Anothercarpulledup,and Chelsea exhaled. Again? How many people had Theo invited for this little birthday party? There were already five other children, plus Jordan, and all their parents. One mom couldn’t take her eyes, or hands, off Theo. That wasn’t helping her anxiety at all.
When Rico got out, along with their paramedic friend, Kim, she sighed with relief. She didn’t know Kim all that well, but Rico had been around enough that she was beginning to feel comfortable near him. Mostly because there was nothing about his actions that were in any way judgy. The same couldn’t be said for some of the parents here today.
“Hey, Chelsea,” Rico called and held his hand out to Kim. “You remember Kim, don’t you?”
The women nodded at each other, and Kim held up a brightly wrapped box. “Where should I put this?”
“There’s a table on the front porch. Help yourself to some drinks or snacks. The kids are having a ball, either using Jordan’s new birthday present,” she indicated the swing set, “or with Angie’s friend, who’s doing some magic tricks.”
“That’s James Yoshita,” Kim said to Rico. “You’ve met him. He works at Paxton Labs. My guess is his ‘magic’ is actually science.”
“He’s hung out with us a few times.” Rico glanced over the children scurrying about. “Did the birthday girl get any sleep last night? Theo said she was wired to the hilt.”
“She has been extremely excited, especially since her grandparents are here, too.”
Yesterday, Chelsea had spent most of the day with Jordan and Theo’s parents. They’d tiptoed around each other, though both of them had been super sweet to her. What exactly they’d been told, she didn’t know. Apparently, Theo had filled them in on her father’s misdeeds, but what would they think if they found out she was a nutcase?
Then again, was she? The last month here had been amazing, and she hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Since the summer she and Theo had met. It didn’t mean that something wouldn’t arise to push her back over the edge of insanity. It was her greatest fear. Well, behind losing her daughter again, but they both kind of went together.
“Oh, geesh. Angie is waving me over,” Kim growled softly. “She roped me into helping with the face painting. I’ll catch you later. Here, Rico. Put this on the porch.” She shoved the present into his hands.
“At least I don’t have to paint faces.”
Rico swaggered away, and Chelsea looked around again. Was anyone watching her? Seeing how anxious she was and guessing that her insides were tied in triple knots?
“Everything’s going as planned, pixie,” Theo said as his arm snaked around her shoulder, reeling her in against his chest. How she loved being there. So warm and protected, like nothing could harm her.
“Should I be doing something?” What exactly was her job here? Theo had planned the party. His mother had done all the food and even made the cake. She’d merely helped with decorations.
“Simply stand here and look beautiful.” He pressed his lips to her hair.
Heat spread along her cheeks and down her neck. “Um…We’re outside, and there are tons of people here.”
His grin grew cocky. “What does that have to do with anything? You’re my wife. There’s no reason I can’t kiss you if I want, right?”
“I guess.” Why was her voice so meek?
Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, he whispered, “Do you want that? A kiss?”
“Always.” Again with the breathless tone.
“That’s what I like to hear.” He lowered his mouth to hers. Not long. Not passionate. Definitely possessive.
“Mama, Daddy! Look what Uncle Rico made me.”
Jordan’s excited squeal pulled her out of her dream, the one where Theo swept her off her feet and carried her away. Away from judging eyes and gossiping tongues.
“That’s awesome, peanut.” Theo chuckled. “I guess he has talents we didn’t know about.”
Jordan held a pink balloon twisted to look like a dog. Several children stood in front of the ranger waiting their turn. The handsy mom also waited. Chelsea doubted it was a balloon she wanted.
“Is it just me or does Kim look irritated at the touchy-feely mom?”
As Jordan scampered away clutching her balloon animal, Theo glanced toward her. “The touchy what?”
Rolling her eyes, Chelsea sighed. “You know, the mom who was hanging all over you earlier? Kim looks annoyed at the way she’s flirting with Rico.” Better Rico than her husband.
Theo shrugged. “I don’t know. Kim and Rico are only friends. But, yeah, Hailey could irritate the pope.”
