Page 57 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

“No apologies needed. We just didn’t get the cards,” Graham said. She’d quickly picked up on the game and been a good sport and fun to play with.

“How about some banana pudding as a consolation prize?” she offered.

“Definitely.” Jace continued to shuffle cards.

When they finished dessert, Erin loaded her bowl into the dishwasher. “I’ll leave the banana pudding for you all.”

“You’re not leaving already, are you? We need a rematch.” Jace motioned to the cards he’d stacked in the center of the table.

Graham hadn’t expected her to beat a hasty retreat either.

“I’m still wiped after the week I’ve had. This was fun, and I hope to see you again soon.” She picked up her purse.

The family said good night, and Graham walked her out. “I’d hoped you’d stay longer.”

“I thought it’d be better if I left before they did so they don’t . . .”

Ah.“I think they suspect we’re sleeping together.”

“Suspecting is different than making it obvious. Better to give them time to adjust to us dating first.”

“True.” Considering Megan’s reservedness tonight, Erin made a good point. “I’ll call you after they leave.” He stroked his thumb down her cheek. While it wouldn’t surprise him if either his kids or Noelle were peeping out a window, he pressed a light kiss to her lips.

Watching her drive away rather than stay delivered a punch to his gut. The past week, he’d begun to believe that while he could never replace Bethann and didn’t want to, he could find love again. It’d be different, but he was different now too. His guilt about moving on had lessened considerably, except it had climbed back up a notch tonight. Hopefully, Megan would come around to accept his relationship with Erin. He didn’t want to choose between his daughter and a woman he already cared a great deal about but who wouldn’t commit to a future with him.

He took a deep breath before walking back inside and to what his family had to say after spending the evening with Erin.

Jace had put away the cards. Megan and Alex were loading their serving dishes and leftover containers into cloth bags.

“No more games?” Graham tried to keep the mood light.

“Can’t play Generic with five, and there’s something I found out this week that I need to tell you.” The seriousness of Megan’s voice sent a chill through Graham’s body.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Smokey’s tailwrapped around Erin’s calf affectionately as she refilled the bowls with fresh water.

“Thanks,” she said to Smokey for her version of a hug. Most of Graham’s family seemed fine with her presence. Only Megan hadn’t been warm and overly welcoming.

She understood there was a special kind of bond between a girl and her mother. Besides, Madison would likely give Graham an even less enthusiastic welcome if the situation were reversed.

Graham called before her brain had settled enough to try to sleep. “Hey there.” She forced lightness into her voice. “Did they already leave?”

“We called it quits on the games after you left. Megan found out something this week she needed to tell me about.”

Something she didn’t want to do in Erin’s presence.

“I know you’re tired, but can I stop by to talk?”

She’d never heard this much raw emotion from Graham, even when he discussed his late wife. “Sure,” she said despite the tightening in her chest.

“I’m on my way.” He hung up before she could respond.

Had Megan heard something from one of the wives in 3rdGroup that would impact Graham’s position? That could explain things. Would it affect their relationship? She wanted to continue seeing him, but she’d walk away to protect his career and his family.

She mulled over the possibilities, unable to come up with any positive scenarios. By the time Graham knocked on the door, she couldn’t draw a full breath.

Her gaze flicked to his hand, hoping she had read him wrong and he’d brought an overnight bag. His hands were empty. Instead of his usual smile, his eyes were narrow, and his lips pinched as if in pain.

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