The confidence that had started to build in her again deflated a little. Deep down she knew what Daphne and Gordon was saying was right, but it didn’t mean she liked it. “Okay, I hear what you’re both saying.”
“How about we meet in a month’s time and see what the status is of your relationship then. I’d also like to drop by your place next Tuesday, Cerise, to see how Finn’s doing. Will that work for you?”
“I’ll make it work. But it will have to be after school. I won’t have him missing any classes.”
Daphne chuckled. “How about four thirty next Tuesday. Will that be suitable?”
“Yes, that’ll be fine.”
“I’ll see if I can get off the ranch a little early that day, so I’m there too.”
Daphne nodded in approval. “Well, that sounds like a plan.” She stood, signaling that the meeting was over. “I know thishasn’t turned out the way you’d hoped, Cerise. But I think it will be better for all involved.”
The sensible part of her agreed, but her heart wanted to disagree and demand that the adoption papers be filed now. Fortunately, her sensible side won out, and she swallowed the words down. And really, once Daphne saw Finn in her home next week, she’d know that Finn belonged with her.
And Brodie.
Her inner voice completed the sentence she was too afraid to complete herself.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Brodie glancedat Cerise again as she gazed out the window at the passing scenery. Her disappointment about the outcome of the meeting was palpable and he wished he could do something to make it better.
His stomach dropped to his feet. Had he made it worse by suggesting they turn up at the meeting as a couple?
Yes, doofus, of course you made it worse.
He flexed his fingers around the steering wheel. “I’m sorry, Sparkles.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry that instead of making the adoption process better, I’ve made it more difficult for you. I should never have suggested we be a couple for Finn’s adoption. I should’ve let you go alone.”
Her sigh sounded around the cab of his truck, making him feel like a class A jerk. “It’s not your fault. I was mad and disappointed at first, but Daphne is right. Perhaps it is best if I do take a step back and think things through properly.”
Dread balled in his stomach. She wasn’t about to take a step back from him as well, was she?
His reaction to Cerise was confusing and exhilarating all at the same time. Confusing because it seemed so fast to feel this connected to her. And exhilarating because he believed he could conquer anything with her by his side.
Manning up, he asked the question and whatever her answer, he’d deal with it. “What do you mean take a step back? Are you talking about taking a step back from us?”
Her hand landed on his thigh. “No. I meant it the other night when I said I liked you. I wanted to date you. That hasn’t changed, but maybe Daphne was right and me adopting Finn was a knee-jerk reaction to how he was acting when I picked him up. I think I’m the best person for him but maybe I’m not.”
“Stop. Don’t even think that. When you love someone, you make decisions that seem to be spur of the moment, but they’re not. They’re your instincts kicking in. You are the right person for Finn. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“I suppose you’re right. But maybe I should talk to Poppy about it first. Maybe she’s too afraid to say what she really wants because she’s worried she’s going to disappoint her brother and sister-in-law.”
“You could be right, but I’m not sure you should approach her. Maybe it’s a question that Daphne needs to ask,” he commented as they pulled into the parking lot of Buck’s Roadhouse. He’d convinced Cerise that she needed one of Buck’s burgers to deal with the situation they now found themselves with.
“I don’t think she’d tell Daphne the truth. I have a feeling she’d be too afraid to. Saying it out loud puts it out there. How would it sound if she said she wanted her life back and didn’t want to be burdened with a child that’s not her own?”
“The truth is probably better for Finn at this stage. If she doesn’t want him then she should at least want what’s best for him.” He got out of the truck and went around to her side andopened the door for her. “I still don’t think it’s a good idea to approach her yourself, but maybe talk to Daphne about it and see what she thinks. Between the two of you, you’re bound to come up with something that will benefit Finn the most.” He held out his hand. “In the meantime, ready for some food?”
“Yes.” He helped her from the truck and slammed the door shut behind her.
They entered Buck’s place and he paused, letting his eyes adjust to the dimness of the restaurant. He was surprised at the amount of people in the bar for a Thursday. Seated at a table in the corner were some of his crew from the HVFD, Dean, Greg and Chris.
“There are some guys from my team here. Do you want to join them?”
