Page 60 of Raspberry Cake
Tod was at work, so it was just Laira joining them, making a fresh pot of coffee before she had to leave to pick up the boys.
“I hope you come visit us more often, Renley.” Eveline couldn’t help but grin at her sister’s polite way of telling him she approved of them being together.
“I would love to. ‘Uncle Renley’ actually has a nice ring to it.”
Laira shook her head. “You know they’re only going to drive me crazy until you come back, right?”
“Don’t boost his ego too much,” Eveline scolded, earning herself a nudge from Renley.
When Laira left to fetch the boys, Renley and Eveline stole a few moments on the back porch. Only this time, he insisted thatshe sit in his lap. With her head on his shoulder and his fingers dancing over her legs, she soaked in the moment.
“I’m proud of you,” she whispered.
“Why is that, kitten?”
“You said you weren’t a grown-up a year ago, but I think you are. If no one has told you lately, I’m proud of you. I didn’t know you then, but from what I’ve heard, you took that goal to get your life together and blew it out of the water.”
“Thank you. I feel like I still have a ways to go, only now I understand that it’s okay to take the small steps as long as they keep moving you in the right direction.”
She had her hand under his shirt, drawing circles over his abs. “I still want to go to the gym with you.”
“We’ll work out a schedule when you get home. I’ve already looked up a few things you could try out. Just know there is no pressure for you to do it.”
“I kind of want to go just to cheer you on.”
“Lusting and drooling over me in the process, yeah?”
“Something like that,” she giggled.
Eveline, comfortable, stayed in her spot even after the boys got home. She sought out Renley’s presence, constantly needing to touch him or hold his hand throughout their last moments together. When he started to pack his things, she couldn’t hide her displeasure over him having to leave.
“You’ll be home and back in my arms in no time. Enjoy your time with the boys. I’m sure they’ll keep you on your toes.”
With both of his hands in hers, she tugged him closer. “I know. I just enjoyed having you around and I feel we took so many steps in our relationship over the last few days. It feels odd having you leave before me.”
“Next time we’ll plan something together. With a whole road trip,” he promised, kissing her hair.
“Be safe, okay? And take breaks when you need to.”
“I’ll message you the second I get home. Do you want me to stop by your place to check on the cats?”
“The sitter said they’re okay, but I’m sure they’ll love the extra cuddles.” She reached for her bag and separated her house key from the others. “Gives you an excuse to be there when I get back.”
“Like I would miss that for anything.” Renley laughed and added the key to his keychain.
She watched, eyes burning as Renley packed up, ruffled each boy’s hair, and pulled Laira in for a hug. “Thank you for having me and tell your husband goodbye.”
“Please come back soon.”
When he turned to her, she pulled him down and kissed him so deeply and tenderly that she hoped it told him how much she adored him.
“I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Give my babies some love from me.”
“Not sure if I can compare to you, but I’ll do my best.”
With one last kiss, he waved and walked to his truck. She watched with blurry vision as he sped down the driveway and disappeared onto the road.
