Vander coughed suddenly like he was trying not to laugh.
Ben continued seriously, “They go on dates and Jeremiah says he hates it, but I don’t think I’d mind if you and Vander are.”
Silence surrounded them. Summer honestly didn’t know what to do with that.
She’d spent years assuming Ben would hate the idea of another man around. That he’d feel protective or territorial or confused. The possibility that he might actually want her to have somebody had never crossed her mind.
Vander glanced at her before twisting to look at Ben.
“We’re not dating,” he said calmly. “But I would like to date your mom.”
Summer’s heart forgot how to function for a second.
Ben considered that carefully. “Oh.”
That was apparently acceptable information because he launched into talking about spring break.
“Grandma and Grandpa are coming next week,” he announced.
Summer nodded. “They’re taking you on your adventure trip.”
Every spring break her parents swept Ben away somewhere new in their RV. Yellowstone. Arizona. Weird roadside attractions her father somehow made exciting.
It gave Ben experiences she could never afford herself.
And every single time he left, she felt a mix of relief to get a break even as she missed him every single minute.
Ben kicked his feet lightly. “Grandpa says we might see dinosaurs.”
“Pretty sure they’re fossils,” Summer said.
“I don’t think fossils count.”
Then Ben looked toward Vander again. “Are you gonna be around when I go on my trip?”
Vander didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I’ll be right here with your mom.”
“Good.”
The simple certainty in Ben’s voice made Summer look at him harder.
Ben shrugged one shoulder. “I worry about Mom when I leave.”
That hit her square in the chest.
“Oh, honey—”
“I bet you get lonely without me around.” He looked toward Vander again. “That’s why I’m okay with her dating.”
Summer covered her face with one hand, but Vander somehow kept a straight face. “How am I doing so far? Do I have a good chance with your mom?” he asked.
Ben considered it seriously. “The ice cream was a nice touch.”
Her jaw dropped and Vander openly laughed. “I’m glad you think so.”
Then Ben added, “Besides, Granny Helen likes Vander.”
Summer looked back sharply. “How do you know that?”
