“There’s still time,” Faith said. “If it’s what you want.”
I nodded, because it was true, and asked, “What about you? Would you want more kids or is Hope your one and only?”
“I wouldn’t be upset if Hope was my only child, but with the right man I wouldn’t be opposed to having more,” Faith said, a small smile playing on her lips. “Hope would be a great big sister.”
Call me crazy, but I could see it. Faith carrying my child while Hope planned out everything she would want to show and teach her baby brother or sister. The three of us making a family together with more on the way.
Yes, it was too soon, and no, I wouldn’t want to freak Faith out by telling her where my thoughts were wandering. But it looked like a damn good life to me.
“She would be. She has a gentle soul and would probably love taking on the role,” I agreed.
I pressed my thumb deeper into the arch of her foot, and when she moaned in response, my body hardened. I shifted her legs slightly, so she wouldn’t have to feel my cock beneath them.
All I was hoping for tonight was a repeat of the other night in my car, without the interruption. Second base tops.
As if she read my mind, Faith sat up and moved her legs off my lap. And, after placing her empty glass on the table, she made my night when she swung one leg over my lap and straddled me.
“Hey,” I said with a grin, leaning my head back against the cushion to look up at her.
“Hey yourself,” she replied softly, and then words were null as her lips crushed against mine.
I relaxed and let her take control, bringing my hands to grasp her waist to hold on.
Faith rained kisses across my face as her hands roamed over my shoulders and down my biceps, stopping to cop a feel, which made me flex in response. She began to rock against me gently and I loved the fact that she was as turned on by my body as I was by hers.
Her lips found mine again and she sighed seductively against them. I lifted my hips slightly, loving the feel of her against my now rock-hard cock. I moved my hands to her ass and squeezed gently.
We were a flurry of kisses and moans, blending in with the sounds of Elaine and Jerry, which was probably why we didn’t hear Hope leave her room and enter the living room.
It wasn’t until Hope tugged my hair that I opened my eyes and realized we weren’t alone.
I dug my fingers into Faith’s sides and turned my cheek so I could say, “Hey, Ms. Hope, is everything okay?”
Faith jumped up as if singed, her hand flying to her mouth as she spun toward her daughter. “Hope…”
“Why are you sitting on Mr. Mitch’s lap and pulling his hair?” Hope asked sweetly. “You told me it was bad when I pulled Mindy-Sue’s hair at school. You took away my dolls.”
Faith blinked and her face turned red. I could tell her mind was racing as she tried to think of what to say, so I bit my cheek to keep from laughing and said, “I had something stuck in my teeth and your mom was trying to help me get it out. She pulled my hair to tilt my head back and get me to open wider.”
Hope looked between us for a few beats, before shrugging and saying, “Okay,” then she reached up for her mom’s hand and said, “Prince Alice and I are thirsty.”
“Oh … let’s go get some water,” Faith said, sending me a helpless look and mouthing, Thank you.
I fell back against the couch and covered my face with my hands.
Foiled again.
25
Faith
For the next few weeks, Mitch and I saw each other whenever we could.
Of course, that usually meant Hope was with us, or we met up for breakfast or lunch while Hope was in day camp. Now that school was out and summer was in full swing, the days were hot and long, and the night filled with humid air and fireflies.
We hadn’t spent any time alone, and it was getting increasingly difficult to keep my hands to myself.
I found myself thinking about him before I went to bed and first thing when I woke, and the thoughts were anything but PG. All I had to do was remember the way it was when we were together, but imagine Mitch as he was now … and I had a great imagination.
We were renting a boat on Baylor Lake today and taking Hope out, but in a few days the first barn dance of the summer was being held at the Faulkner Farm and I was determined that Mitch and I would finally get to spend the entire night together alone … with no interruptions.
We would go to the dance with Hope, but then my parents were going to take her home with them when they left, and I was going to go with Mitch back to his cabin. At least there I knew we’d be secluded and there would be no chance for anyone in my family to barge in on us.
And I’ll be packing my new lavender lingerie.
Mitch was totally oblivious to my plans, but I didn’t think he’d have any objections.
“Little bear, Mitch is here,” I called from the front door.
I’d been watching for him out the window, eager to see him and to get our day started. I loved water, especially Baylor Lake, and I hadn’t been since I’d been back, so I was probably more excited than even Hope, who’d never been out on a boat before.
“I’m coming,” Hope called, and I heard her little feet running down the hall.
She rounded the corner wearing her bathing suit and coverup with her backpack secured and her flip-flops flopping.
Just as she reached me, there was a knock on the door, and I opened it for Mitch.
He looked down at the bags I’d packed and said, “You know we’re only going out for the day, right?”
“I wanted to make sure we’d have everything we need so I planned for every possibility,” I told him, grabbing two bags and moving past him to put them in his truck.
I heard him ask Hope, “Does she always pack this much?” to which she replied, “Yup.”
I ignored them both, secure in the knowledge I was prepared.
Once everything was packed, I locked up and we all loaded up in the truck.
