I nestled into his chest with a deep, satisfied sigh.“Just so you know, I’m good with the kindergarten gig.”
After that, Daire stayed at my place every night.We spent those two weekends exploring Mistlevale, going to the farmer’s market, and hiking Wildflower Bluffs.
We picked up hot chocolate from The Beanery and walked to the beach.With the weather changing, we needed the heat in those cups.
Those two weeks showed me how our life could be.How it would be.
Breakfast at Susie Q’s on Sundays was my new favorite.It didn’t even bother me that people might question what I ordered after the first time we went.
“Well, well, well,” Susie crowed.“Would you look at what the cat dragged in!Harley Bennett, I haven’t seen that cute little tushy in one of my seats in far too long.Come give Susie a big hug.”
I stood and embraced her, hoping against hope her big voice didn’t call the rest of the diner’s attention to the aforementioned tushy.
By the time I sat back down, she had her hip cocked out as she stared down at Daire belligerently.
“I see you’ve traded me in for a younger woman!I see you every couple of days all summer and now you’re all about this sweet thing, is that it?”
He winked at her non-repentantly while I turned the color of the fire hydrant outside.
“You got it exactly right, Susie,” he agreed.
“Well, good on you.”She swiveled to look at me and her face softened.“Can’t get any better than Miss Harley Bennett.”
I blushed further.Susie’s niece was one of the first women who benefitted from Safe at Home, our underground women’s shelter.I swore I saw it reflected in her eyes every time she looked at me.
Susie’s sharp gaze found Daire’s again.“That going to change anytime soon?”
Is what going to change anytime soon?
Did she just ask if he was going to leave me?
“Don’t jinx me, Susie.I’d marry her tomorrow, but I don’t think she’d go for it.I have to ease her into the idea.”
My eyes bugged out.She meant my last name.Was my last name going to change anytime soon!
“Oh.My.Gosh.Susie!”I cried, slapping my palms over my cheeks.
She winked at me.“You’re right.Put him through his paces.Make him work for it.You deserve it.”
The heat in my face had reached a temperature that could fry an egg.
By the grace of God, she finally pulled out her notebook.“What’ll you have?”
I ordered my public breakfast by rote.“Egg white veggie omelet, no cheese.No toast.Side of fruit salad.”
Daire opened his menu again.“Susie, bring her toast.I’ll eat it.White please.And I’ll have the big breakfast with three eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, and rye toast.”He snapped the menu shut.“And a chocolate chip waffle, whip cream on the side.”
“That’s my boy.”Susie nodded approvingly.“I’ll get you fed right and keep you coming back.”
I sat with my mouth hanging open.“You’re going to eat all that?”
He shook his head.“You’re going to have a proper breakfast, Harley.One you will enjoy.”
“I’ll enjoy mine,” I protested.
He grinned.“Not half as much as you’re going to enjoy mine.”
“I’m not going to eat your breakfast, Daire,” I replied irritably.
