Charlie laughed.“I feel like we’re super spies.Now you’re safe from the creep.”
They found a park where Ella could run around for a few minutes and then they headed to Phail, preferring to stop for food on their own territory.
The Saloon was open, so they headed there.They found Amber and Gray at a table with Garrett and Kimi from town, Boomer snoozing beside Amber’s chair.The group waved them over and they added tables together to make room.
Kimi was a local veterinarian.She and her husband also ran a petting farm and therapy center for animals.
Charlie nearly vibrated in his seat with his excitement about the animals.He focused on what breeds of dogs made the best pets, which would be happy on the farm with the animals that were already there, and what dogs were good with kids Ella’s age.
Kimi’s eyes sparkled as she answered, sending mischievous looks at Nash the whole time.“Your son is very subtle.”
Nash rolled his eyes.“As subtle as a tank.He’s been bugging for a dog for years.”
Charlie grinned.“And we’re in a great place to have a dog.The apple farm is huge, and we know everyone there likes animals.I’m old enough to be responsible for him.And Ella really wants a dog, too.”
Everyone laughed and warmth filled Olivia.She loved this boy, wanted to be part of his life forever, and wanted to watch him grow to be as good a man as his father.
When she caught Nash watching her with a warm smile in return, her heart thudded heavily in her chest, and her blood thickened.
She was in love with him.She’d never really believed in love.There hadn’t been many examples of romantic love in her life.A couple of her foster families had been good role models.Healthy relationships with enough love to share with kids who weren’t part of their traditional family.Some of the workers in the group home had spouses who’d helped and went on outings with them.
She’d loved Mary Mae and Liam.She loved Ella Mae with her whole being.Charlie, too.
But what she felt for Nash was a different kind of love.It filled her heart with hope for the future, and, she blushingly admitted, lust.
Seeing him brought a smile to her face every time.butterflies danced in her belly when he gave her one of those looks that told her he wanted to devour her in the very best way.
She wanted to do the same with him.
And she wanted to make a family with him.Wanted to spend the rest of her days working with him, loving him.Being loved by him.
Which had her heart stuttering.She knew he was attracted to her.She’d have to be an idiot not to know that.Their kisses were full of affection and desire.
But as two single parents, they hadn’t taken things further.They hadn’t discussed feelings or the future.
“Oggie.”
Olivia tuned back into the conversation with Ella Mae’s new word.Charlie had been using his phone to show her pictures of the different dogs he’d been discussing with Kimi and Garrett.
Charlie held up the phone to show a beagle.Ella Mae pointed at the photo and repeated her new word.“Oggie.”
Olivia ran her hand over the little girl’s hair.“Is that a doggy, Ella?”
“Oggie, Mama.”
Olivia’s eyes misted and she leaned down to kiss Ella’s hair.“Good girl, Ella.That’s a doggie.”
Charlie put on a huge cheesy grin.“See, Dad.Ella likes the beagle doggy.Wouldn’t it be neat to show her one in real life?”
Nash laughed.“Subtle as a tank, buddy.”
Charlie nodded.“Is it working?”
Nash chuckled and squeezed Charlie into a hug, and then tickled his ribs making them both laugh.
The boy didn’t pester again, but Olivia was sure he didn’t have to.Nash would do absolutely anything for his son.
She figured it wouldn’t be long before there was anotheroggieat the farm.
