“Anytime. Now let Kelly tell you about the time a club girl tried to threaten her,” Sloane says.
That’s how I spend the next couple of hours, listening to the girls tell me stories about themselves and the club.
I don’t miss Mac’s eyes on me every time I look for him.
Maybe they are right. Maybe it’s okay to give him a chance.
I have been watching her all afternoon. She has been talking with the girls, but each has migrated toward their men as the sun sinks lower. Now Jane is sitting by the fire by herself, looking uncomfortable as people talk around her.
It’s my turn to spend time with her.
Slipping away from the small group of brothers I had been hanging with, I make my way over to her. I take the empty seat to her left, smiling when I see her relax.
“What are you doing all by yourself? A pretty girl should always have someone’s attention.”
She laughs. “I’m watching the kids.”
She nods to the bounce house that Emily and Tanner have been in all day.
“They are going to be exhausted,” I tell her.
“That’s the plan. They should sleep well.”
I smile. “Are you having fun?”
“I am. Kelly and Sloane are great. I was nervous to come here, but I’m glad I did.”
“I am too.” I reach out and grab her hand. “Is this okay?”
She looks at me, uncertainty in her eyes, but she nods.
I keep my hand in hers as we both look back to the kids.
“I always thought Florida was hot all the time. I’m surprised it’s cool enough for a fire,” she tells me.
“I like Pensacola for that reason. We don’t get all four seasons, but we get three of them. Well, unless you count January of 2025. Historic snowfall. It was wild.”
She giggles, and I love it.
“I bet no one knew how to drive.”
“Not only that, but we had to borrow salt trucks from Atlanta. I’m glad I grew up in Boston, but still, going out was insane,” I tell her.
“I didn’t realize you were from Boston. Is that the accent I hear?”
I nod. “Yeah. We have been down here for a few years, but I still can’t get rid of it.”
“Don’t. I like it. It’s cute,” she tells me.
That has me feeling like a million bucks. One little compliment has me ready to commit myself to this woman for life.
I push the thoughts away as Emily and Tanner run up to us. Emily doesn’t hesitate, climbing into my lap. Her head rests on my shoulder as I wrap both arms around her.
“Having fun, baby girl?” I ask.
“Yes. I need a break, though,” she tells me, nuzzling closer.
I laugh, looking over at Jane. She has an odd look on her face, like she is unsure what to think of this development.
