Kady extends her arms and pretends to be flying.
Lincoln pretends to be a super-villain trying to catch her. I weave and dart to keep her out of his grasp. By the time we get home, I feel like a new person from just the small break. I can only imagine what a vacation from work could do for me. Maybe I’d actually feel like I’m twenty-one and not seventy.
We all help Mom make soup and sandwiches, though I think we’re actually more in her way than anything, but she doesn’t complain.
I cut Kady’s sandwich, then turn to Mom. “Is Dad around? I need to talk to him.”
“He went in to work to check on something at one of the sites, but he should be home soon. Said he’d have lunch here.”
I glance at the time. Just past one. “You sure about that?”
She shrugs. “We’ll see. His work is never done.”
And that thought is enough to make me wonder why I’ve been working so furiously to get higher and higher in the company. Even if I took over as owner, I’d always be busy. At least my degree is business, so I won’t be stuck in construction. I could go into any number of fields. It would just be a matter of finding something that wouldn’t take over my life.
“You look deep in thought.” Mom’s voice brings me back to the kitchen table, where I’m the only one with food still in front of me.
“Trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.”
“Oh, is that all?” Mom gives me a sympathetic smile.
I chuckle. “No big deal.”
Kady looks up from her coloring book. “I’m going to be a ballet dancer and the president. Then later, I’m going to train horses and maybe sing with Uncle Rogan and Auntie Kenna.”
I ruffle her hair. “And I know you can do all those things.”
She beams, then turns back to her coloring.
“What do you think you want to do?” Mom asks.
I sigh. “That’s the question. I don’t want to be working all the time, like Dad.”
Mom glances at Lincoln but speaks to me. “If you two both take it over, you could split the work.”
Linc looks up from his texting and arches a brow. “That’s an idea. What do you think?”
“It could work. But I prefer the business side of things.”
His eyes light up. “And I love being out there with the crew building things.”
Mom lifts a brow. “Sounds like the ideal duo. If you guys do that, you’d be able to split up everything Dad does.”
Lincoln and I exchange a satisfied look. Maybe that could actually work.
Kady throws down her crayon and crosses her arms.
“What’s wrong?” I lean toward her and check out her picture. “You colored it like a pro.”
She frowns and points to a scribble at the top of the page, which is odd because she quit scribbling long ago.
“What’s that?”
Tears shine in her eyes. “I was trying to write my name, but I couldn’t.”
“You couldn’t? What do you mean? You write your name better than I do.”
Kady sighs, then picks up her pencil. “Watch.” She proceeds to write out her name as clear as ever.
“It looks great.”
She blinks and a tear trails down her face. “But I couldn’t do it a minute ago. I couldn’t do it!” She points to the scribble.
I pull her onto my lap and kiss her forehead. “Maybe you just need a break. We all need one sometimes. Want to take a nap in my bed while I study for my exams?”
“Your bed? Really?” Her eyes widen. Whenever she stays here, she wants to climb into my bed with me.
I nod. “You’ll have the whole thing to yourself while I read and take notes.”
“Okay.” She leans her head against my shoulder.
I carry her upstairs and lay her on the bed and pull the covers around her.
She sighs and smiles as she closes her eyes. “I like this bed. It smells like you, Daddy.”
“Hopefully that’s a good thing.” I never smell good after returning from work.
Kady nods, her eyes still closed. “Smells like your shampoo.”
“Probably because my hair is usually damp when I go to sleep. Uncle Linc used to call me a weirdo because I insisted on going to bed clean.”
She giggles. “He’s the weirdo.”
“That’s what I always thought.”
“Can you snuggle me?”
“Of course.” I climb on the bed and wrap my arm around her.
She rubs my scruffy face. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
Anchor
“Hey, Dad, can we talk?” My pulse drums through me at the thought of having this conversation. Dad was always my hero growing up, and in a way, he still is. That’s why I don’t want to ask for time off. He values hard work, and I don’t want him to think less of me, which feels a little childish since I’m a man myself now.
“Sure.” He wipes some dirt from his brow and hangs up his jacket. “Right now?”
“I’d appreciate it.”
“You okay, son?” Dad gives me a concerned look.
I just nod, then we head for his study.
He closes the door behind us and sits on his leather couch. “What’s on your mind?”
I sit, take a deep breath, and internally chew myself out for being so nervous. “I’d like to use some of my vacation time for exams. My classes are brutal this time around, and I really need the extra time to study. If I don’t, I might get no sleep for a week.”
Dad doesn’t say anything right away, and my stomach drops. He’s disappointed. Maybe thinks I’m lazy or incapable of taking over the business when he hits retirement age.
He reaches over and puts his hand on my shoulder. “I was wondering when you’d finally ask for your vacation days.”
I give him a double-take. “What?”
“You’ve built up over a month, Anchor. You’re like a workhorse, pushing yourself to improve and not cutting yourself some slack. Nobody deserves a break more than you do. Go ahead and take all your vacation time if you want, or save some for the holidays. I’ll leave it up to you.”
