“Because I really think that you should.”

I ignored him. I didn’t need him to tell me to get my head checked when he was just as sick. And apparently, that ran in the family.

I kept quiet until Mom came back into the kitchen, looking rather annoyed. “Okay, I guess it’ll just be the three of us.”

“What, why?”

“Because your father doesn’t feel so good. He’ll stay in bed and rest.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Ronan asked.

“He says he’s feeling sick to his stomach.”

“I want to stay here and make sure he’ll be okay.”

Mom looked at me, ready to argue with me, but then she glanced at Ronan, and her expression softened. “Fine, you can stay with Dad if you want.”

That was easy.

“You’re just lazy,” Ronan muttered.

I looked at him with raised brows. “Or I want to stay here to make sure Dad’s okay. Besides, this way you can enjoy some time alone with Mom.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I shrugged. I needed to keep my mouth shut to not comment on him looking at Mom’s ass again. “Nothing.”

“Let’s go get ready then. Tate, sweetie, why don’t you make your father a cup of tea?”

“Okay, sure.”

Once they had both gotten dressed and put on their hiking boots, I walked with them to the front door, waiting for them to leave. “When will you be back?”

“Probably before five. Maybe go reserve a table at the diner before it gets too full. I’ll be tired after the hike, and if your father’s not feeling well, I’m sure he won’t be cooking.”

She truly hadn’t pulled through with the cooking. Then again, we hadn’t bought enough things for three full weeks. “Okay, will do. Have fun on your hike.”

“Thanks. See you later.”

I waved and watched them disappear in the forest before I headed back to the kitchen to get the cup of tea I had prepared for Dad. I let it cool down for a bit, and as I turned around to head out of the kitchen, I jumped in surprise when I saw Dad standing in the doorway.

“Morning…how are you feeling?” I asked with a gentle smile.

“I’m good.”

Frowning, I looked down at the cup in my hands. “I thought you didn’t feel so well.”

“I’m fine. I lied.”

I looked up at him again, my eyes wide. “Why?”

“Because I was hoping this would be the outcome. Us being home alone.”

“Oh…” I pursed my lips and put the cup down on the counter, then I played with my hands in front of my stomach, feeling silly and excited all of a sudden. “To do what?”

He raised his thick brow at me. “To do what? I was hoping you’d catch on to it yourself. Actually, I think you did since you stayed here, wanting to look after me.”

He took a step toward me, and I stepped back until I hit the kitchen counter behind me. So, this was happening again.