Page 69 of More Than a Little Spark

I choke, desperately trying not to suck coffee down my windpipe.“What?”

He raises his eyebrows, giving me a look only teenagers can perfect.But he doesn’t actually utter the wordDuh.“It’s pretty obvious that you want to marry Daphne.And I was guessing about why you’ve waited.If it’s because of me, I like her.”

“I would like to be able to get down on one knee.But it’s reassuring to know you are on board with that idea.”

Fred drops into a chair.“Also, I was talking to Mason.When I found out you were in the hospital, I was really worried.About you and worried about what would happen to me if I couldn’t live with you anymore.”

I drop into the chair beside him.“While I don’t intend to let anything happen to me, we should probably have a plan for that.”

“Mason said that if something ever happened to his dad that he’d live with Poppy.Do you think Daphne would let me stay with her?”

“I do.”I pat his shoulder.“Part of what I love about Daphne is that she cares about you as much as I do.”

“It’s been nice having her here all the time.I know she has to go back to her place, but I was thinking about that.”He slides his phone across the table with a picture of a tiny kitten on the screen.“Can I get her a cat for Christmas?It would have to live with us, which would give Daphne a reason to come over a lot.You’d like that, right?”

“That’s a cute kitten.Are you willing to help take care of it?”

“Totally.I’ll fill the food and water bowls.And I’ll scoop the litter box.”

“Then I think it’s a great gift idea.”I’m prepared to keep the kitten if for some reason Daphne doesn’t want it.And it’s clear that Fred really wants it.

“Awesome.”He jumps up and runs down the hall.“I’ll be ready to leave in five minutes.”

If my desire to propose is obvious to Fred, I’m guessing the entire world knows how I feel.I’ll ask her on Christmas.Even if this darn leg won’t allow me to get on one knee.

I’ve waited long enough.We both have.I want her here all the time.

Chapter30

Daphne

Daphne

Itake my place in the pickup line at the middle school, excited and nervous for the planned shopping adventure.For December, the day is too warm.But I’m not going to let that dampen my holiday spirit.Fred asked if I’d take him shopping for Carson’s present, and I heartily agreed.It’s a bit of a Christmas miracle.

We’re even getting dinner together.Just the two of us.Which is a first.Actually, the second, but the first was during a stressful situation and not planned ahead of time.

It’s been more than a year since Carson and I got back together.And Fred’s been friendly, kind.Even warm some days.The three of us have gone to dinner, had movie nights, and once went on a horseback ride through the ranch.

But this is the first time he’s requested an outing alone with me.And that’s why I’m both nervous and excited.Things shifted when Carson was in the hospital a couple of months ago.Fred and I drew a bit closer.I guess realizing that we both love the same person had something to do with that.

He opens the back door and tosses in his backpack.And I hold my breath, hoping he isn’t planning to sit back there on our drive into San Antonio.The distance between the seats would make me feel like a chauffeur.But if that’s what he’s comfortable with, I’ll adjust.But I doubt he will because he’s ridden in the front seat before.

After digging around in his backpack a second, he closes the back door and gets into the passenger seat.“Thanks for this.I hope it didn’t mess up your schedule.”

“Not at all.I’m really glad you asked.”

Grinning, he buckles his seat belt.“I already know what I’m going to get you.”

“We haven’t even left the parking lot, and you’re teasing me.”I give a comically dramatic huff.

He laughs.“You’ll like it.A lot.”

As I drive, he talks about his school day and which teachers he likes and doesn’t like.And soon, my nervousness dissipates.One conversation leads into another, and we talk and laugh until we get to the mall.

When I park, he glances at his backpack and then at my door.

“Grab your backpack.You don’t have to get my door.”I pat his shoulder.“But I like that you thought about it.”

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