He squeezed her hands. “Okay. I’ll find out which resort they’re going to be at, and you can book a suite.”
“And the airline tickets?”
“We could make Tucker pay for the kids’ tickets.”
“Yes, but then we may not end up on the same flight as them.”
“You’re right. Okay the airline tickets too.” He held up a finger as a grin spread across her face. “But we’re flying economy.”
She frowned then opened her mouth like she planned to argue but closed it again. “Business class,” she finally said.
He locked gazes with her for a long moment, attempting to put his foot down in a figurative way.
She didn’t flinch. In fact, she smiled. Just like Dallas did a few weeks ago.
“Fine. You can book business class.”
“Yes!” She threw her arms around his neck, and the next thing he knew his lips were on hers.
His surprise quickly dissipated and he gave in to the temptation, circling his arms around her waist.
“Dad, I need to get home!” Savannah walked through the arched doorway of the family room. “Rainey’s coming over so we can study for our Chemistry test.”
Austin pulled away from Debbie and looked at Savvy. She rolled her eyes and shook her head at him.
He cleared his throat. “Right. Go get your brothers.”
“I already sent them out to the truck.”
“Okay. I’ll be right out.”
Savvy narrowed her gaze on him and folded her arms. “I’m not sure I can believe you.”
He gave Debbie’s hand a quick squeeze before walking out of the room. Pausing in the doorway, he said, “I’ll let you know what Cheyenne says, so you can make arrangements.” Then he stepped back into the room. “But don’t tell the kids. I don’t want them to know yet.”
“Okay.” Debbie smiled, and he had to fight the urge to pull her back into his arms.
“Thanks for dinner. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and hurried toward the front door.
Savvy was right behind him. “Don’t tell us what?”
“Nothing.”
The last thing he needed was to get the kids’ hopes up about going on vacation when he wasn’t sure how things with Cheyenne might turnout.
* * *
“Okay, boys, go take a bath,”Austin said as they walked through the door Friday evening.
“Do we have plans tomorrow, Dad?” Savannah asked as she dropped her backpack near the door.
“Well, your mom was supposed to come visit again this weekend, but she canceled this afternoon.”
Big surprise.
Austin knew she’d end up flaking out. Especially since he’d agreed to bring the kids to Florida.
“Good.” Savannah mumbled the single word under her breath, but he heard it.