“You ladies ready?” Mitch asked, finding the Disney station on his XM radio for Hope.
“Yes!” Hope cried with enthusiasm.
“You bet,” I agreed.
Mitch drove out of town and toward the lake as we all sang Disney hits. The half-hour drive was a beautiful winding drive through the hills and by the time we arrived, Hope was starting to doze off.
When the truck pulled to a stop at the parking lot at the marina, I turned to Hope and said, “Honey, we’re here.”
Her eyes popped open, and she quickly started to unbuckle her seatbelt.
Her movements were quick but a little inaccurate since she was still half asleep, so it took her four tries before she was able to get the belt off.
I bit my lip to keep from smiling and got out to help her.
“I’ll go find out which boat is ours for the taking,” Mitch said, and I nodded in agreement.
Once he was back with the key and slip number, we started unloading the bags and Hope and I followed Mitch to the boat.
“Here she is,” he said, indicating the pontoon boat we’d decided to rent.
Sure, a speed boat would have been fun, but we figured for Hope’s first boating adventure, we’d go with the more relaxing and smooth-running pontoon.
Mitch held out his hand to help first Hope, and then me, onto the boat, before turning to go back to the truck to get the rest of the bags.
“Be right back.”
“Isn’t this great?” I asked Hope as she walked around the boat, taking it all in.
“Does it go fast?” she asked, sounding a little worried.
“No, not at all. I promise there’s nothing to be scared of. And look,” I said, lifting one of the seats. “We have these life jackets that we’ll wear the whole time. So it’s extra safe.”
I found the child’s-sized life jacket and put it on Hope, before finding one to fit me. Then, as Mitch was coming aboard with the rest of our things, I pulled out one I thought would fi
t him.
“Here, try this on,” I said once he’d put the bags down.
“Perfect,” he said as he secured the vest. “Shall we untie the ropes and be off?”
“Here, sweetheart, why don’t you sit here until we get the boat unsecured and get going,” I said, pointing to one of the bench seats under the awning.
Once we’d unraveled the ropes, I sat next to Hope and Mitch took the seat at the helm and started her up.
“So, what do you have in all of those bags anyway?” he asked as he pulled out of the slip.
“I’ve got lunch, snacks, water toys, sand toys, floats, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a change of clothes, towels, a blanket, and in the cooler there’s water and juice boxes … I think that’s it.”
“Wow, you really did think of everything,” Mitch said with an easy grin.
He looked so handsome with his hair blowing in the breeze and that relaxed expression on his face.
“I hope so,” I replied. “Of course, you don’t know what you’ve forgotten until you need it.”
I’d learned that the hard way over the years, which was probably true for most parents.
“I’ve got the perfect spot for us to stop and have lunch,” Mitch said. “If that works for you.”
“Lead the way,” I told him, then looked at Hope and asked, “Want to go lay on the loungers in the back?”
She nodded enthusiastically, so I grabbed the sunscreen and we moved to the back.
Once we were both protected, we laid out in the sun and enjoyed the spray of the lake as Mitch drove us to our lunch destination.
It was pure bliss.
26
Mitch
I pulled the boat alongside the dock and turned it off so I could secure it with the ropes.
It was a gorgeous day, and I was so happy Faith had had this idea to rent a boat and bring Hope out on the lake for the day. It had been way too long since I’d enjoyed a day on the lake. It was like a balm for the soul.
“So, let’s just take what we need for lunch, everything else will be fine here while we’re gone.”
We took off our life vests and left them on the bench, then grabbed the cooler, lunch bag, and blanket.
As we walked, I glanced at Faith, who looked as happy as I’d ever seen her, and said, “I got some good news.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve been approved to purchase the land off of Tucker Lane,” I told her, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. It was the final piece of my life goals, other than settling down some day.
“Really? That’s great!”
“Yeah, I should close at the end of the month. So, I’ve already made some inquiries about getting a house built. I can’t believe it’s actually happening.”
“That’s amazing,” she gushed. “I’m so happy for you.”
“You’re not going to live in your cabin anymore?” Hope asked.
“I still will for the next few months, but I’m going to build myself a house … exactly how I want it, and once it’s done, I’ll move there.”
“Will we still be able to visit? What about the Prince Alice’s brothers and sisters?” Hope asked worriedly.
“Actually, all of the prince’s siblings have found good homes, so you don’t need to worry. And, yes, I hope you’ll come visit all the time. In fact, I may need to get your input on some of the rooms.”
If I was being honest with myself, I wanted more than input from Hope, and Faith, on what should be included in the plans for the house. In my wildest dreams, I imagined them living there with me.
“Okay. I think you should have a slide inside,” she said earnestly.
“In the house?” I asked.
As we moved farther into the woods, Faith asked, “Are we going to the old bridge?”
I nodded to her but listened while Hope told me all about why I should have a slide inside my house.
