Page 62 of Tango

“Well, I hope she doesn’t want it back.” He gave me a quick, private, hungry look, and I was pleased. I knew he was okay if he could still be playful.

“So, Ivy,” Shelly had waited for everyone to order before she jumped in and took the lead on the conversation, “how long have you two been dating?”

“Well, let’s see, now,” I tried to think when things went official.

“A few months,” Ty offered curtly, and Shelly threw him a look, unimpressed by his tone.

“Well, at least we know at this dinner you won’t be checked out. You know, with her here at the table and not over there by the window.” She gave him a shit-eating smile, and I held my breath.

“That’s true.” He nodded. I was shocked he took it so well. “So, Dad, got any fishing in?”

“Oh, ah, no, not yet.” Richard stumbled over Ty’s unexpected question. “Still getting the lay of the land.”

“There’s a great spot just a mile up the road,” Ty went on. “You should check it out sometime.”

“I’d love to hear more about it.” His dad’s eyes lit up as if in that one simple moment, things had changed, and it had made his whole year worthwhile.

“Ivy, has your mother been to town to see you?” Shelly asked, and her face let me know she was happy how things were going.

“No, regretfully, not yet. Soon, I hope.” My stomach twisted for a moment at the mention of my mom. I was such a mama’s girl, and I hated to be away from her. At least I knew Reid checked in on her often and had friends checking as well. “I haven’t seen her since we were in Washington last month.”

“We?” Shelly asked.

“Yes, I had to go to Washington, and Ty was there for work. Since we happened to be there at the same time, Ty offered to drive me.”

“I bet he did.” She chuckled, and he rolled his eyes at his sister. I caught his smirk, and so did Shelly.

“So, you met her mother, Ty?” Connie’s face said a lot.

“I have.”

“So, this is pretty serious?” She pried a little further.

“Very,” he confirmed. “I love her.” His hand landed on mine, and my eyes went wide with shock. I wanted to burst with warmth. I certainly hadn’t seen that coming.

“No. shit,” Shelly snorted. “I mean, the kitchen could have exploded at that last dinner we had, and he’d barely have noticed he was so busy watchin’ her.”

And now I’m blushing.

“That’s wonderful, son.” Ty’s dad smiled and smacked the table, and he and Connie exchanged looks of complete surprise.

“And you, dear?” Connie finally got some words out. “Do you love my son?”

“More than anything,” I assured her. I beamed at Ty, who sat and studied us all, his face smug that he’d caught everyone off guard.

“Please, have some kids so my daughter has someone to play with.” Shelly laughed, and the smug look disappeared. Ty took a quick mouthful of water and choked.

“I love the idea of a little one running around with his own little binkie.” I couldn’t help myself. I pressed my lips together to try to stop the laughter that bubbled up from inside.

Ty’s face went murderous as he looked from his sister to me.

“I love those ones with the little la-la-phants in the middle.” I let the laughter go and could feel my face turn red as I gasped for breath.

“You’re all dead to me,” Ty hissed, and the whole table erupted in laughter so hard people started to look over at us. “You think that’s funny?” He smirked at me. “Just wait!”

“Remember, Ty, I’m not the only one who was here that day. Moore was here, too.”

“That’s right.” Ty looked thoughtful. “He kept that conversation from me too. Well, that’s two people who may not show up for work tomorrow morning.”

---