For the first time in weeks, I fall asleep quickly and soundlessly with a smile on my face.
The next day, it’s exactly four-thirty when I pull up to Jade’s house. She must have been watching for me, because she came outside before I even put the truck in park. She bounds her way down her steps, andfuck, she’s wearing another one of those tantalizing tiny summer dresses. This one is purple with white flowers. My eyes snag to the bra-like bust. Whatever the fuck it’s called, it has the rounds of her breasts pushed up, and I feel myself thicken at how fucking easy it would be to hike that little dress up and tug those cups down and get to see all of her.
The truck door opens, and I shift in my seat before she can see my boner through my jeans.
“Hi,” she greets, getting inside.
I bend across the console and kiss her.
“Hi, beautiful,” I say, making her blush. “You have a good day?”
“I did. I met Sarah for breakfast at Misty’s and then came home and got a lot of household chores done. It was nice. What about you?” she asks as I lace her fingers through mine, pulling out onto the road.
“It was good. Fished off the dock for a while and got some more wood chopped for the fireplace.”
When we get to the big farmhouse, we’re greeted by Ma in the kitchen, who pulls Jade in for a hug. “Jade, It’s so good to see you, dear. It’s been a while since I’ve made my way into the bakery. How are you doing?”
“I’m good, thank you. And thank you for inviting me for dinner.”
“Oh, anytime, hunny!”
“Hey, kiddos. What you got going on here?” I ask, looking into the bucket Hudson is carrying, and the stains all over their faces and clothing as they come running into the kitchen.
“We were picking berries for dessert!” Maysie says excitedly, glancing at Jade. “Who’s this, Uncle West? Is she your girlfriend?”
Jade gets down to eye level with my niece and holds out her hand. “Hi there. My name is Jade. I sure like your dress.”
I look at my niece, who’s wearing a berry-stained belle dress, and hide a chuckle.
“Thanks! I like yours too. I don’t have boobs like you, but someday I will. Nice big ones,” Maysie says, and Jade’s eyes go wide.
“Maysie, hunny.” Ma shakes her head, and Maysie leans closer to Jade to whisper, except we can all hear.
“Daddy said I’m not allowed to talk about having big boobies.”
Jade looks at me, and I just shake my head not sure what to say.
“Well, Maysie, it sure was nice to meet you.” She turns her body to Hudson and smiles up at my nephew. “And who must you be?”
“This is my brother, Hudson,” Maysie says for him.
I watch as my nephew adjusts the glasses on his face and looks at Jade curiously. “Was Maysie right? Are you Uncle West’s girlfriend?”
Jade smiles and looks up at me. I give her a nod, and she turns back to the kids. “I am,” she says.
“Are you going to get married?” Maysie asks.
“Okay, you two. Why don’t you set the bucket of berries up onto the counter and go wash up. Off you go.” Mom shoos them, saving us from further questions.
The kids take off, and as they leave the kitchen, I hear my nephew mumble, “Girls are gross. What does he need a girlfriend for?” under his breath, and I chuckle.
“Do you need help with anything, Mrs. Donovan?” Jade asks my mom.
“Oh no, dear. And please, call me Astrid.” Mom turns to me. “West, hunny. Why don’t you take Jade out to gather your father and brothers up. Wren should be here shortly. I’ll just add these berries to the top of the dessert and then everything will be ready.”
“Sure, Ma.” I brush a soft kiss against her head and grab Jade’s hand, taking her outside to the barn.
Inside, we spot Hayes busy putting saddles away. “Hey, man.”
