Connor stands before me, casual as can be. “Yeah, sure.” He throws a thumb over his shoulder. “Hadley and my mom are in my car trying to install the car seat, they’re responsible tonight for your little result of procreation.”
Relief hits me in whoosh. No way would I have left my little girl with Connor alone.
“Great. That’s clarified.” Vaughn is guiding me toward the stairs. “Now go get ready, Isla. You have twenty minutes,” he calls out, slightly coaxing me up the stairs.
By the time I’m searching for clothes in my closet and settle on a black dress that will fit and do wonders, then it nearly overthrows my balance; I’m going on a real date with Vaughn.
23
VAUGHN
It isn’t because of our daughter.
That isn’t the reason why we’re walking up the stairs to the roof of the Dizzy Duck Inn. I have a romantic night planned because I owe it to us to see if we have any future.
This is out of my realm, the whole dating-because-it-matters thing. Then again, so was becoming a dad, and I now believe I was always meant for that.
Maybe I’m also meant to be a better man. One that commits their life to someone.
Isla gasps when we arrive on the roof, her eyes instantly observing the scene. There is a small table with a few candles, and hanging lights border the roof. Most of all, we have the view of Lake Spark and the pines surrounding the water that are outlined by the full moon. The water has specks of a few boats with their lights on, anchored in the middle of the lake.
And we’re all alone.
She pivots on her heel to face me. “You arranged this?”
I smirk as my hands rest in my jeans pockets, and my eyes lower because I’ve never been one to surprise a woman in this manner. “Yeah, Declan mentioned it, and I put the wheels in motion. The staff seem receptive to bribes and people who play hockey,” I joke. “Figured this arrangement is a well-kept secret, and private too.”
Her bright smile is pure affection. “I love it.”
I tip my head in the direction of the table as I walk there. “You’ll like this.” I lift the cover on a tray to reveal a bunch of appetizer options, and best of all, a desserts section, with small pots of chocolate mousse, but most of all, fancy cheese with berry compote to complement. “A cheese plate for dessert is very European of us.”
Isla comes to join me at the table. “It’s also very us. I have to say that our periodic cheese discussion is the last thing I thought would have been the key to getting me interested in our attraction, but bravo that you did it.”
We both laugh before we sit down. I hold up the wine from the ice bucket, checking if she wants a glass.
“Please. I can have a glass, it will be fine. I pumped before we left, and mama can let loose, as there is plenty of milk in the freezer. I might be a little buzzed , though, as it’s been a while.”
I grin as I pour her a glass. “That’s okay. You might be kind of fun tipsy. Plus, I know where you live to ensure you get home safely.”
Her smile widens. “Ah yes, because someone at this table put my house onto the rental market in a gutsy move.”
Leaning back in my chair, I’m confident with my actions. “And? It seems to have worked out.”
She playfully offers me a look of doubt. “We’ll see.”
I bring my glass out to clink hers. “To… a perfect daughter and a good night?” I say, questioning if that’s the right toast to give.
Isla ensures our wine glasses touch. “Cheers.”
It’s a few seconds of silence, kind of in disbelief that this is where we find ourselves. Nearly a year ago, we were just a flirtation at a wedding brunch, with no possibility in sight. Now? We’re way more than we ever imagined, our lives intertwined.
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
Her mouth twists to the side while she sets her drink down. “I think, maybe I’m a little nervous about the fact that I’mnotnervous to be here with you.”
I take one more sip then also set my wine aside. “That’s encouraging for me.”
She crosses her arms on the table. “Okay, so first-date questions. Let me see…”
