Page 34 of Sean
“He snoozing?”
Monica managed a chuckle.“You’d think he was the one getting a workout.”
“The motion puts him to sleep every time.”Sean quickened his pace.“Come on, two more laps to go.”
Monica matched his stride and the rest of their run passed in silence.At the end of the last lap, she veered off the track and collapsed onto a bench.
Sean was right behind her, taking a little more care with the stroller on the uneven ground.He settled beside her as Monica leaned her head back.
“That was a workout,” she said.“Who knew that pushing that stroller would take that much extra energy?”
Sean raised his hand, and Monica elbowed him in the ribs.“Smart aleck.”
Sean leaned forward.“I’ll tell you what I didn’t know.I didn’t know that Mom watching him while I run would get me so out of practice.I’m gonna need a nap before I even taste the turkey.”He glanced at his watch.“Speaking of which, it’s almost ten.Don’t make yourself late on my account.”
“Late for what?”
“You must have someplace to be later.”
“No, why would I?”
Sean cocked his head.“It’s Thanksgiving.”
“And I have the whole day all to myself.”
“You’re spending the day alone?”
“Well, yeah.”Monica lifted a shoulder.“I mean...I had an invitation or two, but I didn’t want to impose.I have the day all planned out.I have a new book to read, and there’s a nap in my future.I have a turkey and dressing frozen meal for dinner, and I made a loaf of my mom’s pumpkin bread for dessert.After I eat, I’ll probably stream a couple of movies while I put up my Christmas tree.”
Sean looked at her as if she’d grown a third eye.“Absolutely not.You’ll come have dinner at our house.”
“Sean, I can’t do that.I appreciate the invitation, but your mom—”
“My mom will have both our heads if she finds out you spent the day alone with a TV dinner.”
Monica crossed her arms, stubbornness taking root.It was a nice invitation and all, but it felt like a pity invite.“Well, I’m not going to tell her.”
Sean’s grin bordered on snarky.“We’re eating at two, but if you aren’t on our doorstep by one, I’ll tell her.She’ll be upset.You don’t want to upset my mom, do you?”
“That’s blackmail.”
“Is it working?”
Monica narrowed her eyes at him, attraction forgotten in this moment of battle.“Sean, she’s not going to want an extra person to feed on such short notice.”She cringed at the whiny tone in her voice.
Sean didn’t seem to notice.“Trust me, there’ll be enough food for an army.Wrap up your pumpkin bread and bring it with you if you’re worried.”
Rustling drew her attention to the stroller.
Sean stood.“Look, I need to get him home for a diaper change and a snack.I’ll see you at one.Don’t be late.”
Without another word, Sean pushed the stroller to his vehicle and began the task of packing up.
Ten minutes later he pulled out of the park, leaving Monica sitting on the bench.Was he presumptuous or just being gracious?The answer didn’t really matter.For better or worse he’d managed to Shanghai her whole day.
***
WHEN THE DOORBELL RANG, Sean was standing by the door.He knew he’d won and tried to hide his self-satisfied smile when he answered.
