We follow the hostess to our booth, and Gina orders thelemon pancakes. I get the short rib Benedict. The waitress brings us both coffees, and when she leaves, our eyes meet.
For a moment I study her face, her soft hair, her pretty green eyes. Her nose is slightly upturned, and she has the faintest sprinkling of freckles across the bridge.
“What was your favorite breakfast food as a kid?” She lifts her coffee cup in both hands, puckering her glossy lips before taking a sip.
“Froot Loops.” I exhale a laugh, taking a sip of my own coffee.
“Why is that funny?” Her brow arches.
“My dad would call me Froot Loop when I was a little boy, and it made me so mad.” I sit back, remembering last night, Heather calling me Bubba. “I had a real problem with nicknames when I was young.”
“To be fair, Froot Loop isn’t the greatest nickname.” Her nose wrinkles.
“How about you? Any dog-related nicknames in your past?”
She shakes her head. “I’ve only ever been Gigi, for Gina Grace.”
“It’s a beautiful name—after the old blind lady I met at the wedding.”
“Right. Miss Gina.” Her slim finger circles the rim of her cup. “She was always so wise and sweet. She looked out for all of us.”
“Like you do now.” I reach across the table to cover her hand with mine.
“I don’t know.” She watches our hands as our fingers entwine. “We all look out for each other, I think. My cousin Kim was the oldest, so she looked out for us first. Then Haddy and I came along, the Bradford twins.”
“Twins?” My brow arches as I think about her cousin’sdark hair, olive skin, and sapphire blue eyes. “What’s that about?”
“Both of our parents… both sets of parents?” Her green eyes rise to the ceiling, and she shakes her head. “They both got pregnant with us at my aunt Dylan’s wedding, so weshouldhave the same birthday. But I was a few days overdue, so Haddy’s a little older.”
“Right… the dog.” I can’t help a laugh. “I don’t think it could possibly be true that a dog caused your mom’s labor.”
“I don’t either, but Ihavealways loved dogs.” She shrugs, and the server appears with our plates.
Our orders are placed in front of us, and the lady asks if we need anything else. Satisfied we’re all set, she leaves us alone again.
The food is delicious. Gigi gives me a bite of her pancake, and I declare her the order winner. My dish is good, but hers is better.
It’s not until our plates are cleared, and we’re lingering over cups of coffee that I swallow my nerves and get to the point.
“I really like spending time with you, Gina.” Our eyes meet, and hers are warm and open. “I’d like to be more than just friends.”
Her eyes sparkle, and she leans forward, speaking low. “I think we already are. I don’t do the things we do together with friends.”
“Right.” I slide my hand across the table to hold hers. “I haven’t done this in a while. Sorry if I’m rusty.”
Her other hand covers mine, and a sweet smile curls her lips. “You’re not.”
“The thing is…” My brow furrows. “I have to think about Maddie. She’s lost so much, I can’t let her fall in love with you if it’s only for a little while. If we’re just temporary.”
Gina nods, studying our hands as well. “She’s such a fun little girl. We’ve already gotten so close. I can’t imagine not knowing her.” Her eyes blink up to mine, and she shrugs. “I want to see how she turns out.”
My throat is tight, but I have to say the words. I hate them, but it’s important. My fingers slide against hers, and I inhale slowly.
“I’m older than you, Gina.” I hesitate. “I don’t want you to feel pressured, but I need to know if all of my baggage is too much. If you don’t want a ready-made family that’s not entirely yours.”
Her lips pucker, and she takes a minute, which I appreciate. Her eyes linger on my hands, and when she speaks, her tone is thoughtful.
“I’ve found that families form in all sorts of ways. Some people are born into them, and others you graft into your tree. Either way, I’ve always loved my family, real and found.”
