Keegan nuzzles closer, erasing any possibility of separation. The notion she wants to be plastered against me warms the coldest sections of my mending heart. “Hugs are the best medicine.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s laughter.” Her head bumps into me when I chuckle.
She clucks her tongue. “There’s more than one prescription.”
“I’ll have them all, so long as you’re passing out the doses.” I press my lips to her forehead.
“Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome, babe.”
“I’m sorry if the stems got a bit broken. An unfortunate casualty.”
“Don’t worry too much. There’s plenty more where those came from.”
A muffled squeak of protest interrupts the intense voltage sparking between us. Wriggling for an escape shortly follows. “You’re squishing me,” Millie complains.
She separates from our huddle with a huff. Her hair is a mess of rumpled blonde braids. She looks so much like her mother, which sends a powerful surge of protectiveness through me. Beating punk-ass boys with a spiked club is in my very near future. I wonder where Keegan stands on the rules for letting Millie date. It’s far too soon for concern, right? A weak exhale trickles out of me. Jesus, this could be my life. Maybe that should freak me out, but all I can do is smile.
“Get used to it, Peep. There are gonna be a lot of group hugs in our future.”
“Really?” Her gasp, that lingering doubt, gives me something to prove. “You’re really gonna stay this time?”
I drag Millie back into the fold, and she collapses against us without making a fuss. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
“Turning into quite the charmer,” Keegan murmurs.
“I’m just getting warmed up. Twenty-six years of lonely solitude will do that to a man. Especially after he’s found the right motivation.”
“Be careful. You’re beginning to trigger those pesky romantic feelings.”
“In that case, I hope they’re contagious.” I tip her chin up with a finger, sealing our mouths together for a chaste kiss. That single touch is enough to ignite a blazing inferno in my gut. “I already have them.”
Keegan’s sharp inhale zaps off her lips. I feel that static down to my toes. “Oh, my.”
Before our public display can border on indecent, I straighten and force a foot of distance between us. “Do you have plans tonight?”
“We were just about to settle in for a movie.”
“Does the couch have room for one more?”
She steps back and opens the door in what I can only hope is a permanent invitation. “Come see for yourself.”
Healing Hug #31: Giving voice to possibility and the potential for more.
I swirl another forkful of pesto noodles, the creamy sauce dripping off my utensil. A burst of herbs and spices greets my mouth with the culinary equivalent of cymbals crashing. I let my lashes flutter shut to simply enjoy the flavorful morsel. An indecent moan slips past my lips as I swallow the linguini. There’s not a single speck of shame flushing my cheeks.
Once my foodgasm has subsided, the restaurant comes back into focus. Tonight might be our first visit to Donte Louie, but one taste will never be enough. After this meal, it’s safe to say I’ll be returning soon and often. It’s a little romantic getaway not far from town, with dim lighting and a lot of ambience. Staging a calm and soothing mood. It’s a very appropriate setting for our first official date.
The large dining room is speckled with couples or multiple sets of pairs. Our threesome seems to be a rarity. Perhaps most choose to leave their children at home, given the white tablecloths and crystal oil lamps. Crawford made sure that Millie was invited. Heaven forbid she gets left out of this special occasion.
“Do you like my choice?”
Crawford’s question makes me smile, mouth stuffed and all. I dab at my lips, but there’s probably leftover evidence in my teeth. “Very much so.”
“This would be a great spot for another new tradition, if you approve.”
“I certainly do. Monthly dinners would suffice. Or maybe weekly.”
“It’s so pretty and nice,” Millie chimes in. “My spaghetti is so yummy. I even ate both meatballs.”
“I’m glad my girls are happy,” he coos. The man devoured his steak in record time, proving we’re not the only ones with satisfied tummies.
“And really full,” I add. I take a final bite of the decadent pasta, humming when the rich basil hits my tongue. “Oh, this is too delicious. I’m past my limit, but want to keep eating. Where do I get a doggy bag? I’ll make myself sick.”
Or I could lick the plate clean. Decisions, decisions.
Crawford traces a finger along my splayed hand. “You have to save room for dessert.”
Millie giggles, tipping her chin to hide a wide grin. “Yeah, Mama. The fun isn’t over yet.”
I pat my protruding belly. The food baby is ready to start kicking. “Nothing else is fitting in here at the moment.”
“We can sit and relax for a bit. There’s no rush.” He glances over his shoulder, maybe searching for the server.
“Well,” I toss my napkin onto the table. “This calls for a quick restroom run. Please order me another glass of that fabulous champagne if our lady swings by.”
Crawford’s hazel eyes carve a path along my curves when I stand. “Will do.”
I blow a kiss at him before tugging on Millie’s pigtail. “Do you have to go potty, sweetie?”
She frowns at me. Cute as she is, the expression is almost thunderous. “No, I’m staying with Ford. Have fun, Mama. I love you.”
I furrow my brow at her stern tone mixing with sugary words. “Um, okay. Someone’s touchy. Maybe you need an extra-large slice of chocolate cake. Love you, baby girl.”
The bathroom is a short walk and down a hallway bathed in blue. My stiletto-clad toes are thankful for the
