Page 178 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
By the time our server is clearing away my dessert, a lemon-raspberry torte that was just as exquisite as the rest of the food, the list has gotten more specific.
Apple orchards to explore. Strawberry fields to roam. Mountains to climb. Baby goats to play with.
Well. And most significant of all.
Perryas a father.
A part of me fears it is only the magic of the evening that has me wanting to take the next step in our relationship. But really, I was already feeling this way. Tonight only helped confirm it.
I’m not saying I’m ready to propose to the man.
Iamsaying I’d like him to start spending time with Jack.
We sit around the table, laughing and talking long after our meal is finished. Only Olivia and Tyler sneak away so they can get home to put Asher to bed. Eventually, the crowd thins enough that Lennox comes out of the kitchen. His family gives him a standing ovation and a round of hugs similar to the one they gave me when I arrived. When it’s my turn to offer him congratulations, he accepts the hug, then snaps his fingers like he’s just remembered something.
He turns to the closest server, saying something I can’t hear, then turns back to me. “I have something for you,” he says simply.
“For me?” I look at Perry, but he doesn’t seem to know anything more than I do.
Lennox smiles but doesn’t offer any explanation until the server returns holding a pastry box tied with shimmery gold ribbon that matches the interior decor of the restaurant. She passes it off to Lennox who hands it to me. “Almond pillow cookies,” he says. “Someone mentioned that you really enjoyed them.”
“I did, but a whole box just for me? What did I do to deserve this?”
Lennox shrugs with an easy grin. “You tamed the grump.”
Perry and I don’t manage to steal a moment alone until he’s walking me back to my car. It’s a school night for my babysitter as well as for Jack. Even though I’m sure Jack’s already sleeping, I ought to get home for her benefit if nothing else.
When we reach the car, I unlock the door, and Perry hands me the cookies so I can put them inside with my purse. Once my hands are free, I melt into his embrace.
“That was a really wonderful evening,” I say, my words muffled against his chest.
“I’m really glad you could be here.”
“Your family is really great.”
He chuckles. “I think they really love you. But I know they can be a lot.”
“They can be. But I still love it. Growing up an only child, I don’t know. This all feels pretty magical to me.”
His hands slide up and down my back, warming me against the chilly fall air. I’m wearing a jacket, but my legs are bare. I probably shouldn’t stand out here much longer.
“Hey.” I lean back so I can look at Perry. “What was it your dad said? Can you tell me now?”
“It wasn’t anything groundbreaking. Mostly just stuff about my future. About the farm. My education. But he also gave me some advice about relationships. I remember that more than anything else.”
“What did he say?”
Perry’s arms tighten around me, tugging me a tiny bit closer. “He told me that when I met the right woman, I wouldn’t just know in my head or in my heart. I would know somewhere deeper. He couldn’t explain how I would know, he just said that I would.”
I almost hate to ask the question dancing on my tongue, but I don’t think I can stop myself. “Did you know with Jocelyn?” I ask, my voice sounding too small. Too needy.
Perry’s hand lifts to cup my cheek. “I thought I did. But now, I realize I . . .” His words cut off, and he shakes his head. He blows out a breath, like he’s trying to work himself up to something. His hands fall away, and he backs up a half-step, turning away from me, his hands propped on his hips.
He’s so clearly warming up for something, I half expect him to start bouncing on his toes and throwing a few fake punches.
“Hey,” I say, stepping toward him and slipping a hand over his shoulder. “You okay?”
He huffs out a laugh. “Just trying to figure out how much I can say. How much Ishouldsay.”
