“Do you ride in the big truck?”
I grinned at the wonder that filled his voice and nodded. “Yes. I do.”
“Is it loud in there?”
“It is.”
“Are fires sc–”
“Diego, baby, go back inside and use the potty and brush your teeth so we can get ready for school.”
“Mom–” he started to whine, but he stopped short at the look his mother gave him.
I chuckled as I stood, watching his little face frown up as he retreated back inside.
“You’ve got that whole mom look down.”
“Six years of practice, plus the years I spent babysitting neighborhood kids before I had him,” she retorted turning back to me.
“It’s paid off, I see.”
It went silent for a little while, as we both stared at one another.
“I have to get ready for work and get Diego to school.”
“You haven’t taken your donuts yet.” I held out the holder that held the two drinks and the bag of donuts. When she went to reach for it, I circled my other hand around her wrist, pulling her to me.
“Wha–”
“Have dinner with me.”
She didn’t resist or pull away, instead staring up at me. She shook her head, a small, hesitant smile opening up on her lips.
“This is crazy,” she stated just above a whisper.
“I’ll agree to that.”
“This can’t be normal. I shouldn’t … this shouldn’t be so much so soon.”
I knew what she meant. We’d barely met a month ago under some pretty dire circumstances. Hadn’t even been out on an official date but I’d already drawn the line in the sand with my two distinct families where she was concerned. Yes, it was too much too soon, but that was how I lived my life. Either both feet in, or none at all.
“Sugar, you should realize by now that where you and I are concerned, there is no normal.” I ran my thumb up and down the soft inside of her wrist just before I brought it to my lips. “You’re a sight for sore eyes first thing in the morning.”
Her head lowered. “I just got out of the shower. I look a mess.”
“Fresh out of the shower or fresh out of a deep sleep with your hair messy spread out over a pillow, you look like my dreams turned reality.”
Her eyes bulged. I was remembering what she looked like when she woke up first thing in the morning. I’d watched her as she slept, mouth partially opened, tiny snores coming from her mouth. Heat began to spread over my entire body. I hadn’t had her nearly enough that one night and I was starting to think that even a lifetime together wouldn’t be enough.
“How did you get my boss to end the suspension?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Had a friendly conversation with my brother.”
She pulled back to give me a doubtful look. “There’s nothing friendly about your brother. Not Aaron, at least.”
I gave her a half-grin. She’d assessed my brother perfectly. I brought her knuckles to my lips, kissing them. “You’re right about that, but I was able to get him to see things my way.”
“How?”
