“Yeah, they are, then they’ll drive home in the morning,” David replied.
Ladd added, “They do it all the time. Just come in for a day or two.”
“They must miss you guys a lot if they drive here just to have dinner with you.”
Both men chuckled.
“We’re lucky to have parents like Nellie and Gus,” Ladd said, as he held my door open for me. It reminded me of his father doing the same for their mother, and I couldn’t help but smile. The apple clearly hadn’t fallen far from the tree.
Once the three of us were in the car, Ladd asked, “What did you think of them?”
I let out a soft laugh. “I adored them. They’re so sweet, and you can tell they love not only you two, but each other. The way your dad held your mother’s hand was so sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my father hold my mom’s hand.”
If Ladd was surprised I’d brought up my parents, he didn’t show it.
“They’ve always been that way,” David said from the back seat. “I can remember one time at school, they came to have lunch with me and Ladd. Dad kissed our mom, and all of our friends yelled about how gross it was. I thought it was sweet, but I went along with the guys.”
Ladd laughed. “I remember that. I also recall that on more than one occasion, a friend of mine told me how lucky I was tohavemy parents. They’re not afraid to show their love for one another. By the time we got to high school, ourfriends were so used to it that they never thought twice about it when our dad came in from the field and swept Mom into a hug and kissed her. Or started to dance with her in the middle of the kitchen if their song came on.”
David laughed. “They have more than one song, too!”
I felt pressure in my chest…and realized what I was feeling was jealousy. The most I ever saw my father and mother do was give each other a small peck in the morning.
“That’s nice that you all grew up in such a loving house.”
“I take it you didn’t?” David asked.
With a lump in my throat, I managed to get out three words. “No, I didn’t.”
“David, you want to go back to the house, or should I drop you off somewhere else?” Ladd asked, clearly changing the subject.
“Home is cool.”
Ladd headed toward their place and pulled into the driveway to park.
“See you tomorrow,” David said as he got out. “See ya around, Vivianne!”
“Bye, David,” I replied, as he headed toward the house. Turning to Ladd, I smiled. “You’re staying the night?”
“Hell yes, I am. An empty house to ourselves? That’s a no-brainer.” We drove for a few minutes in silence before Ladd asked, “So you really don’t mind coming to River Falls for Christmas?”
Smiling, I reached for his hand. “I’m honored your mother invited me. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does for the kids at the orphanage.”
“It’s only her second year doing this. Last year was a huge success, and she learned a lot, so I’m sure this year will be even better. Thank you for helping her.”
“She doesn’t have to pay me, though. I want to help. I wouldn’t really make much money here, anyway. Christmas week is incredibly slow since most families are eating at home for the holidays.”
He squeezed my hand. “She’ll insist on paying you, so I wouldn’t even argue with her about it.”
I let out a small giggle. “I like how she said I could stay in the guest bedroom.”
He glanced my way quickly. “You caught that, huh?”
“I did. As if I would even think of staying with you in the same bed while at your parents’ house.”
Ladd laughed, and it made my insides tighten with desire. Lord, how this man made me want him all the time.
“That would be a little weird. The barn, however…I won’t make any promises.”
