Before I can stand up, I get another text.
TJ: Everyone’s meeting at Kyle’s restaurant for lunch. Your ma is bringing Tucker, so just meet us there at eleven.
I glance at Heather. “Guess we’re going to Kyle’s restaurant for lunch. Ma’s bringing Tucker and meeting us there.”
A smile breaks across her face. “Awesome. I’ve heard about it from the girls. They say the food is great.”
“You like that, maybe we can stop at Fiona’s cupcake shop afterward. I bet Tucker would like that.”
“He’d love it.” She searches my eyes. “That reminds me. He’s got a birthday coming up. I need to plan a party.”
“Honey, you came to the right place. The girls will help you plan something amazing. I bet he’d like the jump house place that just opened.”
“He’s never been to one, but I bet he would.”
“Then that’s where we should have it.”
She smiles, and her eyes glaze.
“What is it, babe?” I frown.
“Nothing. You saidwe. It just feels good to be part of awe.”
I cup her face. “I’m in this, Heather. You won’t ever have to do it alone. I promise. I’m here, and I’m not goin’ anywhere. Got it?”
She dashes the tears that spill down her cheek. “Got it.”
“Come on. We’ve got someplace to be soon.” I scoop her up and carry her into the bathroom.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Cody—
Leading Heather into Kyle’s restaurant, we find it packed with everyone from the clubhouse.
We make our way through the empty tables to the ones that are all pushed together to form one long one.
Tucker runs over and hugs his mom’s legs. “Mommy, Cody’s mom said I could ride with them to the amusement park. Can I?”
Heather looks at me with a frown, but I don’t have a clue what he’s talking about and shrug.
My mother comes over and puts a hand on Tucker’s shoulder.
“Sweetie, we have to see if it’s okay first.” Then she looks at both of us. “Everyone’s been talking about riding to Santa Cruz. With the kids being cooped up in the clubhouse and all, we thought it’d be a treat to take them to the amusement park there at the boardwalk.” She meets Heather’s eyes. “You don’t have to work, do you?”
“You guys have to go, Cody. It’ll be a blast, and all the kids are going.” This from Sara, Green’s ol’ lady, who’s oldest boy is Tucker’s age. She’s got her youngest girl on her hip.
“Peez, uncle Cody,” her daughter asks. “IwikeTucker.”
I stroke her cheek with a finger. “How can I say no to a cutie-pie like you.” I glance at Heather. “What do you say?”
She shrugs. “If you want to. I’ve never been to Santa Cruz.”
“We’re all getting rooms at the Dreamers Motel on the beach,” Cole says from where he sits at the head of the table. “Angel’s booking them right now. You in?”
Angel lifts her gaze from her phone. “Too late. I already booked you a room. You’re going.”
I chuckle. “Guess we’re goin’ to the beach, Heather.”
