“I’ll be glad when the Midsummer’s Eve event is done next week,” Ezreal said, helping to clean up their leavings. “Since we’re shutting down the office that day, everyone’s been putting in extra hours to get ahead. They’re also distracted. It’s been hard to focus.”
“The kids are getting hyper about going.”
“I’m excited to show you my place,” Ezreal said, hoping she hadn’t changed her mind. He hadn’t been able to shake the thought that he’d know his mind for sure once he saw her and the children in his refuge. If they fit there . . .
“Ezreal!” Brand came running over but stumbled. Ezreal took his hand and kept the boy from falling. The child cried, “Come play tag with us.”
“My legs are a lot longer than yours.” He let the boy pull him to his feet and then hefted him on his shoulders and ran toward the other children. They scattered, squealing.
“How about some Frisbee?” Sara called, spinning the toy on one finger. “Girls against guys?”
“But Janna and Lessa are a lot taller than Brand and Nik,” Ezreal said.
“And you’re a lot taller than I am.” She shot him a sly look.
For the first time that day, the worry that seemed to always haunt the back of her eyes faded. It took all of Ezreal’s self-control not to pull her into his arms. They ended up simply taking turns tossing the toy back and forth with the children trying to intercept it.
When everyone was tired, they returned to the blanket. After eating the brownies, they started packing up their things. Farmer Dale helped load their stuff into the carriage, and they were on their way.
Ezreal sat beside Sara that time with Nik on his lap and Lessa leaning against his arm. Sara had Brand on her lap and Janna on her side. Sara had to keep shaking them to have them stay awake.
“Why not let them rest?” he asked.
“They’re going to fall asleep in the car,” she said softly. “I don't want to fight this twice.”
They did exactly that. After dropping off the Diederik children at their home, Ezreal helped to carry Sara’s inside and into their beds. While she settled them, he brought the leftover food inside from the car. He was putting them on the dining table when Sara came out of the bedroom.
She came to stand before him, her gaze intent as she met his. “Thank you so much for a wonderful day.” A strand of her blonde hair had escaped the clasp in the back. She looked tired but happy.
“It was fun.” He brushed aside the wayward lock. A tingle of attraction raced up his hand, and his gaze dropped to her lips.
His phone rang, the rock song making them both startle and step apart. Irritated, he pulled the phone from his pocket and groaned; he’d been counting on some alone time with Sara.
“Looks like I’m needed at the office.”
“But it’s Saturday.”
“Remember what I said about my teams pushing to get ahead so we can be closed for the party? Doesn’t seem fair for me to be off while they’re plugging away. It’ll be a busy week, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it out here.” Ezreal took her hand. “But be sure to let me know if you need me for anything for the music room this week.”
“You should take your costume now then.” She hurried away and returned with the outfit on a hanger.
“You do beautiful work.” He took it from her. “Are you sure I can’t pay you for your time?”
“You already have.” Sara waved her hand in the direction of the music room outside. “Thanks again for a fun day.”
“My pleasure.” Ezreal backed up, turned, and jogged to his car.
