Holt places his big hands down in front of me. “I think that means we need to buy a yellow one to say thank you to Gia for bringing this stuff over.”
The girls nod sagely, adding a verbal thank you after Holt gives them a look. It doesn’t matter how often I see him in Dad-mode, it makes me want to jump him every time.
I start painting Holt’s nails, following the pattern the girls laid out. Since his fingers are much larger than the girls’, they get bored after a few minutes and go to the living room to pick out a movie.
“Thank you for doing this.” Holt’s deep voice rumbles in the small space between us.
I look up from my task, catching his blue-eyed gaze. “It’s no problem.”
“They don’t get to do this kind of stuff anymore. It means a lot to them. And to me.”
“I’m happy to do it. I like being here with you guys.”
“We like it when you’re here too.” Heavy emotions sit between us. Words neither one of us is ready to use hover in the air as if they’re waiting for us to grab them when it’s time.
Before we can say anything else, the girls bound up to us with their movie choice. It makes Holt groan, and the girls laugh.
We spend the rest of the night cuddled in the tent with our snacks. This all feels too good to be true. Worries float around in the back of my mind that this contentment won’t last. That something is going to get in the way of my happily ever after, and I’m terrified that it’ll be me.
CHAPTER 26
Holt
Iadjust my slacks to smooth out the creases and take one more look in the mirror. I’m taking Gia out to a nice dinner for the first time, and I’m oddly nervous. It’s one thing to go out to a bar with loud music and dance with her all night. It’s another thing to sit in a fancy restaurant and try not to look like an idiot.
My saving grace is knowing that Gia and I can hold a conversation without too much effort. She’s easy to talk to about anything that comes to mind, no matter if it’s serious or silly.
Although the only thing on my mind right now is this bullying issue with Leah.
I talked to Farrah on Monday about it, but I haven’t had time to give it any more thought. I had a huge court case yesterday that I was prepping for all week, and now that it’s over, I’m finally able to think about something other than land laws.
There haven’t been any other instances with the kid, but Farrah said she’s been keeping a close eye on the boy when they’re at recess to keep him from doing anything harmful. Iappreciate that she’s going out of her way because the principal made it clear that she couldn’t do anything until another incident is witnessed by more than just Leah and Mason.
I was incredibly frustrated with that response, but I also understand that kindergarteners’ memories aren’t that reliable.
The girls are with my brother, Nix, tonight. He took them to a movie and is going to stay with them while Gia and I are out. I’m incredibly lucky to have a family that is willing to spend time with my girls, whether I ask them to or not. Nix made the offer earlier this week, and I jumped on the chance to get Gia alone.
I dab on just a bit of cologne and head out to my truck. We’re forecasted to get some snow this weekend, and I’m hoping it dumps on us so I’ll have a good reason to convince Gia to stay with us the whole time.
It doesn’t matter if we’re going out or staying in, Gia can find a way to make it fun. She’s incredible with my girls. The way she encourages them to be independent and stand strong in their convictions has made me fall even harder for her.
When I used to think about dating again, I worried that any woman I brought home would try to replace Hannah, but Gia has never once made me or the girls feel that way. She’s willing to talk about Hannah whenever we want to and never shies away from the fact that they miss their mom.
Pulling into Gwen’s driveway to pick up Gia is a little strange. She’s been here for over a week now, and I’m still not quite used to her living in town.
The air is bitingly cold tonight, so I leave my truck running as I walk up to the front door. I only have to wait a few seconds before Gia opens the door, looking gorgeous in a deep red dress with a plunging neckline.
“Fuck, woman. Are you out to kill me before we get to dinner?”
Gia beams. “No, just cause mild heart palpitations.”
“Mission accomplished.” I step into her to kiss her hard. She moans against my mouth, and I struggle to pull away from her. “Come on, Rainbow. Let’s go before I ruin all your hard work.”
“You’ll ruin it later though, right?” She raises an eyebrow as she slings her coat around her shoulders.
“Damn right, I will.”
“Good.”
