Page 39 of Headed for Home

“Um, okay.”

We slide into the line and I breathe easy for what feels like the first time since we arrived. The kiddos chatter about whose face paint will be better while munching on their sweet snack. I take a moment to soak in the sunshine. We shuffle forward, making progress. Rinse and repeat.

A buzz vibrates my back pocket. I slip my phone free and peek at the text.

Trouble:Hey, beauty. Where’d you go?

I consider not responding, but the silent treatment isn’t nice. Especially when he’s done nothing to deserve that.

Me:There’s stuff the kiddos want to do.

Trouble:Can I join you? Unless you’re not ready for that. I don’t want to overstep.

I stare at his words, imagining the honesty thrumming in his tone. Indecision churns my thoughts into whipped butter. There hasn’t been a man in my life since Shawn, but he barely counts as anything except a fantastic father for our kids. He and I didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be co-parents. The twins accepted Pam as another parental figure once their dad made it official.

Kenzie mapped out a similar fate for me with Drake before even seeing him up close. Charlie met him and isn’t traumatized. Unless I consider the boyfriend assumption. That’s more problematic for me, though.

A heavy exhale slumps my shoulders. “Hey, moo-boo?”

They swivel toward me as a cohesive unit. “Yes, Mommy?”

I grin when they don’t fuss about the conjoined nickname. It’s hit or miss these days. “Would it be okay if Drake stopped over to say hello?”

Charlie’s forehead crinkles. “You mean Rake?”

“His name is actually Drake,” I laugh.

“Is that your boyfriend?” Kenzie’s voice lifts to a dreamy tune.

“He’s just a friend,” I reiterate.

“And a boy,” Charlie adds.

My daughter giggles. “He wantsa hang out with us. I think he’s your real boyfriend.”

“Maybe he should stay where he is,” I mumble to myself.

“Noooooo!” Charlie shakes me until I almost drop my phone. “I wanna see Rake.”

“Don’t make me regret this.” I motion from my eyes to theirs.

Drake gets the same message when I reply to tell him where we are. Kenzie skips to the open seat when the artist is ready for her. Charlie gobbles the rest of his cotton candy, his skinny limbs twitching with the incoming sugar rush. I brace myself for the unknown.

“There’s the lovely bunch I’ve been missing.” Drake’s approach parts those blocking his path to us.

I don’t fight my smile. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

His stance widens beside me. “Why not?”

My lips curve higher. “This doesn’t seem like your usual scene.”

A quick shake of his head scolds me. “I’ll have you know that Roosters is donating all proceeds from today to a charity that feeds starving children.”

“That’s… really incredible.” And crumbles the puny restraint I’d attempted to build against him.

“Much more than a sordid cock den.” Drake winks.

“I’m done! Your turn, moo.” Kenzie hops off the chair and inspects her transformation in the provided mirror.

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