While still in Rod’s arms, I turn to face my sister. “How many times do I have to remind you envy green is not your color?”
“I’m not jealous that you have someone to suck face with and I don’t. That’s insulting.”
“The truth hurts, doesn’t it?”
We can’t contain our cackles as she jumps out of the car and rushes toward me. I turn and open my arms, pulling her into a tight embrace.
“I’ve missed you so much, little sister. You haven’t come to see me in forever.” Marlee squeezes me tightly while rocking side to side in pure excitement.
“I’ve missed you, too. At least we’re home together for a little while.”
When we step back from our embrace, I introduce Marlee and Rod to each other. She assesses him with the typical scrutiny of an older sibling. She’ll start her intense interrogation the first time she catches him alone and unaware, but she’s nothing but nice for now.
“Do you two want a ride back to the house? I’d hang out here with you longer, but I’m starving. You know how I am when there’s family food on the table.”
“No, you go ahead without us. Everyone is waiting for you to show up anyway. We’re enjoying the sights and the peace and quiet out here. I’d forgotten how loud our family is when they’re all together.”
We wave goodbye as she drives off, then Rod and I resume our evening stroll with our arms entwined. Even as much as this still scares me, I have to admit this is exactly what I’ve always wanted, always dreamed a relationship could be. When he’s not hiding behind the super-ego façade, he’s surprisingly easy to talk to and the most caring man I’ve ever met. He makes me feel safe and secure while simultaneously feeling sexy and desired. No man has pulled that off since the night I shut out the world.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
“You’re worth more than a penny, Rod.”
“You’re thinking about me? Nice. Am I dressed or naked in your daydreaming? Should I be flattered or offended by the sordid thoughts floating around in your head?”
“Rod, you’re impossible.” I playfully swat his stomach.
“All I need is to make sure we’re on the same page. I mean, if you’re walking around out here having your way with me in your head—”
“Oh, my God. Stop already. If you must know, I was thinking about how wonderful you are and how happy I am with you.”
“Now, are we naked in all this wonderful happiness? I missed that part of your story.”
“You are totally naked in my story, and you’re being used as a lawn ornament in my parents’ Christmas display.”
“Kinky. Keep going.”
“But it’s cold in the North Pole, so certain parts shrivel and hide—”
“Stop right there.” He raises his hand with his palm out, as if he’s directing traffic. “This drivel is too far-fetched, even for fiction. I demand a rewrite.”
“I’ll get right on that.” With my head tilted down, staring at the road, I hide my smile behind my long hair.
Then I feel his fingers float across my skin before tucking my hair behind my ear. After a gentle tug under my chin, I raise my head to meet his handsome, smiling face. “You know I’m playing, right? You’re sleeping in my bed tonight, but I’m not planning any smooth moves on you. When you want me, you can let me know. Until then, we’ll go at your pace.”
“Rod, I know when you’re joking around, and that doesn’t offend me. Don’t start treating me with kid gloves as if I’ll break. I’m a survivor, not a victim.”
He nods slowly, his eyes intently searching my face. “You certainly are.”
We cover the entire subdivision on our walk and arrive back at my parents’ house. Everyone is in the den when we walk in, judging by the cacophony of voices that assault us the moment we step across the threshold of the front door. Multiple conversations happen at once, making it impossible to follow any single line of thought.
Until Rod and I walk in the room, that is.
“Daisy, Mom told me she moved you out of the guest bedroom to make room for me. So, Rod,” Marlee turns her gaze directly to him. “What, exactly, are your intentions with my sister?”
“So, this is what it felt like to be one of Juliana’s dates. Interesting.” He rubs his forefinger and thumb across his chin as if he’s deep in thought. But knowing Rod, he’s only coming up with the perfect retort. “My intentions with Daisy are to make her the happiest woman in the world, in every possible meaning those words could convey.”
“Does that include marriage?” Her eyes float to mine. “Kids?”
Holy shit. Does she know too?
“Marlee, I appreciate how you look out for me, but I’m grown. I think I can handle my relationship with Rod from here.” I shake my head at her and pull him to sit with me on an open loveseat.
With his arm around me, we settle into a comfortable position while the family resumes their previous conversations. Marlee moves to sit beside Juliana, peppering her with questions as they become acquainted. No doubt she’s taking every opportunity to find out all she can about Rod, but I don’t mind. Two heads are better than one, and I know my sister has my back regardless of what happens.
Landen and Isa make their way over to Rod and me, then crawl up on Rod’s lap and making themselves at home. I play with Landen’s hair, knowing he’s fighting sleep with every ounce of energy he can muster. “How do you like camping out at Gram’s?”
“It’s awesome, Mommy. You should see what Gramps helped us build in there. Now we have a tent and an igloo, like real Eskimos. Grams made a bed in there for Miss Juliana, so we’re all set.” He flattens his hands out in front of him, emphasizing his words with a pump of his
