“Happy birthday, sweetheart.”He kissed her slow, the kind of kiss that made her forget her own name.
She pulled back, grinning.“Thanks.You’re forgiven for being so early because the flowers are amazing.”
“You’re even more beautiful,” he said before hurrying on.“But I do have an apology.I need to head out of town for a couple days.There are a couple of horses to pick up in Yorkton.”Her heart dipped, but before she could tell him it was okay, he added, “Come with me.”
She blinked.“What?”
“Come with me,” he repeated.“We’ll get the horses, have a nice meal, stay somewhere that isn’t a teeny cabin at the place I work.Just you and me time.”
She squealed, flinging her arms around his neck.“Give me fifteen minutes!”
She was halfway down the hall before he called after her.“Don’t forget your swimsuit!”
Fern grinned so hard her cheeks ached.This was going to be the Best.Birthday.Ever.
He’d barely hadtime to admire her rapidly retreating figure flying up the stairs before Sophie Fields appeared in the archway to the left of the foyer.Arms folded, one brow cocked, she appeared to have been waiting there the whole time, ready to pounce.
“Kidnapping my daughter, are you?”she asked, her voice sweet enough to make the hair on the back of his neck stand up.
Cody pasted on his most harmless expression.“Just taking her out for a nice dinner.And a getaway,” he added honestly, transferring the roses from one hand to another.
“A nice dinner,” Malachi repeated as he also stepped into the foyer.His mouth curved in a sly smile.“In another province?”Cody opened his mouth to explain, but Malachi winked.“Must be quite the restaurant.”
Damn.Cody lost his amusement.“I’m not messing up any birthday plans, am I?I didn’t think there was a family gathering tonight or anything.”
“No, no,” Malachi assured him, waving a hand.“There are a few other concerns keeping the extended family busy right now, so it was just going to be Fern and us.You’re welcome to take care of our girl.”
Sophie swung a finger at him, but Cody didn’t miss the smile tugging at her lips.“Let her take care of you.Lord knows she’s determined to.”
“I’m nearly ready!”Fern’s voice floated down the staircase.
“Let me take those,” Sophie ordered, reaching for the bouquet.“They’re gorgeous.”
“Rose said they were Fern’s favourite,” Cody admitted.
“They are, but I doubt you have room to take them with you.I’ll put them in water and they’ll still be perfect when you’re back,” Sophie assured him.
Fern reappeared a moment later, overnight bag slung over her shoulder, her other hand braced lightly on the banister.Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes met Cody’s with a glint that made his chest feel too small.As if she’d take on the whole damn world if it tried to get in their way.
She spotted her parents and grinned.“I get a birthday getaway.”
“You deserve one,” her mom said.“I’ll deal with your flowers.”
“We’ll celebrate when you’re back,” Malachi promised.“Drive safe.”
“Thanks, Mom.Thanks, Dad.”
Cody took the bag from her.Fern gave her parents each a quick hug then stepped past them to Cody’s side, her expression bright with anticipation.
“Let’s go.”
Just like that, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
It felt natural.Too natural.As if he’d spent half his life waiting for this.Her smile, her trust, her warmth, and had only just found it.
He opened her door, and she slid into the passenger seat.“I’ll do a search for the perfect first coffee stop.Plus, I’m determined to win our roadside trivia game.Just wait and see.”
Sliding behind the wheel, his lungs felt clear for the first time in weeks.
