Page 87 of This Feeling

Declan’s head snapped up. “Martin’s your father?”

The girl nodded. “Do you know him?”

Smiling, Declan replied, “I do. Or at least, I did a very long time ago. How is he?”

“He’s good. He’ll be here later. Right now, it’s just my mother and me.”

“Good to know,” Declan said, taking out his wallet. “I’ll take this.”

After finishing the sale, Declan grabbed the little bag with his honey and we started walking again.

“Who’s Martin Banks? I don’t remember him.”

“He didn’t go to school here. I met him through football. He was homeschooled, but he played in the same league I played in.”

“Is he related to the local Banks family?”

“He’s Aurora’s cousin, I think? Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s how they’re related. I don’t know why he was homeschooled, though. I never did ask him.”

“Oh wait, I think she’s mentioned him a time or two.”

Declan stopped walking and stared straight ahead. I followed his gaze to see Sean and Caroline standing at the crepe booth.

I couldn’t help but giggle. Every time I saw either of them, the only thing I could think of was pickleball and spanking.

“Looks like things are still going well for those two,” I said, noticing that Declan had turned us ever so slightly so that we wouldn’t be walking toward his brother and Caroline.

“Yeah, looks like it.”

“How’s your mom taking it?” I asked.

Declan shrugged. “I’m not sure. Sean hasn’t mentioned anything about her pushing Crystal on him again, so I guess she’s okay with it all. I mean, he’s still dating her best friend’s daughter, and I’m pretty sure that’s all she and Viola ever wanted.”

“Speaking of Viola, I heard she’s having a huge sale at Sugar and Spice Boutique. I’m going to have to call my sisters and plan a shopping trip. Oh, and my mother would like to have everyone over for dinner tomorrow, if you’re free. I told her I’d ask if you’re working.”

“I’m off, and my folks went to New York City for the week, so that works perfectly.”

“Great!” I said, with a clap of my hands. “She mentioned having my dad grill up some burgers if you’re good with that.”

He nodded. “I’m good with whatever she wants to make. Will Candice, Amanda, and Tina be there?”

I nodded. “Most likely. Why?”

“No reason, I just haven’t seen them around. Well, wedidsee Amanda and her little one at Slice, Slice, Pizza the other night.”

“Mandy is such a doll. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing.”

“Harper? Declan?”

We both turned to see my father walking toward us. “Daddy!”

Dad stopped in front of us, kissed me on the cheek, then he shook Declan’s hand. “Are you enjoying this beautiful day?”

“We are,” I replied. “What brings you out to the farmers’ market?”

“Your mother wanted me to pick up a few things.”

“Oh, will you tell Mom that Declan and I are on for dinner at the house tomorrow?”

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