The old bridge was Mason Creek legend. Henry Davis had built it for his wife when they were dating. Legend had it that the river running through his property was too dangerous to cross and his wife wanted to explore the other side of the forest. So, he built the bridge for her and later proposed to her there. Over the years people snuck out there to propose or have picnics, like we were doing today, or simply spend a nice day and enjoy the town legend. It was actually on private property, but the owners were pretty cool about not calling the cops for trespassing. Unless it was kids out getting rowdy or something like that.
“Oh, it’s still so beautiful,” Faith said as the bridge came into view.
We’d come out here a couple times as kids. Alone and with a group. It had always been one of our favorite spots, which was why I thought it would be nice to bring Hope by.
“Can I run, Mommy?” Hope asked, already moving faster.
“Yeah, but just to the edge of the bridge, then wait for us to get there,” Faith replied.
“Okay,” Hope said, and she was off like a shot.
Once we joined her at the bridge, Faith laid out the blanket and we sat down to enjoy the meal she’d prepared.
We told Hope the story of the bridge and some of the tamer tales of our trips here as kids.
When we were done, we decided to go play in the water for a while, so we packed up and started the walk back to the boat.
“Should we go to that little beach area there, or do you want to take the boat back out and swim in the deeper water?” I asked.
“The beach would be better for Hope. That way she can play and get wet, and it’ll be safer. I’m planning to get her in to swim lessons in a couple weeks, but she’s not ready for open water just yet.”
“Sounds good. Why don’t you two head over there and I’ll trade this stuff out for the toys and towels and meet you in a minute,” I suggested.
“Okay. Oh, will you grab the sunscreen as well? It’s time for Hope to reapply.”
“You got it.”
I grabbed everything we’d need and walked down the beach to where Faith and Hope were already splashing in the water.
I grinned at Hope’s squeals of joy and laid everything near the water before taking off my shirt and running toward them, water splashing around me with every step.
“Get him!” Hope yelled, and they both turned and began splashing water at me.
“You’re gonna regret that!” I shouted, cupping my hands to throw handfuls of water at them.
Before long we were all soaked.
We went back to the shore, and while Faith and I spread out towels to lay on, Hope grabbed her sand toys and began to play.
“What a perfect day,” Faith said, leaning back on her elbows so she could keep an eye on Hope.
“It really is. I’m so glad we came,” I agreed, laying back and turning to lay on my cheek so I could see her. “You excited about the barn dance?”
“Oh yes. It’s been ages since I’ve been to one. I always remember thinking they were so romantic when we were younger. I’m excited to see if that image holds up.”
“I think it will.”
She glanced at me and asked, “Yeah?”
I just grinned at her.
“I guess I should tell you that I plan on sleeping over at your place that night…”
My heart, and more, leapt at the thought.
“Is that right?” I asked, already wishing it was the night of the dance.
“Yup. My parents will take Hope home with them from the dance and then you’ll be stuck with me until morning.”
“I think I can handle that,” I replied, but inside I was cheering.
It was the best news I’d had in years.
27
Faith
“Word on the street is your sexy painter man just purchased himself some land and is going to build a house on it,” Cheryl said.
We were standing side by side at the hair-washing stations, shampooing our clients.
“Yeah, he was just approved. He’s pretty excited about it,” I replied as I gave my mo
m a thorough scalp massage.
It was her favorite part … hell, it was everyone’s.
“Has there been any talk to how many bedrooms there’ll be?” Cheryl asked, a sly look in her eye. “I mean … a master, of course. A bedroom for Hope, and maybe a couple extra for family expansion?”
I gave a pointed look down at my mother before shooting a glare at Cheryl.
My mom’s eyes popped open with interest.
“Expansion?” she asked. “I’d love to have more grandchildren, if you’re wondering.”
I sighed and said, “It’s too soon for that kind of talk, Mom.”
“Is it though?” Cheryl asked, and I had the sudden urge to kick her. “Neither of you are getting any younger and there’s a history there. It’s not like you have to spend ages getting to know each other…”
“It’s complicated,” I muttered.
“It’s only as complicated as you make it, sweetheart,” my mother said dryly.
I sighed and finished rinsing her conditioner, before telling her I’d meet her back at my station after my area was sanitized.
“Just couldn’t help yourself, could you, trouble starter?” I said in a hushed whisper to Cheryl.
She only grinned and said, “Just trying to keep work interesting.”
Stacey, who’d been walking by, asked, “What’d she do now? You talking about the brownies in the breakroom? I swear she brings in treats just to torture me. She knows how hard I’ve been trying to stick to my diet.”
“You were eating ribs last night … with mac ‘n cheese,” Cheryl retorted.
“Hey, you know I just went through a breakup. I was eating my feelings.” Stacey looked at me and asked, “That gives me a free pass, right?”
“Of course, Stace, I’m sorry you’re hurting,” I told her as I finished up.
“Nah, we got back together last night. We had some late-night urges that couldn’t be denied, if you know what I mean,” she said with a “cat that got the cream” grin and a wink.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head, then left them to their bickering and moved to my station to do my mom’s blowout.
Perfect Summer: Mason Creek, book 7 Page 9
