson mumbled.
“Come on, little man. Let’s get the goody bags over to the barn,” Luke said.
They picked up bags and headed for the door. Nash and Maddie were already there, getting the last-minute things in place for the obstacle course after the company had dropped off the gear this morning.
Lawson stared at the balloons. “You made this?”
“It was actually pretty fun. Caden and Grae have Drew, so he’ll still be surprised.”
Lawson looked at me. “You’re amazing.”
Heat swept through me, those three little words dying to be set free. “I like doing it.”
“Let me get my shoes, and I’ll help you get it to the barn.”
Lawson moved quickly. Before long, we were carrying the massive balloon arch to the barn and fastening it above the entrance.
“I want to be Drew,” Nash muttered.
Maddie laughed. “Only you would be jealous of a soon-to-be fourteen-year-old.”
Nash glared at her as he held the ladder steady for Lawson. “He hits on you all the time.”
She shook her head. “He’sthirteen.”
“I still don’t like it,” Nash grumbled.
I tried to hold in my laughter but couldn’t. “He is charming.”
Maddie sighed. “Don’t stir Nash up. He’s bad enough already.”
Once the final part of the arch was affixed to the barn entrance, I stepped back. I couldn’t help it, I squealed. “It’s perfect.”
“Bro, you been inside yet?” Nash asked Lawson.
“No,” he admitted. “I got home late the last few nights.”
“Check it out. Hallie made kid dreams come true.”
Lawson grabbed my hand and led me into the barn. He stopped dead, taking it all in. Slowly, he turned to me. “You did all of this?”
I scanned the space and had to admit it looked pretty amazing. There were targets, places to hide a flag for the game, people that popped up, and bales of hay I’d stacked and decorated that the kids could hide behind or climb over. Then a company had brought in a series of slides and climbing structures to complete the look.
“Not all of it—”
“All of it,” Maddie shouted from the doorway.
Lawson moved before I had a chance to say anything. His mouth hit mine in a kiss that stole my breath. Heat and comfort and what I thought might just be love flooded me.
When he pulled back, I struggled to catch my breath.
