We're walking along the overdone Main Street of Pioneer Village, taking sips from our soft drinks.
April points to the upcoming old-fashioned post office on the right. “There. That’s where I think bonnet-making is at one.” She continues to look at the little brochure to double-check something. “After that, we can do the train.”
“I think then we have pretty much seen everything,” I affirm to our little crowd.
“Don’t be such a spoil,” April throws me some shade.
“That’s one of our words,” Hadley proudly reminds us.
Hadley and April have been going over the pioneer dictionary in the back of the brochure.
“It is. Now gomoseyalong so you get a good spot for bonnet-making.” She scoots my daughter in the direction of the post office door.
April and I both slow our pace as we watch Hadley join all the other little girls sitting around a table.
“Huh. This word is fitting. 'Dander; a strong emotion or anger.' That’s going to be my word of the day,” April comments as she reads the paper.
Grabbing the brochure from her pink-polished nails, I skim the list. “Funny. I thought you would pickhankeringas your word.”
“Hankering?” Her eyes grow wide with intrigue.
“Yeah. In modern times, we call it desire.”
Her mouth parts open and an undescribed sound escapes her mouth. “Trust me, that’s not what I’m feeling today. I’m kind of wishing a plague or something was part of the theme here to wipe me out.”
I click the inside of my cheek. “You're having a blast here. I can see it.”
She studies me for a second before a smile erupts. “Okay, smartass, you may be right just this once.” She playfully hits my arm.
“Was it the merry-go-round or riding the covered wagon that took you over the edge to happiness?”
“Both. I don’t know, it’s kind of nice being a kid again. What about you, grumpy? You don’t seem miserable.”
I debate if I should let a comeback fly off my tongue or be honest, and when I look at April’s deep eyes as she wipes a strand of hair away from her face, I have my answer. “Hadley’s happy, so I’m happy… and thank you.”
“For what?”
“You're making this a nice day for her.”
Her shoulders come up toward her ears, and she seems to brush off my compliment.
“She’s a sweet kid; must have gotten that from her grandparents.”
We both look at Hadley who is busy with crafts.
“She is. Just an unusual situation,” I admit.
April taps my arm with hers. “Nah, many kids have only one parent and turn out amazing. Just look at me. And an unusual situation would be dragging your video partner along after making her stay at your house—oh, wait.” She brings her hand to her mouth in pretend shock. “That’s us.”
The corner of my mouth tugs up from her humor.
I step into her space with my hand finding a spot on her lower back. “Watch it, April, I might have to throw you over my shoulder when we get back to the homestead.” There is far too much swelter in my voice than I would care to admit.
Yet April just chuckles a sensual sound under her breath.
“Careful. I might actually tolerate you today,” she warns.
And hot damn, I hate that I'm enjoying this flirtation between us.
