Page 79 of Home in the Country
“Miss Baker said some daddies had to work today.”
“They did,” I agree. “Which is why I brought everyone with me so none of your friends would be alone today.”
Briggs turns his head and smiles. I smile at the sea of navy blue shirts before turning back to the table.
“This is Nolan and his dad,” Briggs says. “He’s my Otto.”
I. Am. Dead.
Like just pick me up off the floor because my heart has exploded from the sheer joy of this moment.
Wrapping my arm around his shoulders, I squeeze him tight against my side until he giggles, then I kiss the top of his head before finally releasing him.
Nolan’s dad, Dylan, smiles knowingly as I blink quickly to quell the tears, again.
“They’re pretty cool, right?” Dylan says quietly as the boys chatter about trucks and how the Jell-O is slimy but still tastes good and if Bigfoot lives in Tennessee.
“Totally.” We share a smile and turn back to the boys, and I know this is a day I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
26
FALLON
Afew weeks have passed since my party-worthy meltdown, and Otto is still treating me—us—with kid gloves. Talking to the girls was exactly what I needed—and what I needed to hear.
Briggs and I didn’t have a big support system in New Mexico, and when Tanner was deployed we stayed mostly to ourselves. I didn’t fit in, and maybe I should have tried harder, but I wasn’t going to subject my son to people who only wanted to be with us when it benefited them. Bianca was, of course, the exception.
My return to Clementine Creek opened my eyes toso many things.I wanted to be here so that Briggs would have a loving and stable environment. But without even trying, I was guarding myself and him just like I did when we were across the country.
I needed the change, and I’d been making a conscious effort since the girls’ night. Otto and I have had one nice date night that ended with a lingering kiss at my door and a few family nights with Briggs which Otto seemed just as happy about.
Despite me practically trying to jump him after his fathers’ luncheon stunt, Otto seems as determined as ever to take things slow. I have bided my time, but tonight, all bets are off.
The knock at the door has a small smile pulling at my lips as I walk the short distance to open it.
“Hey.” Otto leans in and kisses my cheek as I step back and let him inside. He looks absolutely edible in worn jeans and one of the flannel button-downs I love so much rolled up to his elbows.
“Hey. I brought takeout. I thought we could just hang and watch a movie or something.” He looks around me into the quiet living room. “Where’s Briggs?”
“Cheyenne said that she wanted someauntietime, so she asked if they could have a sleepover. I think she’s taking him to the lake where it will probably turn into Nephew Night.”
“And you’re okay with that? The lake, I mean. Can he swim? I mean my brothers just threw me in the water, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how most kids learn and—”
I bite my lip as I raise an eyebrow in his direction. He scrubs the back of his neck with his hand as he nods.
“Right, right, you’re his Mama. I just worry, ya know? I mean yeah, okay. Nephew Night? That sounds cool.”
“It’s cute that you’re worried,” I say as I trail my fingertips up and down his arm.
Otto blows out a breath and then moves to put the bag of food on the counter. “I got a bunch of stuff from the Wok In in Blackstone Falls. I didn’t know what Briggs would like, but he’s not here and—”
“Let’s go for a drive.”
“Okay, sure, anything you want.”
I hate that he’s so eager to placate me, and I release an unintentional growl. Otto gives me a funny look but doesn’t say anything. It’s almost like he’s been twice as cautious since the event at school.
“Where do you want to go?”
