“Ten o’clock. My teacher said we’ll be finished by lunchtime.”
She had so much to do. Spending two hours with Jack would make a huge difference in how prepared she was for Saturday. But she couldn’t say no, not when he was looking at her like she was his last hope. Maybe if she started work early over the next couple of days, she could make up for the lost time.
“It’s okay if you can’t come.”
Placing her hand on top of Jack’s, she gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be there, but I’m not a fast runner.” His instant smile made her glad she’d said yes.
“It doesn’t matter. Charlie said his mom can’t run fast, either.”
Paris smiled. Andrea would be thrilled to know what her sons thought of her running abilities. “I’ll be in good company, then.”
Richard cleared his throat from beside the kitchen doorway. “Dinner’s ready.”
As soon as she looked at his face, she knew he’d heard at least some of what they’d said. “Jack’s invited me to his school for the mothers’ and friends’ day.”
“And Paris said yes,” Jack added excitedly. “Except she can’t run fast, but that’s okay.”
Richard looked at Paris, and her heart melted.
“Thank you,” he said softly. “I know how much it means to Jack.”
His words settled around her like a warm cocoon. “I’m looking forward to it. I might not be good at running, but I really enjoy ten-pin bowling.”
Jack grinned. “Pastor John has a bowling competition at The Welcome Center. You should come with Dad and me.”
“I didn’t know there was bowling.”
“Do you know about the movie nights?”
Paris shook her head. “It sounds like I need to spend less time at work.”
“The Welcome Center has lots of good things happening. You could come with us. Dad won’t mind.”
Richard ruffled Jack’s hair. “I definitely wouldn’t mind, but Paris is hungry. You can tell her about all the activities while we’re eating.”
“Okay.”
As Jack hurried into the kitchen, Richard turned to her. “You’ve made Jack’s day. Are you sure you can go to school with him?”
“I’ll make the time. It’s important.”
“What about your store and the wedding?”
“Kylie and Jackie are helping me get everything ready. I’ll be okay.”
Richard held her hand. “I’ll bring dinner for everyone tomorrow night.”
Paris knew she should tell him they’d be all right, but the warmth of his hand was short-circuiting her brain.
“Why didn’t we get to know each other before now?” Richard asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe we were too busy to make room for someone else in our lives.”
“Or too worried about what the other person would say.”
Her hand tightened around Richard’s. “I’m not good at relationships, but I’d like to—”
“Dinner’s ready!” Jack yelled from the kitchen.
