Page 92 of The Cannon
“Where are you, Sawyer?”
I turn to see her amused expression. I’ve been busted.
“I thought you were busy, so I was just going over our trip to Texas.” Don’t think she bought that. Shit.
“What are you up to?”
“No. Actually I was far away. I was thinking about the adoption. Do you think he’s really going to be on board?” Now I’ve got her. Think the concerned look I added did the job.
“Are you kidding? He loves you so much. Of course he will.”
“It’s a six-month process at least, so he’ll have time to back out if he decides otherwise.”
She scoots close and lays her head on my shoulder. “Dad. The title sounds good on you.”
I smile with the thought and kiss the top of her head. Glancing down at her red cashmere sweater, an idea pops in my mind.
“Later, after we’re back home, I want to lay you down on that cashmere blanket in the great room. Naked of course. You, me, no clothes, our asses warmed by the fire.”
She starts giggling. “Have you forgotten your son? Shall we lock him in his room?”
“Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you. He’s spending the night at your parents’.”
This is the part I’m concerned about.
“Really? Every time they’ve asked him he’s resisted. What happened?”
I miss the Swift’s turnoff. But it’s perfect timing. She’s going to be distracted.
“Think he’s finally feeling like we are actually a family. They’re his grandparents after all,” I say trying to sell my idea.
Sitting up she scans the road ahead. “You missed the turn!”
“No I didn’t. I’m taking you on a small detour. We still have an hour before we have to be at your parents.”
Without looking I sense her eyes boring into the side of my face. Only one soft sound leaves her luscious lips. “Hmmm.”
I’m trying not to smile but hell, I’m about to bust.
“What’s going on?” she says looking around.
Just in time I spot the street I’m looking for. Funny that it’s named Destiny Road. I turn right and immediately Bristol’s posture straightens.
“Oh! Are we going ice skating? Please! Please! Please!”
That’s it. The reaction I was counting on. “Yes. You finally got me out here. I’m going to make an ass of myself just so you know.”
But I’m covered with kisses. At least my right side is.
“I love you so much! Thank you, honey. And I know you’ll be great. You’re an athlete after all!”
The thing is, I’ve been here at least five times over the last three weeks. Me and Jude. He picked it up quickly. I, on the other hand, am a dork on skates. Can’t get the hang of it. Charlotte and the other girls have assured me my lack of skill will be endearing to Bristol. The men are of another opinion. Even Grandpa said she might say “no” after watching me flailing. I’m going with the women on this one. And if I break my neck, they’ll all have to be my nurses. We pull in front of the building and I turn off the engine.
“There’s a big parking lot with a side door entry,” she says pointing.
I pretend not to care. Shit as it is I can see Charlotte’s bumper. I told them to park as far from the street as possible.
“Come on, I’m excited!”