I stare at him, unable to find words.
“I’ll even throw in a few extra days—just don’t tell anyone else.”
“But why? I don’t get it.”
“Why the extra days? Because you’ve earned it. I’ve never had anyone let so many accumulate.”
My mind spins. “Why didn’t you tell me to take my days?”
He gives me a look that’s full of wisdom and love. “I’ve been waiting for you to ask. You’re an adult, and those are your days to take. You only have to say something.”
I slink down in the seat, hardly able to believe my ears. He was just waiting for me to ask for time off? And now I’m getting a month off from work?
Dad pats my shoulder again. “I’m proud of you, son. Really proud. Not only have you excelled at work, but school too. And on top of that, you’re helping to raise a child you didn’t bring into the world—and at such a young age. A lot of kids your age are out partying. The only parties I’ve seen you go to are Kady’s birthdays.”
“Thanks.”
“I mean it. I couldn’t be more proud. But I’m also hungry.” He chuckles. “You don’t need to talk about anything else, do you?”
I shake my head. “Who will cover for me while I’m gone? Don’t you need more notice?”
He rises and shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Just knock those tests out of the park then enjoy the rest of your time off. That’s all I ask.”
“Okay.” I pull myself off the couch, hardly able to believe how well the conversation went. Not only did he give me the time off without complaint, but he said he’s proud of me.
It’s crazy.
I go to the living room then the kitchen in search of Kady. Mom is busy at the stove, as usual.
“Have you seen Kady?” I ask.
She t
urns to me. “Check the playroom. She wanted to have a tea party with her dolls.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
Kady is in the playroom, but she isn’t having a tea party. She’s hunched over a piece of paper, her brows furrowed as she writes.
“Everything okay?” I step inside.
She holds up the paper. Her name is written on it about thirty times, taking up the whole sheet. “Looks great.”
“See? I can do it. I can write my name!”
I sit next to her. “I never doubted you for a moment.”
She flips the paper over and writes her name again.
Ding-dong!
The perfect distraction.
“Do you want to answer the door?”
Kady shakes her head, not looking up from the page.
I frown. “But you love getting the door.”
“Next time.” She writes her name again.
“Okay. I’ll get it, then.” I take a slow step toward the hall, expecting her to jump up and race past me.
She just keeps working on her paper.
I frown, then head for the front door.
Mom is already there with Sutton. “How many times do I have to tell you? Come on in. You’re family.”
Sutton smiles. “Thanks, Mrs. Jones.”
“Greer.”
Sutton laughs. “I can’t get anything right today, can I?”
I sashay over and put my arm around Sutton, kissing her cheek. “Mom, leave the poor girl alone.”
Mom waves me off, then turns toward the kitchen. “I’m making stew. You’re welcome to stay, Sutton.”
“I might just do that. Thanks, Greer. Since my mom and Hank are out of town and Miss Alice is on vacation, I’m on my own.”
“Perfect.”
Sutton turns to me and presses her sweet lips on mine. “I’ve missed you so much.”
I run my fingers through her hair. “Not as much as I’ve missed you. Oh, I have some good news.”
She arches a brow and rests her hands on my waist. “Do tell.”
I nearly melt staring into her eyes. “I have the next month off work.”
“What? You mean I’ll actually get to spend time with you?”
My heart races at the thought. “Lots of it, especially those two weeks between finals and summer quarter.”
Her eyes light up, then she kisses me again, this time taking it deeper. I pull her close and kiss her back with equal passion, wishing neither of us had exams to study for. What I wouldn’t give to whisk her away on a trip.
Someone clears her throat.
We pull away and turn to see the little miss. “Mommy!” She throws her arms around Sutton and we all three hug. “I’ve been working on writing my name.”
“But you already know how to do that.”
Kady frowns and shakes her head.
“What do you mean?”
“I couldn’t write it earlier.”
Sutton glances at me. “What does she mean?”
“She tried to write it before nap, but it came out as only a scribble. I think she was just tired, because she’s doing great with it now.”
“Lemme show you.” Kady grabs Sutton’s hand and drags her down the hall to the playroom.
Sutton picks up the paper. “It looks like you’re doing great.” But she glances at me with concern in her eyes.
I pick up the plastic box with the tea set. “Hey, Kady. Why don’t you set up the tea party you were talking about? Mommy and I will join you in a minute. I think we need to talk about something first.”
Sutton nods.
My stomach twists in a knot. Whatever she has to say isn’t going to be good. That much I can tell.
“Okay.” Kady takes the box and sets it on a chair.
Sutton takes me out into the hall and pulls me into Dad’s study, closing the door behind us.
“What’s going on?” I ask. “I feel like I’m in the principal’s office.”
She frowns. “I didn’t mention it, but earlier in the week, Kady fell at her ballet practice.”
Is that all? Relief washes through me. “She must be okay. We were running all over the park earlier.”
“It just worries me.” Sutton paces and lines appear on her forehead. “First she falls—which is totally out of character. She has those routines down flat. Now she can’t write her name?”
