Page 79 of Summer Nights

When we were waiting for the last hole, I said, "You take anyone special here when you were in high school?"

"We usually came in groups. What about you? Did you date?"

"Not when I realized the boys only wanted one thing from the trailer park girl." They actually called me much worse, but I had the wherewithal not to reveal that truth to Cooper. I knew he'd be angry about something that happened years ago. It wasn't worth remembering or even rehashing with someone else.

Cooper grimaced. "I can't believe they treated you like that."

"My mom was easy, so why wouldn't I be?"

He put his arm around me and pulled me into his side. "You don't believe that."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course not. And people treated me differently in college. It was like starting over. It was what I needed."

"Then why did you come back?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

"This place is in my blood. I love it so much."

"I'm glad you still had good memories of this place, even after how people treated you."

"I knew what they said behind my back. People thought I was no good or would end up like my mom. And maybe I wanted to prove them wrong."

"Is that why you have designer purses and your car is immaculately kept?"

"I work hard for what I have, and I take care of my things."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

"I'm grateful that I'm able to support myself and the baby."

He grinned, covering my bump with his hand. "This little one will be loved by so many people."

"Congratulations," the mother who had been in front of us said.

"Thank you," Cooper said.

"Good luck to you," the dad said as he ran to catch up with his kids.

"Was that a warning or actual well-wishes?" Cooper asked me.

I laughed. "I think it might have been a bit of both. I know it won't be easy but?—"

He grinned, pulling me closer. "I'll be with you every step of the way."

For the first time, I heard his words and felt them in my body. "You're not getting rid of me."

He grinned wider at my statement. "You ready for some ice cream?"

"I've been looking forward to it all day."

We finished the last hole, Cooper won a free game for next time, and we ordered twist cones, savoring them at the picnic tables in the shade.

"You want to play the next course, or do you want lunch first?" Cooper asked.

"Lunch. Are you judging me for eating dessert first?" I asked as I licked the ice cream.

His gaze followed the movement. "I'd never judge you. Besides I'm eating dessert first too."

He found a restaurant around the corner where we ate fish tacos and drank a concoction of fruit juices. It was delightful. For once, I was able to truly let go of everything. There was nothing else in my head but him.

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