Page 12 of Kent's Honor
“Oh my God, Dad. I’m not stupid.”
“Don’t get fresh with me, young lady.” He lowered his chin. “And don’t use that word in front of him again.”
“Yes, Daddy.”
Kent opened the door and made his way through the family room and into the kitchen, where the smell of pasta and sauce assaulted his senses.
Dixie sat at the table in front of her iPad. She glanced up. “Oh, hello.”
“You didn’t have to make dinner,” he said.
She tucked her device into a small pouch. “I figured after a long day at work, the last thing you wanted to do was cook.” She rose, pointing to the oven. “It’s nothing special. Just my aunt’s spaghetti pie recipe. There’s enough for leftovers, so you can take some for lunch tomorrow.”
“What are you and Nicky going to do for dinner?”
“We’ll find something at my aunt’s house.”
“That’s just silly,” he said. “You went to all this trouble. You might as well enjoy it. Besides, I told Nicky I’d take him for a ride when I got home and while I’m not sure he trusts me, he did point to my bike and saidride.”
“I’m sure he’d love it, but I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not. The only question is, should I do it now or after dinner?”
“It won’t be ready for another twenty minutes,” she said.
“All right. Let’s go find a helmet that fits him.” He waved his hand toward the porch. “After you.” He followed her through the house, trying desperately not to watch her hips sway back and forth, but it proved impossible.
Her beauty was undeniable.
She carried herself with confidence, but there was pain etched in her soulful eyes. He knew that look and it gave him pause.
“Mommy!” Nicky jumped to his face and raced to his mother. “He came back!” He wiggled his fingers, begging for his mom to pick him. “Ride! Ride! Ride!”
“Yes, my little lovebug. You can go for ride. But you have to promise you will sit still and do whatever Kent tells you. Got it?”
Nicky grabbed her face and smacked his lips against hers. “Promise.”
Kent laughed. He missed those days with Elle. Now he was lucky if she kissed him goodbye at the bus stop. “Come on, little man. Let’s go find you a helmet.”
“We tried on a few today,” Elle said. “We were playing with my old motorized Jeep and since he’s a bit of a daredevil, we thought it might be a good idea for him to wear one.”
“I like to hear that.” He wrapped his arm around Elle, kissing her temple. Thankfully, she didn’t pull away.
“I’ll go get it.” She raced into the garage and reappeared with a helmet.
Kent watched in awe as she helped Nicky strap it on.
“She’s so good with him,” Dixie said. “Is it okay if I give her a little money? I feel like she did more today than I did.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m sure Elle loved every second of it. She can’t get enough of my friends’ kids.” Kent held Dixie’s gaze.
“Yeah. I noticed that. At the park.” She cocked her head. “I should be insulted.”
He ignored the statement. “Okay, little man. Are you ready?”
“Yes!”
Kent knelt in front of Nicky. “Can I lift you up on the motorcycle?”
