Page 31 of Defending A Promise
“Yes! Tater tots, tater tots,” he chants from the backseat. “Bella wants tater tots, too.”
“I don’t think Bella should have tater tots.” I’m always the buzzkill.
“Yes, she does, Mommy. I asked her and she told me.”
“We’ll see.”
Nicholas starts playing with one of his trucks that he left in the backseat this morning when I dropped him off, so I turn to Declan. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t get any. Don’t want to make her sick.”
“It’s fine. She can have one or two. They won’t harm her.” He’s got one hand hanging over the top of the steering wheel as he looks over at me, and he looks hot. What the hell is my problem? I’ve got body parts getting heated where they have no business getting heated. I turn away and change the subject.
“I put you on the list of approved persons that can pick up Nicholas from school, you know, in case you ever need to.” I didn’t warn him that I was going to do that, and it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I’m not sure how Declan is going to feel about it, so I avoid his gaze, but I can feel him staring at me as we wait for the light to turn green.
“You did?”
“Um, yeah. It’s no big deal.”
I feel Declan take my hand and I have no choice but to look over at him. “It is a big deal, Riley, and I’m honored. Thank you.”
Not knowing what to say, I choose to say nothing at all and just point to the traffic light that has now turned green. Declan doesn’t release my hand and instead he drives with his other one as we sit there like awkward teenagers holding hands for the first time.
After dinner, and after Bella had ten tater tots, Declan and I sit on the back patio watching Nicholas play in the dirt with his trucks moving dirt from one area to another as Bella sits next to him and sleeps off her carbohydrate high.
“So, I met with Ian today at Hibiscus Island Country Club.”
“Really? That was fast. You were thinking it would take weeks to get on his schedule.”
“I know, right? I sent the email this morning and heard back right away. He fit me in.”
Declan turns to face me. “So? How’d it go? What did he say?”
I smile thinking about the contract that is sitting in my day planner, “Well, he’s offered me a very generous contract to be the exclusive event planner for not only the country club but for Mia’s bridal shop.”
His eyes widen. “Wow. That’s fantastic news, Riley.” He hesitates. “Thatisfantastic news, right?”
I look over at Nicholas playing and then to Declan who’s now holding my hand and nod. “Yes. It is fantastic news and I’m excited about it. I mean, I haven’t signed the contract yet, but if there are no hiccups, then this would be a huge opportunity for me."
Declan sits back, still holding my hand. “Riley, I’m so happy for you. Congratulations.”
I smile proudly at myself. All my hard work is finally paying off for both me and my son. “Thanks.”
Declan and I sit there holding hands quietly for a bit just watching Nicholas play when Declan finally asks the question I have been waiting for him to ask. “So, are you really planning onstaying in Hibiscus Harbor, Riley. For good?” He’s caressing the back of my hand with his thumb absentmindedly.
Without hesitation, I answer him. “Yes. We’re home.”
“Yes, you are. Yes, you are.”
I can see that there is more meaning to those words, but I don’t have time to dissect them because Nicholas starts yelling. “Bella! Stop it!”
Both Declan and I turn to see what’s happening and find Bella dragging Nicholas backwards by the collar of his shirt away from something by his trucks. She’s growling as she’s doing it, and Declan jumps up. “What’s wrong, Bella?”
The tone in his voice has me running right behind him as I watch Declan sprint out of the screened-in patio to the grassy area and grab Nicholas by the waist. He swings him into his arms as Bella releases Nicholas’ collar and starts barking and growling while standing between Declan whatever has her freaked out. “Bella! Heel!”
“Mommy!” Nicholas screams as I grab him from Declan’s arms as a black snake rears up and starts hissing at us.
Declan grabs Bella’s collar as he pushes me behind him. “Back away slowly, Riley. Nice and slow.” He’s got Bella’s collar as she’s barking like mad at the hissing snake.
Nicholas has a hold of my neck as the four of us make it to the screened-in patio. As soon as we are all behind the screen door, Declan slams it shut with the snake on the other side of the door and then turns to Nicholas. “Are you okay, buddy?” He’s inspecting his arms and legs for any bites as I hold my terrified son against my chest. Bella is still barking at the snake, but at least she’s safely behind the screen as well.
