Page 90 of Moonlit Kisses

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Molly wanted to drive today. She said she wanted to give me the full treatment. After the spectacular way she woke me up, she cooked a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage, and roasted tomatoes. Now she’s taking me somewhere before we head to Mom and Dad’s for lunch.

“Where are you taking me?” I thought I had an idea where we were going, but she’s turned down this long, winding, unpaved road and I’m not sure I know what’s down this way.

She glances across at me with a half-smile. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

We drive around a wide bend and the road opens up to a parking lot alongside a wide grassed area with barbecues, picnic tables, and a wicked nature play area for kids, which overlooks a medium-sized lake with a small island in the middle. I’ll have to bring Kenny and the boys here. They’ll love it. “I can’t believe I’ve lived in this city all my life and I didn’t know about this place. How did you find it?”

“When I first moved here, I had nothing else to do on the weekends, so I would drive around to familiarize myself with the city. There’s still a lot of the city I’m unfamiliar with, but I stumbled across this place and fell in love.”

The parking lot is busy, but Molly finds a space and we climb out. Hand in hand, we make our way to the edge of the lake. I peer around at the people enjoying this sunny spring day and my eyes freeze on a group at a picnic bench by the edge of the water before the grass becomes a forest. I glance at Molly to find her dimples on full display. “Happy birthday, Max.”

I pull her to a stop. “You did this for me?”

She nods. “With Emma’s help.” I drag her around to face me properly, then cup her gorgeous face in my hands. Her hands come up to hold on to my wrists, her eyes locked on mine. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“How did I get so lucky?” I touch her lips with mine. “Thank you, Dimples.”

“You’re welcome. Emma helped, though. I can’t take all the credit.” She presses her lips firmly to mine, then pulls away too quickly. “Come on. Everyone’s waiting.” Dragging me forward, we reach my family quickly.

Mom and Dad are the first to greet me. “Happy birthday, Max.”

Mom reaches up to cup my bristly cheeks. Her eyes are full of love as she scans my face. “I can’t believe my baby boy’s thirty-seven.” She glances at Dad. “When did that happen?”

I bend down and kiss her forehead. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been a baby, Mom.”

Emma interrupts, wrapping her arms around me. “Happy birthday, little brother.” She smirks at me, knowing I hate to be called little.

I wrap my arm around her, pulling her in close. “Thanks, Em. And thanks for helping Molly with this today.”

“I really like her. I’m so glad we get to keep her,” she says with a softness in her eyes.

Mom and Dad nod in agreement. “Us too.”

“You did good, brother.” Em kisses my cheek.

Molly joins us with Kenny holding onto her back like a koala. “I’m gonna take the kids to the playground.” She glances across to Emma. “Sorry, I probably should have asked first. Is it okay if I take the kids to the playground?”

Em waves her off. “Of course. Cristo will probably tag along.” She points toward her father-in-law, who’s busy setting up trays of food on the picnic table.

“I’ll go too,” I offer. I love that Molly’s bonded so well with Em’s kids. Every Sunday, she’s become closer and closer to my sisters. She’s well and truly one of the family.

Sarah joins us, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing tight. “Happy birthday, big brother.”

I squeeze her back. “Thanks, Sare.” Molly’s smiling at our interaction and I raise my chin to her. “Do you wanna tell the girls the good news, or shall I?”

Everyone’s eyes snap to Molly’s stomach and she flushes pink. “Not that.” She fidgets with her bracelet. “Max and I have decided to get married next month on the beach where he proposed to me.”

The girls jump up and down, squealing in delight as Martin and his family approach our group. “Oh my God, next month. That doesn’t give us a heap of time.” Sarah’s slightly panicked.

“It’s only going to be family and probably some guys from soccer, maybe Molly’s friends fromShelter, if they can make it. Don’t get carried away.”

Beth doesn’t wait to be invited into the conversation. “Are you talking about your wedding?” Her eyes are wide, shimmering with excitement.

“Yeah.” Molly steps forward, welcoming her family and introducing them to mine. I’m surprised they’re here, but she must be feeling more comfortable with them. I know she speaks regularly with her sister, who occasionally drops by after school since the first time she turned up out of the blue. And dinner last month cleared the air between Molly and Martin. They still have awkward moments as they get to know each other, but they’ve come a long way.

“Come on, Molly. I wanna go play.” Kenny reminds my girl.

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