Page 4 of Unexpected Love

“Hey, honey. I can’t believe you can’t stay for the rest of the festivities. Fuck Hailey.” He’s heard me say “fuck Hailey” enough that he and Pops have both said it to me. It’s now a running joke.

With a laugh, I wrap my arms around him. “I know, but it’s okay—I need to get home to Ragnar and Lagertha.” I’m a total Vikings nerd and named my cats after my two favorite people.

“You and those damn furballs. I want you to call us as soon as you’re home. Your dad’s outside having a cigarette. Make sure you give him hell when you say goodbye.” He kisses my forehead. “I love you, munchkin.”

“I love you, Daddy.” I walk toward the doors outside and hear Joe say goodbye to my dad. Sure enough, when I step through the doors, I find my pops smoking a cigarette. Over the years he’s smoked on and off, but it was only after my uncle Gary’s death that he started up again. That’s why Dad never says anything, because Uncle Gary and Pops were really close and it hit him really hard.

“Hey, Papa. I’m getting ready to leave.”

He puts his cigarette out and wraps me in a hug. “I hate that you’re leaving already.” He looks over my shoulder, and I know he’s looking at Joe. Leaning in close to my ear, he whispers, “I believe there’s a story I need to hear there.”

“Hmmm…maybe. I love you. I already promised Dad that I’d call when I get home.”

“Good girl. Be safe, and Joe, I expect you to get my daughter to the airport safely.”

Joe comes up next to me and holds his hand out. “You bet, Mr. Hutchins.”

“Your dads are both great,” Joe says as we pull out of the parking lot. “How old were you when they adopted you?”

“I was almost four, and Carter was almost one.” I lean my head back on my seat because honestly I’m exhausted and I don’t want to talk about a past I vaguely remember. “I still can’t believe Vi is married now. Diego is a good guy, and he can put up with our crazy families.”

“I thought mine was crazy until I met yours.” Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him look at me and smile. God, he’s got a great smile. I can see why he has no problem getting into a woman’s panties, present company included.

“They are pretty crazy, but I love them. Things have slowly started to get back to normal since Uncle Gary died. Fuck, that was hard on everyone. I still can’t believe it. My pops was the baby, and Uncle Gary really took him under his wing when they were growing up.” My nose begins to burn, and my eyes begin to mist over.

Joe surprises me by placing his hand on mine. I continue to stare out the window, but I squeeze his back.

When we reach the airport, I’m slightly disappointed. I wanted more time with him, but why?

Joe pulls the car up to the entrance, grabs my bag out of the back, and comes around to my side. He stops right in front of me, reaching out and stroking my cheek with his thumb. “I had a great time last night. Can I look you up if I’m in Atlanta?”

My belly warms at the thought. “Yeah, that’d be nice.” He leans down, kissing me slowly and thoroughly, but all too soon he pulls back.

“All right, baby, have a safe flight.” I give him a smile before pulling away and heading inside the airport, knowing I’ll probably never see him again unless it’s because our families get together. Oh, well…tomorrow he’ll be on to the next girl and I’ll be forgotten.

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