I ask Jordan to make sure Autumn goes potty, and I run upstairs to pack a quick backpack of two sweatshirts, sunscreen, a ball cap for Autumn, her camera from Christmas, and an extra set of clothes for her, just in case. I throw on a distressed black ballcap myself and make it back downstairs in five minutes.
Declan and Lucas are in the front of the truck while us girls pile up in the back. Once we’re on the road, Jordan whispers to me, “Dude, what is this?”
I look at her and shrug. I haven’t said anything to her about Declan and me having sex because of the rules we made. I’ve been wanting to spill, but since my mom and dad already suspect something, that’s two too many people in on the secret.
She narrows her eyes at me and leans into my ear. “I know you went home with him from the bar. I’ve been waiting for you to say something.” I pull back and she laughs. “You didn’t think Lucas and Declan showing up there was a coincidence, did you?”
I look at the two men and they’re chum as can be, talking each other’s ears off.
I let out a frustrated sigh. “Okay, yes. I went home with him.”
She does a silent dance in the seat, and I roll my eyes. “How was it?” she whispers back.
I take a deep breath and say, “A million times better than the first time.”
Her eyes go wide, and she smiles at me like a kid on Christmas day. “I can’t wait for a play-by-play later.”
I shake my head and then tell her about the deal and all the rules Declan and I made. Well, the rules I made. Declan didn’t actually make any rules of his own.
“No kissing? Really?” she asks incredulously, and I nod my head. “You drive a hard bargain. Your pussy must really be something.” And she looks down at my crotch.
We both bust out laughing and spend the rest of the ride to the safari park idly chatting away.
I took Autumn to the zoo when she was two, but she doesn’t remember it, so her reaction to everything once we enter is contagious. She can’t hide her excitement, and all four of us adults watch her as she freaks out over every little thing.
When we make it to the cheetah run, there’s a crowd, and Autumn is jumping up and down trying to see. Declan crouches down next to her and says something. In the next instant, she’s on his shoulders, holding onto his head while they watch the dog and cheetah race.
My heart is doing the thing it did when he comforted her during her night terror, and I look away for a second to catch my breath.
I feel a hand squeeze mine, and Jordan has sidled up next to me. “We sure that’s the same guy who said he didn’t like kids? Or that he’s not baby daddy material?”
I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut. Because yeah, I’m wondering the same damn thing.
The rest of the day is more than fun. Autumn oohs and awes at every animal, and we eat sandwiches that Declan made. Jordan teaches Autumn how to use her camera, and she goes ham on capturing pictures of the animals and taking candids of all the adults.
When Jordan and Lucas go off to check out the giraffes by themselves, Autumn, Declan, and I stay to watch the elephants bathe in their little pond.
“Hey, can you get a picture of Autumn and me?” I ask Declan and hand him my phone.
“Of course.”
I grab Autumn, and we stand next to a shaded tree that’s in front of the elephant enclosure. Before Declan can get a shot off, an older woman comes up next to him and says, “Get in there with your wife and daughter, you handsome young man.” She winks at Declan, and he pauses before passing the phone off to her.
He stands next to me and asks Autumn if she wants on his shoulders. We get ready for the picture, but the woman tells me, “Oh, honey. Act like you love the man and put your arm around him.”
My heart skips a beat, but Declan just chuckles and whispers, “Do as she says, and this will be over much quicker.”
“We do love Declan,” Autumn exclaims. “He’s our best friend.”
I don’t dare look at Declan or Autumn, for fear of what’s on each of their faces. Instead, I put one arm around Declan’s waist and the other on his chest, acting like I love the hulking of a giant man who’s become an integral part of our lives over the past several weeks.
“Smile!” yells the woman.
And I do.
With everything I have.
Chapter 20
