Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75775 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
“Are you going fishing tonight?” I ask him.
“Nah, the twins got shots yesterday and they’ve been fussy. Ramsey is taking Ada for the night, and Leo has an ear infection.”
“That’s terrible. I feel bad for them. Is there anything that I can do?”
“Nah, we’re all set. They’re getting loved on as they should be. Are you free tonight?” he asks.
“Well, about that. My mom invited us to their place for s’mores. It’s something we used to do a lot as kids, and she was feeling nostalgic today. Chloe and I told her we’d be there. You’re welcome, of course, but I told her you had plans, so you have an easy out.”
“You’re going to be there.”
“I am,” I confirm. I’m not sure what he’s saying because I just told him I was going.
“If that’s where you’re going to be, then I’m there. I mean, unless you don’t want me to go.”
“No.” I rush to assure him. “I want you to come, but it’s my parents, and I know you didn’t sign up for all of this, and I wanted you to know that they think you have plans, so you’re off the hook.”
“First of all, we said we’d hang out, something we’ve been doing a lot of since the very beginning, and I’m not mad about it. Second, we started this to convince your family to give you a break. Third, I don’t feel obligated to spend time with you, Courtney. There is a lot that happened between us, and that wasn’t how either of us saw this playing out, but I’m not mad about that either.”
He’s right. I’m letting old insecurities that still linger cloud my judgment. It might also be a little bit about my heart. The more he’s immersed in my world with my family, the harder it’s going to hit me and hurt my fragile heart when this ends, but I push all of that to the back of my mind for now.
“Merrick, would you like to head to my parents’ later this evening for a bonfire and s’mores?”
“Tell me what time to pick you up?”
“I’m free the rest of the day. We’ll probably get to my parents’ place around seven or so. I know my mom, and she’ll be planning dinner as well.”
“That’s like five whole hours from now.”
I glance at the clock and see that it’s a few minutes before two in the afternoon. “We can go later if we need to.”
“Come to my place now. We can chill until it’s time to leave.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him if he’s sure, but that’s the old self-conscious Courtney. I know he wants me there, or he wouldn’t have asked. “I’m on my way.” I hit my signal to turn left for his place instead of right for mine.
“Be safe, babe. I’ll see you soon.” The line goes dead, and I don’t dare allow myself to glance in the rearview mirror to see the smile I know is on my face. I refuse to acknowledge that something deeper is happening between us. It’s the only armor I have to protect my heart, because even though I’ve never felt it at this level before, I’m certain I’m falling in love with Merrick Kincaid.
Tonight has been better than I could have imagined. When we got here, Dad was grilling burgers and hot dogs, and Mom was making up the s’mores tray. Merrick chatted about something or other with Dad while I assisted Mom.
By the time Chloe and Rodney arrived, we were ready to eat. Conversation flowed easily, and Merrick fit in with my family as if he’d always been a part of our lives. It’s reassuring and terrifying at the same time.
I’m glad he’s getting along with my family; that makes this a hell of a lot easier, but it’s also worrisome because I can’t help but wonder if this is what our life would be if he were really mine.
“Dad, we should have roasted the hot dogs like we did as kids,” Chloe says, dropping her napkin to her empty plate.
“Next time.” Dad smiles. “You girls used to love cooking over the open fire.”
“My brothers and I did that a lot too,” Merrick says. “We have an annual camping trip with my dad, my brothers, and my cousin’s husband, Deacon. We started doing one with the entire family too. It’s a lot of fun.”
“We should go camping,” Chloe tells Rodney.
“Babe, you’re not a happy camper,” Rodney teases. “You need coffee and a shower.”
“Well, they have those, right?” Chloe looks to Merrick for confirmation.
“It really depends on the campground, and if you have a camper, then yeah, you have amenities.”
“We should do it.”
“Sure, baby. We’ll look into that when we get back from our honeymoon.” Rodney kisses her cheek, and the way they look at one another… I want that. I want that more than anything.