“That was so much fun!” Max runs up to me and throws his arms around my legs.
“I’m glad you had fun.”
“Can Sam ride more rides?”
“You bet,” Sam answers before I can.
The rest of the night is a blur of laughter, rides, and games. Sam never blinks twice at anything Max asks of him. With each passing second, it’s easy to see how much Max likes him.
That makes two of us.
Seeing them together makes my heart swell. This is something I’ve always wanted. Someone to not only love my son, but to love me.
I’m getting ahead of myself. There’s no way Sam loves me. But it’s hard not to think about building a future with this man. He’s damn near close to perfect.
When the sun sets, Max’s eyes are drooping.
“I think it’s about time we head home.”
“No.” Max yawns.
“It’s bedtime for you. We’ll read a story and you can sleep with your tomato.”
“I’ll help you get him in the car.”
Sam picks him up with ease and leads the way toward the parking lot. Droves of people are still coming in, ready for their night to begin.
I remember those days. Coming out here with the girls before school started. It was always one of my favorite times of the year. Presley was always with Kade, Georgia was byherself, and Rylee and I were always scoping out the cutest guy in class.
Now, I’m buckling Max into his car seat and headed home. Wishing the man next to me would be able to join us.
“Thanks for hanging out with us tonight.”
I shut the door behind me and lean against it. I wish I could stay out here with him for hours, but I can’t.
“My pleasure, darlin’.”
I take a step closer, still far too much distance between the two of us. “When will I get to see you again?”
“I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
I shake my head. “You know what I mean.”
“Think you can get away this weekend?”
“I can try.”
He winks at me again. “Then I guess I’ll see you this weekend.”
He backs away before I can do anything stupid—like press up onto my toes and kiss him. Sam fades into the crowd as I get into my borrowed work truck.
Max is already fast asleep. I wouldn’t trade my life with him for anything. But sometimes I wish I could bring the man I’m seeing home with me.
If only I didn’t have to worry about my parents seeing us. It’s like being back in high school.
Only this time, things with Sam feel different. It’s not some crush. It feels real. More real than anything I’ve had in…well, forever.
Chapter Nineteen
