Page 70 of Sweet Surrender

Becca was pretty sure that Zane Lawrence didn’t make a habit of wearing his feelings on his face. But he was so handsome like this, smiling as happily as his boys were, that it almost hurt to look at them.

As the kids cheered, and Cal and Nick hugged their dad around his waist, she smiled back at him. She felt a bit like a lovelorn fool, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Zane was setting a good example, and she found it was actually quite nice to let go a little, and maybe leave some space for life to be about more than just work for a change.

24

BECCA

Becca sat opposite Zane at The Moose Bar & Grill that night, feeling like she had to be dreaming.

Zane always looked very handsome, but tonight he was wearing a white button-down shirt with jeans, and his hair was a little damp, like he’d showered right before picking her up.

They were both a little awkward so far, but she supposed that was to be expected after the difficulties they’d had this week.

The restaurant was nice, but not so fancy that it was intimidating. The moose head over the bar was draped with garland, and there were miniature Christmas trees at every table, complete with little twinkling lights. Some instrumental, jazzy carols drifted to them from overhead speakers, and everyone seemed to be in a very festive mood.

Now that Becca was feeling a little more positive about things, the whole upbeat atmosphere of the place seemed just right. And if the smells coming from the kitchen were any indication, atmosphere wasn’t the only thing this place did well.

“Here we go,” the waitress said. “Two ice waters, and two of our famous hot chocolates. And your meal will be out soon.”

Becca smiled as the lady placed two steaming mugs of fragrant chocolate on the table, followed by two glasses of ice water.

“Wow, looks great,” Zane said.

When the waitress asked what she would like to drink, Becca had panicked, answered honestly, and then immediately felt like a child. What adult woman asked for hot chocolate? It probably would have been more normal to ask for a glass of wine or something.

But when Zane said that sounded awesome and ordered one for himself, she let herself relax a little. With the flurries drifting down outside, and the music in the air, a little hot chocolate seemed like a great choice.

“Well, we had quite a week,” he said. “I’m very sorry again for not trusting your instincts.”

“It’s okay,” she told him. “I get why you’re protective over them. They’re such special kids.”

“To new friendships,” Zane said, grinning and holding up his mug.

She touched hers to his, feeling a little shy.

Zane took a sip and then held his hand up to stop her.

“Don’t drink that yet,” he told her. “It’sveryhot.”

She couldn’t help giggling a little.

“Are you giggling at me?” he demanded playfully.

“Maybe just a little,” she admitted. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he told her. “I like seeing you like this.”

“Like what?” she asked.

“Free,” he said. “Relaxed.”

She nodded and stroked the handle of her mug thoughtfully. He was right, she didn’t let her hair down often. It was just that her studies and her work took up so much of her focus.

“Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I like that you’re a hard worker.”

“It’s just that the kids are so important to me,” she said. “Teaching isn’t just a job for me, it’s more like a calling.”

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