Page 59 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“Okay.” He tucked Tommy under his arm. “Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“I think it’s time I stopped sleeping with Tommy.”
“Why, honey?”
“Because Saul doesn’t sleep with a stuffie. Big boys don’t.”
“It’s your choice, love.” Tears came to her eyes. Her son was growing up fast.
“Tomorrow I won’t sleep with him. Good night.” He closed his eyes.
She shut off the light.“Door open or closed?”
“Open.”
Leaving it ajar, she went downstairs and found Sharp in the kitchen.
“That boy is something else,” she said.
“You should know that he asked me an interesting question.”
“Did he? Let me guess. He asked if you loved me?” When Sharp nodded, she sighed.“He asked me the same question about you.”
“He’s curious. That’s a good thing.” He leaned his hip against the counter.
“Would you like a glass of Piper’s dandelion wine?” She took down two glasses and the half full bottle.
“No one ever passes up Piper’s dandelion wine.”
“The taste does grow on you.” She poured a small amount into each glass.
“What if?”
She looked at him over the rim of her glass.“What if what?”
“What if you and I got married?”
The wine went down the wrong pipe and she started coughing and sputtering. When she got it under control, she sniffed the wine.“Is there something in this wine?”
He set his glass down.“I’ll freely admit I’m not good at this. I’ve never been one to connect with my emotional side, but I’m serious when I say that I’ve thought about us…and marriage.”
“Sharp—”
“Wait a second. I’ve grown very fond of Carsen. I’ve also grown to care for you. I know I might not be your idea of a great catch, but I can promise that I’ll do my best to keep you and Carsen safe and happy.”
She set her glass down and swiveled, her intention was to get away, but he caught her wrist and pulled her back around.
“If you’re not interested, just say so,” he said.
“This is sudden.” She looked up at him.
“Yeah, but sometimes things happen fast.”
“Are you asking out of pity?”
“No. I just don’t want you to go.”
