Page 87 of Hello Tease

“Great. We’ll see you Sunday at seven.” She hung up and leaned back into my chest.

It was the best feeling, having her lean on me. Then she turned, wrapping her arms around my neck and placing a kiss on my lips. “Have I mentioned how incredible you are?” she asked.

I nuzzled my nose against her. “Never hurts to hear it.”

Her lips tilted into a smile. “You. Are amazing, Knox Madigan.” She kissed me again for a moment before a little voice interrupted, saying, “What are you doing?” We broke apart, seeing Emily staring at us. “Were you kissingforever?” she asked exasperatedly.

Larkin said, “Not forever. I have to breathe sometime.”

I laughed at her quick response and then said to Emily, “Looks like dinner’s almost ready. Let’s go wash up.”

She walked with me, and I scooped Jackson in my arms, even though he was officially in the phase where he hated being held. He didn’t fight me too much as we walked to the bathroom and I helped him onto the counter to wash hands.

And in true Larkin fashion, I came up with a song on the spot while the three of us cleaned up.

Because I’m washing.

Wash your hands if you feel

Like a kid who’s extra clean!

Wash your hands if you feel

Like germy germs are the worst.

Wash your hands if you know

That cleanliness is the truth.

Wash along if you feel like

You’re ready for some food.

Because we’re washing.

Because we’re washing.

The kids giggled at my silly lyrics, and I saw us all in the bathroom mirror, thinking to myself that this is what I loved. These kids, this woman, this home... thisfamily. It didn’t matter how it came to be because I knew what it was now:mine.

50

LARKIN

I knewI shouldn’t be nervous, but as I pulled the lasagna out of the oven, I could feel my heart bouncing around my chest with adrenaline. My in-laws and my ex were coming over to dinner tonight. At my place. With my boyfriend.

I’d spent all day cleaning and finishing up last-minute decorations, but the house was still small, still dated, still sparse. Nancy and Jerald hadn’t been over here before, and Seth had only been the one time for a brief moment before storming away. I hoped today could be more peaceful for all of us.

PAW Patrolplayed on the TV, and it was just the kids and me at home while I waited for Knox to get back from a Dallas Diamonds watch party with his family. It was looking like Ford’s team was going to be playing in the championship game this year. Gray had invited me and the kids over to watch, but I wanted to get ready for today instead.

Then the thought occurred to me. What if Seth and his parents didn’t show up? It wouldn’t be the first time they’d flaked on me, but I’d been so stressed about dinner I hadn’t even considered the possibility.

I picked up my phone, dialing Nancy’s cell number, and held it to my ear.

After a few rings, she answered. “Hi, Larkin, we’re on our way out the door now.”

“We’re?” I asked, just to make sure.

“All three of us are coming,” she confirmed.

---