I pull Sutton close and kiss her nose. “Kady was dancing fine earlier and now she’s writing her name like a pro. Kids have off moments, that’s all.”
“I don’t know…”
“She’s probably just picking up on our stress. We’re both worried about our final exams, and we haven’t had as much time with her as usual. Kids express their emotions in ways we don’t because they can’t put it to words.”
Sutton’s expression softens. “You really think so?”
“I know so.”
“How did you get so smart?”
“I took a behavioral psychology course last term, remember? We spent a full unit on kids.”
She leans against me and sighs. “That’s true. I hope you’re right.”
“I’m sure I am. But just in case, we’ll keep an extra close eye on her, okay?”
Sutton nods. “I think we should. Just in case.”
I kiss her cheek. “In the meantime, we have a very important tea party to attend.”
“That we do.” She laces her fingers through mine, then we make our way back to the playroom where Kady has set everything up for us. One extra chair holds a large stuffed bear wearing one of Kady’s dresses, and in the other sits an oversized stuffed bunny wearing a bonnet and sunglasses.
We both take the remaining seats and pick up fancy glasses with imaginary tea. For the first time in a long time, I’m able to relax and enjoy the time with my two favorite people. Since I don’t have to work for a while, I can play without the worry of having enough time to study.
Kady pours pretend liquid into the cups and smiles. “My family’s together again.”
I glance over at Sutton. The three of us really are a family. I wonder if I should give her that engagement ring sooner rather than later.
Sutton
I hold my breath before answering the door. This is the first real date Anchor and I have had in a long time. I twirl around in the full-length mirror and watch my sequined teal dress float out a little as I spin. My updo stays in place and the smile hasn’t left my face since Anchor told me to wear my nicest dress.
Knock-knock!
I can’t see anything that isn’t perfect, so I answer the door.
He takes my breath away.
Anchor is standing there, wearing a tux that shows off his muscular frame, and he’s clean-shaven. His hair is a little shorter, now showing the bottoms of his ears. In other words, gorgeous.
He lets out a low whistle, scoops me into his arms, then kisses me deeply. “There isn’t a word to describe your beauty.” He steps back and looks me over.
I blink a few times to regain my bearings and take him in again. “You look amazing too.”
“This old thing?” Half of his mouth curves up to a smile, then he slides a corsage onto my wrist.
“Old thing, huh? Looks like you left a tag on it.”
“I did?” He reaches around to the back of his neck.
“I’m just teasing.” I hold back a smile, then plant a kiss on his cheek and grab my purse.
Anchor gives me half an eye roll while looking like he’s also holding back a smile. It’s an expression that makes my heart skip a beat. He holds out his hand. “Are you ready?”
“You know it.” I place my hand on his, then we walk outside, stopping only so I can lock the door.
He holds the passenger door open for me, but I can’t sit down. An enormous bouquet of colorful roses sits in the seat.
“More flowers?” I pick it up and take a deep breath. The aroma is heavenly. “I should bring these inside.”
“No, I want you to enjoy them
tonight.”
I arch a brow and glance up at him. “But I’ll be too busy staring at you.”
His mouth forms a slow smile. “Really?”
“Truly.” I run my fingers along his smooth cheek. “How often do I see you without your scruff?”
“You don’t like my scruff?” He gives me a teasing pout.
“I love it, but this is nice too.”
Anchor kisses my cheek, takes the flowers, and sticks them in the console between the two seats. “Have a seat, my lady. And now you can enjoy both the flowers and me.”
I grin and slide into the seat. “Sounds like the perfect solution.”
He closes the door and walks around to the other side, then starts the car and pulls out of the driveway.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I have to wait until we get there?”
He turns on some music. A romantic song from the eighties plays. “Yes, I’m going to make you wait, but I made a playlist of your favorite songs—and there isn’t anything that will upset you. I triple-checked.”
I flashback to the time I broke down in Rogan’s car, but quickly push the thought out of my mind because I don’t want anything to ruin this night. “Thank you.” I reach around the flowers and squeeze his knee.
Anchor turns to me and gives me a mind-melting smile. “Anything for you.”
I lean back in the seat and take in the song, enjoying the moment. Everything is perfect, and it’s such a rare treat to feel my age for once. For now, we’re just two people in love on a date. We don’t have to think about homework or deadlines or anything—just each other.
And it feels great.
He pulls onto the freeway, and my curiosity piques. We usually stick close to home since we have studies to get back to. But not tonight.
We stay on for about a half hour before he exits. I watch with curiosity as he takes us through some busy streets until we turn down a long country road bordered by fields, with cattle on one side, horses on the other.
“Will you tell me now?”
Anchor turns to me and winks. “We’re almost there.”
I groan, but don’t mind. The mystery is kind of fun, and I love that he’s put so much thought into the date.
He turns down another road, and this time a wheat field is on our left and sheep roam as far as the eye can see on the other side. I roll down the window a little to see if we can hear them. Soft baaing sounds alongside crickets chirping.
The Only Things You Can Take (Wildflower Romance #2) Page 12
