Page 64 of Reaching Roland

“Daddy, I don't want to be nosy, so if I'm overstepping, feel free to tell me to mind my own business.”

I kissed the tip of his nose, then his temple. “Okay, but I can't imagine you asking anything that I won’t be willing to answer.”

“Can you afford to start your own business right now?”

“It's the strangest thing, shortcake. I probably wouldn't be in that position if it wasn't for Rhonda getting sick. Once we knew that she wasn't going to make it, all I could think was that I had to make sure that Cameron was covered if anything ever happened to me. I saw a financial advisor, started investing, and made some other financial moves. I won't be living in the lap of luxury, quitting my job now, if I can’t drum up business, but I'm also not going to starve. I can cover my health insurance, and I'll still be able to spoil you.” I dug my fingers into his side, making him giggle hysterically.

He smiled up at me sweetly, and his adorableness factor skyrocketed in the morning light. “Thank you for sharing that with me, Daddy.”

“Thank you for listening.”

Kenny picked up my left hand in one of his. “When did you stop wearing your wedding ring? I was always kind of surprised that you didn't since you were so open with the fact that Rhonda was the love of your life.”

I kind of hated that I’d been so open with him about that. I never wanted him to feel like I was comparing them or that he came in second place. I’d have to be mindful going forward. “It wasn't until about four years ago. I was starting to help the other guys out with things around their homes more and more. Sometimes, I would take my ring off to make sure it didn't get caught on something, and I had a couple of close calls where I thought I lost it.”

“Oh shit. I’d have stopped wearing it, too.”

“Yeah, it was time. I'm not sure how Rhonda would've felt knowing that I was holding on to her memory so closely instead of living my life.”

“Do you think she would've liked me for you?” he asked hesitantly.

“I think she would've loved you, shortcake. I know that she would love you for me. In just a few months, you’ve brought me back to life.”

His gaze jumped to mine. “We haven't been hanging out for a few months.”

“No, but I’ve been coming into the salon to spend time with you since January.”

His cheeks pinkened. “Oh.”

He traced a finger over my ring finger. “I had an idea this morning when I woke up.”

“What's that?”

“There's a guy who moved to Little Beach Bay about ten years ago and opened a tattoo shop. He does beautiful work. Haveyou ever thought about having a wedding band tattooed on your finger to memorialize the love you and Rhonda shared?”

If I hadn't been sure before what my loving wife would've thought of my sweet, kind, adorable boy, I knew now. “That's such a fantastic idea, shortcake.”

He shrugged self-consciously, like he thought he was overstepping, but I appreciated his acceptance of the woman I loved and that I’d always carry her in my heart. “Yeah, I just thought you're doing so well, and I feel so special when I’m with you, but it hasn't been that long since you were saying there would never be anyone but her. This can't be easy on you, so I thought maybe if you carried a piece of her everywhere you go?—”

I caught his lips in a kiss and stood with him in my arms. I’d show him exactly how I felt about his idea. I didn’t know how the hell I got this lucky, but I already suspected that I’d never let him go.

Chapter Twenty-Two

KENNY

Ihad a great few days down at Little Beach Bay with my family and friends. It was the first time I'd seen them all summer, so it was great to catch up on what was going on in their lives, help my father out in the barbershop, and chill with my besties. Roland and I had decided that he'd come with me for the first time the weekend after Labor Day. I wanted a chance to tell my parents about him and how happy he made me. He tried hiding it, but I knew him well enough to know that he was a little anxious about how they'd handle the age gap. My father had merely laughed and said I needed someone older to wrangle me.As if.

I'd driven back home this morning so that Roland and I could spend the day together before family dinner. A quick stop at home for clothes, and I was good to go.

“Hey, Kenny,” Evelyn said, coming out her side door as I lifted the latch to the gate. I groaned internally because I was so ready to be with Roland.

“Hey. How are you?” I asked nicely. She really was a great lady.

“It seems like forever since I last saw you. Must be spending all of your time over at that sexy silver fox’s house.”

A dopey smile popped on my face, but I couldn't help it. I'd missed him. This was the first time I'd been away from him in the last couple of months.

“How long have you been dating again?” she asked.

---