Page 17 of Banking on Love

“Ugh. That does it. We’re canceling our plans for the festival. I’m going to take you guys shopping then we’re cleaning up that damn pigstye of a house!” I growled.

“No!” they screamed.

“Please, Kenz! We’ve been looking forward to this forever. Please, don’t take this away from us,” Kallia pleaded.

“Please! We’ll do anything,” Kimberly chimed in.

Nick looked at me concernedly before making his way over to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the top of my head. What woman could stay mad while wrapped in his warm embrace? Not me. Definitely not me.

“Okay. Fine,” I sighed. “We’ll go but afterward we’re going grocery shopping and cleaning. Got it?”

“Got it,” they said together. “We love you, Kenz.”

“Yeah. Yeah,” I giggled. “I love you too, brats.”

Chapter Eight

NICK

The Festival of Love reminded me of a sappyConey Island. There were hearts and little cupids everywhere. Kimberly and Kallia were like two little kids in a candy shop. Every time they saw something they were interested in or excited about, they would grab Kensi’s and my hand and drag us through the crowds of people.

Kensi would look give me a sympathetic look and apologize for her sisters. Each time I told her she didn’t need to apologize. And, I meant it. I was enjoying my time with Kensi and her sisters. Even if smalltown fun was out of my comfort zone.

“I’ll grab some frozen hot chocolate,” Kallia said cheerfully, pulling my attention to her. She gestured at a stand a few feet from us. It was festively decorated just like the others.

Of course, there are more hearts,I chuckled to myself.

“Frozen hot chocolate?” I asked when her words finally sank in. “Isn’t that like a contradiction or something?”

“Contradiction or not… It’s so good. You’ve got to try some,” Kimberly smiled up at me.

“Kensi and I will go grab some,” Kallia linked her arm with Kensi and dragged her off before either of us got another word in. We were next in line for the Ferris wheel and it was Kallia’s idea.

“Are you two up to something?” I grinned. Kimberly smirked then linked her arm with me.

“Maybe,” she giggled.

“Um…” I looked down at her arm. She rolled her eyes and grimaced.

“Relax, old man,” she frowned. “You’re like old enough to be my dad.”

“Dad!” I choked. Kimberly stuck her tongue out at me and laughed.

“Yep. Total old guy. What are you like fifty?”

“You’re killing me, Kimberly. Absolutely fu– killing me.”

“Next!” A man called out.

Kimberly and I both looked in the direction of the man. He stood at the gate of the Ferris wheel. He signaled for us to walk forward.

“Come on, Grandpappy!” Kimberly dragged me through the gate and into the empty cart. She quickly let go of my arm then took a seat. I sat across from her as the man shut the door to the cart and locked it.

Soon, the Ferris wheel was moving. It creaked and shook as it headed towards the top. I found myself gripping the nearby bars for dear life.

“Scared of heights?” Kimberly giggled.

“No. Scared of rickety-ass death traps,” I muttered. “When was the last time they inspected this thing?”

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