Page 23 of Coyotes Ever After

Sometimes, because of our kids’ schedules, date night ends up being on a Monday, but on that night, Rowan sets up ababysitter, dinner for the babysitter and the kids, and a dinner reservation for the two of us.

That night alone means everything. Our marriage is the foundation our family is built on, and we both want to keep it strong.

Ryland starts fussing and Tess shoves the rest of a piece of pizza into her mouth and gets up to take him.

“He’s hungry,” she says after finishing her food.

I meet Rowan’s gaze. “You want to eat?”

“No, you eat, babe. I’m good.”

He has to be so hungry. I don’t think he’s had time to eat anything today, between picking up our grocery order this morning and going right to hockey with the boys.

When he winks at me, my stomach flutters. I don’t think he’ll ever stop having that effect on me.

It took me a long time to find him, but I found the best and he was so worth the wait.

CHAPTER TEN

Rowan

“I’ll need to pack a bag?”Cam gives me a puzzled look. “Like what kind of bag?”

“An overnight bag.”

Her expression changes rapid fire with different reactions. First surprise, then worry, followed by excitement and...back to worry again.

“All night? I don’t know how Ollie will do without us all night.”

“Cassie can handle it. She’s got a lot of experience with special needs kids.”

That wrinkle between her brows shows up. “Yeah, but--”

I put my hands on her hips, giving her a reassuring look. “It’s time. We haven’t had a night alone in more than three years. And Cassie’s been babysitting for us for more than a year. The kids all love her. Sam and Tate will be here to help.”

She cringes. “Did you talk to them about it?”

“Yeah, I made sure they’d both be home Friday night.”

“Did Tate say we’re too old to be having sex?”

I laugh. “Not this time, no.”

I can see the wheels turning in her mind. “Okay, I want to do this. I do. But Mae has indoor soccer on Saturday morning.”

“Sam’s taking her.”

“Oh...really?”

I nod. “It’s all covered. Date night goes from 5:00 p.m. Friday until noon Saturday this week.”

She can’t even fathom it. Our three-hour weekly dinner dates are the only time she’s had away from our kids since Ollie was born.

“Where are we staying? Somewhere close, so we can get home if there’s an emergency?”

We’re staying at a five-star boutique hotel downtown, but I’m not ruining the surprise and telling her that. The drive from our home in Elmhurst to the city depends on traffic, but it’s not bad.

“Of course. Now get that fine ass to a lingerie store. I’ll do school pickup today.”

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