Page 48 of Raspberry Cake
“Fucking grown up,” Shannon mumbled. “But I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you. I’m hoping that I can get the two of you together again when we get back from Austin. I want you two to get along.”
“How adorable of you.”
Renley dramatically tossed his non-existent long hair over his shoulder, throwing Shannon a wink. “That pretty much describes me.”
Despite his friend’s protests that he had enough, Renley didn’t leave the mall until he had the perfect selection of outfits.
After all, he was about to meet his future father-in-law.
Renley
Thursday evening couldn’t come fast enough. The second he clocked out, showered, and dressed, Renley was speeding towards his woman. They’d talked or texted every day, but that didn’t compare to holding her in his arms. He endured the horrendous Houston traffic but once he cleared the city limits, he was coasting down the highway.
The closer he got, the more impatient he became. When he stopped for gas just outside of Austin, he sent her a text, getting a picture of a fire pit in response.
We’re out back, just come around the house when you get here.
Be safe!
Sounds like a perfect end to a long day.
Laira’s house was in the middle of nowhere. At least, that’s what it seemed like in the dark. He drove up the long, winding driveway, past an open gate, and parked next to Eveline’s car.Not bothering with anything but his hat, he jumped out the truck and followed the laughter and giggles around the side of the house. He found them surrounding the familiar-looking fire pit that sat off the side of the porch.
“Renley!” Eveline cheered, spreading her arms and tugging him down to her level as soon as he was within arm’s reach.
“I missed you,” he hummed into her hair, kissing her cheek before turning to the other two.
“Laira, Tod, this is Renley.”
Even though he didn’t want to, he stepped away from his sweet kitten and shook both their hands. “Thank you for having me.”
“Don’t thank us yet, you haven’t met the monsters,” Laira chuckled.
“I’m sure Eveline will help me wrangle them,” Renley said, taking the glass that Tod offered him. He sat it down next to Eveline’s beach chair, hauling her into his arms. Once she’d stolen his hat and set it on the table, he took her place in the chair and with her in his lap, he finally felt whole again. “A little tipsy, are we?”
“Not at all,” she lied, giggling and kissing his cheek. “How was the drive?”
He nodded and took a sip from his wine. “It was fine once I left Houston.”
“I hope you’re not too tired. We have a busy weekend ahead.”
“Oh, don’t scare the poor boy,” Tod intervened. “The boys still have school tomorrow so you two can relax in the morning.”
“So, what are our plans then?” he asked, unable to resist nuzzling into Eveline’s neck.
“I thought we could take the boys to the trampoline park Saturday. If you don’t mind keeping an eye on them.”
“You’ll be lucky if I don’t get out there with them.”
“We’ll make a whole day trip out of it.” Redirecting her attention to her sister, Eveline added, “And you two can have a whole day for yourselves. We’ll entertain the boys and get them to bed. So you’d better be out of this house when we get back.”
Tod picked up Laira’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Already have it all planned out.”
Eveline continued. “And we’re meeting Dad for dinner on Sunday.”
He masked the spike of panic in his chest with a kiss to her cheek. “Perfect.”
