Page 84 of My Kinda Night (Summer Sisters 2)

“We should get out of your hair,” I finally say, nodding towards the customer that Rachel is helping over by the fresh flower bouquet case. “How much do I owe you?”

“For what?” she asks.

“The flowers. I didn’t bring her here for you to give her flowers. I can pay for them.”

“I could never take your money. Those are for Bri.”

We stare at each other for a few tense seconds.

“Thank you,” I finally concede.

“I’m glad you stopped in.” Her words are quiet, almost a confession that she’s trying to wrap her head around.

“We’ll see you tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Come on, Bri. It’s time to let Payton work. The shop is gonna be closing soon.”

My daughter groans, but doesn’t complain too much. Instead, she goes over and gives Payton a big hug. “Can I come work with you someday? I can help make the pretty flowers.”

“I would love that,” Payton replies with a smile.

As I steer my child towards the door, Payton calls out behind us. “Here. Don’t forget your flowers,” she says, passing the pink and purple bouquet to my daughter.”

“I can take them home?”

“Of course you can. I want you to put them on your table so you can see them every day.”

“And smile every day,” she adds with a brightly toothy grin.

“Yes. Every day because you have a gorgeous smile that lights up the room,” Payton says with a wink and a smile.

Bri giggles. “My smile isn’t a light bulb, Payton.”

They hug once more before I finally drag my daughter out of the shop. Payton’s going to dinner with us tonight, which makes me happy, even if Bri had to coax her into it. It’s a step, even if the smallest of baby steps. At least we’re not heading backwards, right?

For now, I’ll just hang out and wait until tonight. There are some things we need to talk about and I’m hoping we’ll get those cleared up this evening. I’m a patient man, but when it comes to Payton, I find myself running out of tolerance. I want her. Plain and simple.

Now it’s time to make it reality.

* * *

She’s quiet as we walk into the café, but only because she’s unable to get a word in edge-wise. Bri has been talking non-stop since we picked Payton up ten minutes ago. Glancing around, I spy an open booth in the corner, but before I can lead the girls towards the space, our attention is pulled in the opposite direction.

“Yoohoo! Payton! Come sit with us,” I hear over my shoulder. When I turn, I spy her grandma and grandpa, as well as one of the twins.

“We don’t have to sit with them, but let’s at least say hi.”

“We can sit with them,” I respond as we walk in their direction, my hand finding a comfortable spot on her lower back.

“We don’t have to,” she whispers as we approach the table.

Before I can reply, Brielle slides into the chair beside Emma, who is helping her take her jacket off. “I guess the decision is already made,” Payton whispers again.

“I don’t mind,” I say, grabbing an extra chair from a nearby table so that we have enough seats. It’s a tight fit, but all six of us make it work.

“Dean, it’s so good to see you again. I’ll give you a hug when we’re done eating,” Emma says as she magically pulls crayons out of her purse.

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