Now, we’re playing on the playground with Rhett before it’s time for bath and bed, sneaking kisses like teenagers every chance we get. Yesterday was a lot. Today was also a lot. I think tonight after Rhett goes down we need some time alone together. We’ve been sneaking in time when we can, but I have something for her, and I’ll be setting up something special this evening for us. Deciding to let her in on my plans, at least a little bit, I tug her back by her hand as she walks by me.
“After we lay Rhett down, I have plans for us. You don’t have to dress up.”
Her eyebrow quirks up and she gives me an inquisitive look, “Okay, Mr. Mysterious. What are you wearing?” Smirking while pulling her into my arms, my hands go to her hips and my lips to her forehead.
“Hmm. Probably a suit, but you could wear nothing and still be the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. Actually, just be naked. I like that idea the most.” Squeezing her hips playfully she lightly pushes my hands away while laughing.
“You’re something, Rowan Byrne.”
Taking a moment to check her out unapologetically, I smack her ass then take my hands off her completely, “I’ll show you something later. Just wait, Pretty Girl.” I shoot her a wink then turn and wave to get Rhett’s attention.
When I have it I let him know,“Hey, Bear, it’s time for a shower, and bed.”He’s exhausted from the day so he doesn’t even try bargaining for more time to play, justan,“Okay, Daddy.”before climbing off the playground and taking our hands to go upstairs.
Clara gives Rhett his shower while my job is to lay out his pajamas and figure out what book we’re going to read him. Well, one of us reads it, and the other signs to him. Shutting the curtains I hear the shower turn off and get ready for my favorite part of our routine. The bathroom door swings open and Rhett comes running out in his big brown fluffy robe. The hood is up as it always is, the bear ears flopping in the wind, and his bear claw slippers slapping against the hardwood, his damp curls falling over his forehead. He’s sprinting at me full force. Just like every night, he jumps and I catch him mid air. He’s giggling as I fly him around the room for a minute before setting him down.
“Okay, Bear, time to get dressed for bed. I’m going to go get your toothbrush ready, okay?”He gives me a huge grin and a thumbs up. Going into the bathroom to get his toothbrush ready and cleaning up the mess he and his mama made while he’s getting dressed, I pull out my phone. Of course the group chat I have with my brothers is going off, it’s always going off. Pulling it up to see if there’s anything that needs my immediate attention, there isn’t. Just everyone bugging Kieran about why he’s been training with Ryan so much, Mac about who the girl he’s sulking over is, Sul about Elle, Flynn’s hockey conditioning, and Dec’s flavor of the day. Exiting the thread, I pull up my text with just Declan.
Rowan: All set?
Declan: Everything’s perfect. We need a debrief on the Dr. appointment too.
Rowan: Tomorrow. Thanks for making this happen. Now make sure everyone makes themselves scarce.
Declan: Guards will be in the shadows, we aren’t leaving you guys unprotected. Remember that before you get too carried away tonight.
Rolling my eyes at his response I pocket my phone and focus on getting Rhett to bed.
* * *
Clara
Standing in the mirror of our bathroom, my eyes wander over my entire outfit. The dress I’m wearing is royal blue and wraps around my body like a second skin, the neckline plunges between my breasts and the hemline stops just above my knees. I’ve paired it with silver everything; heels, necklace, and earrings. My hair is curled into soft waves , and my makeup is neutral. As soon as we got Rhett settled, Rowan showered, changed into a smokey gray suit, kissed me stupid, then made himself scarce. Feeling like I’m having first date jitters all over again, I contemplate calling Britt. Quickly ruling that out though, I’ve only told her bare minimum about what’s been going on. She’s always wanted to keep us safe, and it hurts me to think about her stressing out over everything. Smoothing my dress and giving myself one last look, I turn towards the door just as I hear a knock. Who’s knocking on our bedroom door?
“Come in.”
The door crack open slightly before I hear Declan, “It’s just me. I figured I’d escort you downstairs since Rowans pacing the floor so much I’m sure he’ll fall through any second.”
Laughing while making my way to the door, the picture of him nervous is clear as day in my head. I’m clueless on why he’d be nervous though, it’s just dinner, right? Oh no, what if he’s about to spring something on me? Now my nerves are shot as Declan leads me to the back patio.
“You look beautiful, by the way. He’s going to swallow his tongue. Make him work for it, seeing my big brother sweat is my favorite pastime.”
Make him work for what? What is going on? Declan opens the patio door, kisses my cheek, then gives me an encouraging nod. Confused, I look onto the patio. Rowan’s standing in the middle of it, hands in his pockets looking as handsome as ever. His hands have been running through his hair, giving that perfectly imperfect look. Fairy lights are strung from poles on the corners of the patio, he’s set up a round table with two chairs behind him, and what looks like two covered plates, two wine glasses, and a bottle of champagne. There’s candles set up around the entire perimeter of the area giving us just enough light.
Looking back to my favorite shade of green he gives me his famous smirk. The smirk that would have me passing over my panties in point five seconds, that’s if I was wearing any. Rowan extends his hand out to me, on instinct my feet carry me to him. When I’m close enough his hands go to my hips and he pulls me into his arms. Before I can blink his hand is tangled into my hair, as his thumb angles my face up using my jaw. He stares deeply into my eyes, “You are the most stunning woman to ever exist in this universe.” His lips are on minebefore I’m able to respond. Instantly opening for his tongue to explore, his hand grips my hip firmer than it just was. I’m unsure how long we stand here making out like teenagers. Eventually, he comes up for air, leaning his forehead on mine, his eyes are playful and he’s smiling a full smile.
“I feel like we skipped this whole dating part. I miss it.”
His brows furrow, “Are you uncomfortable with what we’re doing?”
“No, I’m not saying that at all. I’m just saying I miss the one on one time with you, you know without sex.”
This time he pulls back a little, “You don’t like the sex?”
Flustered I pull away from him, this is coming out all wrong, “No. I didn’t say that. I just mean I miss the other stuff too. I’m glad we carved out this time for just the two of us to enjoy the evening together.”
His eyes dance with laughter, “I’m joking with you, Pretty Girl. I know what you mean. The romance, while still there, is thrown in where we can fit it with everything else going on. Tonight’s date night, that’s important. I’ll do better with prioritizing it. Hopefully everything will be done soon and we can actually go into the city on date night. Come on baby, let’s eat before it gets cold.”
This is exactly what we needed; the flirty banter, the subtle touches, and the time alone together. We finis eating, and move to the patio couch, my legs in his lap and his fingers working magic on my tired feet and calves. We’ve talked about everything from his parents and how they’d have loved me and Rhett, to silly things like our favorite songs. I love these moments with him, he doesn’t stop working on my calves when our conversation dies down, and he switches gears.
