Page 61 of Designs on You

Surprisingly, everyone said yes, so they were all set to meet today at his house. He’d ordered a car that would fit everyone comfortably.

Hazel and Linc arrived first.

“I am so excited about this,” Hazel said. “Linc is, too.”

“Less than Hazel,” Linc said. “I outgrew amusement parks years ago.”

“Trust me,” Eugene said. “You’re going to enjoy this.”

Natalie drove up, and Eugene saw the kids waving excitedly. He went over and helped them get out of the car.

“We’re going to the park!” Christopher nearly bounced out of his tennis shoes.

“Yeah we are.”

“I’m gonna have cotton candy today,” Cammie said. “And ice cream.”

“I like cotton candy, too,” Natalie said, greeting him with a warm smile.

He really wanted to hug her. Kiss her. Feel her body against his. But currently there were four sets of eyes staring at him, so that wasn’t going to happen.

Fortunately, the car pulled up, a sleek, black, and very roomy extended SUV. They got the kids set up, then everyone else climbed in.

There were drinks—nonalcoholic, unfortunately, but that’s what they were going to deal with today. The kids were excited and exuberant, and they sang and watched the TV in the limo, so that helped pass the time.

Eugene looked over at Natalie. “It’s going to be a long day. How’s Grizelda going to handle it?”

“Oh, she’s over at my house,” Hazel said. “Hanging out with my herd.”

“And was very excited to play,” Natalie said. “I’m only hoping she’ll want to go home with us when we pick her up tonight.”

Hazel laughed. “Trust me, by the time the other dogs wear her out with play, she’ll be more than ready to go home for some quiet snuggle time.”

“I don’t think hanging out with the kids is considered quiet.”

“Aww, my sweet niece and nephew know how to snuggle their puppy, don’t you?”

The kids were so focused on whatever show was on that they completely ignored Hazel.

Once they got to the park, Eugene showed his pass at the private entrance. They were all given VIP wristbands that would allow them to bypass any lines. They would also be able to eat free at all the restaurants.

God, he really hoped they all had a good time. Especially Natalie. Though he knew the park would be fun for the kids, he wanted Natalie to relax and have some fun, too.

Of course the first thing the kids wanted to do was ride one of the rollercoasters. Natalie grimaced, no doubt ready to give them the unfortunate news. Cammie was tall enough to ride but Christopher wasn’t.

“I’ve got a great idea,” Eugene said to the kids as they walked along. “Let’s do this new ride. It’s dark and kind of spooky, but still a lot of fun. What do you say?”

“I wanna do it,” Christopher said.

“Me, too,” Cammie said. “I’ll hold your hand, Christopher, so you’re not scared.”

Eugene’s heart squeezed at Cammie’s sweet gesture. Having siblings was everything. He looked over at Linc, who frowned.

“What?” Linc asked. “You need me to hold your hand?”

Eugene laughed. “I’ll try to be brave.”

Surprising him, Natalie walked up next to him and took his hand. “I’ve got you. Just in case.”

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