He actually laughed then. And then he asked if Dillon could stay over at his place Friday night.
“Of course. He would love that.”
* * *
On Friday, Riley picked up Dillon from daycare at four. At home, she changed from her increasingly tight workskirt, vest and silk shirt into pull-on jeans and a loose-fitting top.
Dillon grabbed the overnight pack she’d filled for him. He followed along behind her as she carried a six-pack of ginger ale and a big Tupperware container of macaroni salad out to the Tahoe. At four thirty they were on their way.
Josh and Shane came out to greet them when they arrived. In two minutes flat, Dillon was out of the Tahoe and shouldering his pack.
Shane said, “Come on. You can put your stuff in my room.”
The boys headed up the steps and into the house.
Josh said, “Thanks for coming.” He smiled.
She smiled back. “Wouldn’t miss it.” Several seconds went by during which they just stood there by the Tahoe, grinning at each other.
Finally, he seemed to shake himself. “Let me help you.”
“Uh, sure.” She handed him the six-pack of ginger ale, grabbed the macaroni salad and followed him inside.
It was a great party. All the Bravos showed up for it. There were plenty of steaks and lots of chicken for everyone. Josh had trucked in three extra picnic tables, which the Bravos had covered with a wide assortment of snacks and sides. The kids played tug-of-war and ring toss. And Annette showed up with Miles at her side.
Josh had strung party lights in the trees. They made the prettiest glow even before it got dark.
As the stars came out and the party lights glowed all the brighter, Josh’s mom emerged from the big log house with a three-layer chocolate cake blazing with candles. Everyone chimed in on the birthday song. Somehow, Abby Bravomade it all the way to Josh and set the cake down in front of him without a single candle going out.
“Make a wish, son,” Abby commanded.
Josh just happened to look directly at Riley right then. She gave him her brightest smile as butterflies took flight in her belly.
“Done,” he said gruffly. And then he closed his eyes, took a giant breath and blew out every candle.
They all clapped and shouted.
After cake and coffee, the whole group convened around the campfire. The kids roasted marshmallows and made s’mores while several parents predicted they would be up all night on a sugar high.
Around ten, everyone started packing up to head home. Dillon and Shane kept dropping off to sleep in their folding chairs—and then jolting awake to insist they weren’t tired at all.
Riley took charge, coaxing them into the house and herding them upstairs with Roger following close behind. Under protest, they changed into their pajamas and brushed their teeth. By the time they climbed into bed, they’d given up insisting that they were wide awake. She tucked them in. Then, carefully stepping over Roger who was already asleep in the middle of the floor, she tiptoed out the door.
When she got back out to the party, Annette and Miles were saying good-night. Riley hugged her mother-in-law, and Josh appeared at her side to shake Miles’s hand and say how pleased he was that Miles and Annette had been able to come.
Half an hour later, Riley stood side by side, waving goodbye as the last of the Bravos drove off toward the highway, their taillights disappearing around the second bend in the narrow road.
Josh turned to her. “Come inside,” he said.
She should go, and she knew it. “It’s getting late, and I—”
“Riley.” His voice was so gentle. It sent a sweet shiver racing over her skin. “Do you know what I wished for when I blew out my candles?” As she stared up into his eyes, he answered his own question. “That you would stay the night.”
“Josh,” she began and had no idea where to go from there. She wanted to stay. She missed what they used to have. Sometimes at night, half asleep in her own bed, she would reach for him. And then wake up to find herself lying there all alone.
He asked so gently, “Riley, will you please stay the night?”
“I…”
