After finishing her chili dog, and only using two napkins in the process to keep from looking like Cody, Debbie went back for another bowl of chili. Sliding back into her seat beside Austin, she said, “This is amazing. Did you actually make it from scratch? Or is it from a can?”
“It’s my mom’s recipe.”
“I’m impressed. I’ve never met a man who knows how to cook like this.”
“Well, don’t be too amazed. I don’t have a very large variety of skills in the kitchen. I have about six dishes that I can make well. The rest usually comes from a box.”
They continued to share small talk as they ate, then she helped him carry the food back into the house, only to return with the makings for s’mores. More fun and laughter ensued until Cody’s marshmallow started on fire and ended up black.
Big tears welled in his eyes. “But I don’t like burned marshmallows.”
“Can I have it, Cody. I like them that way,” Debbie lied.
She and Austin had just been discussing how they liked their marshmallows toasted to a golden brown.
“You don’t have—“
“It’s so nice of you to toast a marshmallow just for me.” Debbie cut Austin off and put her arm around Cody’s shoulders.
She pulled the charred ball of sugar from Cody’s stick and stuck it in her mouth. “Mmm…so good.”
“I can cook one for you too,” Dallas said.
“Thank you, Dallas. What a gentleman.” She looked at Austin who stared at her. “I think he’s had a great example.”
Austin smiled and mouthed, “Thank you.”
She and Austin continued to visit around the fire for some time while the kids played tag. Debbie enjoyed every minute of it, especially the fact that Caleb at nearly six feet tall was willing to let little Cody tag him once in a while.
Debbie leaned toward Austin. “I like Caleb. He seems like a good kid.”
“Yeah, he does,” Austin said, watching Caleb pick up a giggling Cody and run after Savannah. “I’m glad he turned out to be nice because I think Savannah really likes him.”
“She does.”
He turned toward her at this, bringing his head within inches of her own. “Has she told you how much? I mean, do I need to worry about a serious relationship forming here. Savvy’s only sixteen.”
Debbie leaned back a bit. Not because she didn’t enjoy being close to Austin, but rather, if she didn’t, she’d end up kissing him like she did a few nights ago when he agreed to let her book plane tickets and a suite in Florida.
“She talks about Caleb with the same respect she talks about you. In fact, that’s one of the things she likes about him; he reminds her of you.”
Austin grimaced. “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
Debbie laughed. “It is. Trust me.”
They continued talking, mostly about the kids, until the sun set. As darkness settled in, Savannah approached them.
“Dad, can we go in and watch a movie now? Caleb has to be home by ten.”
“Yes, but make sure it’s one your brothers will enjoy too.”
Savannah rolled her eyes, but said, “Okay.”
Determined to follow Austin’s lead, Debbie waited for him to follow the kids into the house. When he didn’t move, she looked at him. He wasn’t watching Savannah and the boys as she’d expected, he was watching her.
“Aren’t you planning on chaperoning?” she asked, nodding her head toward the others.
He looked to where Caleb was giving Cody a piggy back ride into the house. “I think they have enough chaperones tonight. I’d much rather stay out here with you. That is, if you don’t mind.” He gave her such an intense look that a shiver raced down her spine.
