Page 33 of Shattered Dreams

She tipped her head up and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “Thank you.”

Holding her hand in mine, we sat quietly for the rest of the ride. Having her beside me felt so good.

“I’m glad you’re home.” I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“Me too.”

When our ride ended, we walked back over to Jeremy and Andrew.

“Guys. I can’t thank you enough for tonight.” She gave them each a hug. “Thank you.”

“Anytime you need a sitter, holler.” Andrew kissed her cheek, and the two wandered off for the night.

The boys were winding down, and Emma fell asleep in the stroller. We walked quietly though the fair and out to the parking area. Tyler tripped on his feet and I scooped him up, carrying him the rest of the way to the car.

Everyone loaded up and before we’re clear of the fairgrounds, all the kids are asleep. She’s quiet on the ride home and when I looked over at a red light, I realized she fell asleep too.

The drive home was uneventful and as I pulled into the driveway, her dad came out and waited on the sidewalk. I shut the van off and slipped out without waking anyone up.

“They all out?” He tried to peer inside.

“They are.” I chuckled. “Where does everyone go?”

“Boys are up the stairs, first room on the right. Girls on the left.”

“If you want to hold the door for me, I’ll bring them all in.”

“Good deal.” He patted my shoulder.

Taking my time, I lifted Jo from the front seat. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and I carried her upstairs to her room, then went back for Briar, then Emma. I pushed the seats forward and started with Tyler, carrying him up first, then one by one the others.

When I come back down, he’s in the kitchen.

“I just put everyone in bed, took off shoes and left them.”

“That works, my boy.” He turned away from the sink to face me. “You know she never got over you.”

“Feelings mutual.” I gave him a nod and handed him the keys to the van. “For her.”

“You’re a good man, Richard.”

“Thank you, sir.” I motioned to the side door where I slipped out into the garage and then outside in their backyard.

Memories flood back as I think about the many times I’d come from their house and hopped over the fence to make it home on time. As I made my way closer to the house, I saw Coop’s legs dangling from our treehouse.

I snorted as I hit his foot. “Damn, still couldn’t seal the deal with Libs?”

“Fuck off.”

“What happened?” I pulled out my smokes and lit one up.

“She left with that douchebag.” He sat up and motioned for me to give him one.

“William?” I felt my face twist up in confusion.

“Yeah.”

“Coop?”

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