“They won’t even know we’re there.” He turned around and started in that direction. If Rachel still opposed, he’d find another place. “They have fifty acres in the country. There’s a small pond toward the rear of the property with a gazebo. It’s a great place to relax.”
The confusion left her face. “That sounds nice.”
“Do you want to stop by the store for a drink on the way? I could use a soda.”
“A bottle of water would be good. I meant to grab one before we left Hope House.” She pulled a fun-size candy bar from her purse. “I come prepared with snacks.”
He laughed, glad to see a smile on her face again. “Should have figured.”
“Want one?” She offered him a Hershey bar.
“Sure.” That steak dinner seemed a lifetime ago. He unwrapped it while balancing the candy against the steering wheel then popped the chocolate in his mouth.
The lighted sign of a convenience store loomed ahead. Once they got there, Aaron ran in and grabbed several bottles of water and a Dr. Pop. On impulse, he grabbed a variety of candy bars. He’d watched Rachel eat several more from her stash, and unless she had a Mary Poppins bag, there wasn’t much chocolate left in her purse.
He handed her the plastic bag from the store, and she giggled when she looked inside. “You really do know me.”
“It’s been a rough night. I figured you could use backup.”
“Always. I texted my parents while you were in there to let them know we were done at Hope House but going to talk for a while before heading home.” She opened another chocolate. “I didn’t want them to stay up and worry.”
“How’d Roxie do with the neighborhood fireworks?”
“Mom said she did well, only minimal barking.” Crumbling the wrapper, she looked at him. “They’ve never bothered her too much.”
“Chance was a bear. He’d howl all night until the last firework went off.”
“I wish I’d had the opportunity to meet him. He sounds like a great dog.”
“He was the best.” He threw her a wink. “Tied only with Roxie.”
Her bottom lip protruded in a fake pout. “I’ll let that one slide.”
“We’re not much further. I’ll take the back road in. I doubt they’re still awake, but we don’t have to risk disturbing them.” He made a left turn, then a sharp right.
“Will they mind us coming on their property?”
“Not a bit.” He made a point to smile so she wouldn’t worry. “They have an open door policy for us kids. We’re welcome any time, no matter the reason.”
“I can’t wait to meet them.” She covered a yawn, then glanced at him. “But not tonight.”
“With everything happening, I almost forgot. My cousin Sammie is dating a new guy, and she really likes him. They’re engaged already, but no one in the family but me knows yet.”
“That’s cool.” She responded with encouragement, but her face had the why are you telling me this expression.
“She asked if we’d like to go on a double date.”
“Where to?”
“To be decided.” He braked for a fox who darted across the road.
“Fine with me. I like meeting new people.”
“I’ll let her know. She’s a lot of fun, reminds me of you in ways.”
She cleared her throat and arched a brow. “Not all ways, I hope.”
He swallowed hard. “Definitely not.”
