Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Timmy and I.”
“You? You’re too old to be in first grade!”
I laughed. “No, the proper way to say that is ‘Timmy and I.’”
When he scrunched up his nose in confusion, I decided to leave it. “Did you learn anything today?”
“The rules of the class. And we got to pick our reading spots. Me and Timmy picked the spot by Ms. Kennedy’s desk.”
“How fun.”
“It was lots of fun!”
“Well, the fun isn’t over. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Really? What is it?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
“Where’s the surprise?”
“It’s at home.”
Rhett clapped. “Hurry home, Daddy! Hurry home!”
The entire drive from school to home was filled with Rhett talking a mile a minute. He told me what I swore was a play-by-play of his day, from the time he got out of my truck to the moment he got back in.
“Then, Ms. Kennedy told us that we can have guests come eat with us, but they have to go to the office first to make sure they’re allowed to come see us. Will you come eat lunch with me?”
Before I had a chance to answer, Rhett added, “I want Ms. Emeline to come to lunch.” Then, after a moment, “Is it bad that I want her to pretend to be my mommy?”
I looked at Rhett in the rearview mirror. His little innocent face seemed so hopeful. “But Emeline isn’t your mommy, Rhett,” I said gently.
He looked down. “I know. I just wish she was.”
Caroline had made good on her word. She moved to Italy, and I hadn’t heard a single thing from her since. I couldn’t have cared less…but I knew Rhett did. He acted as if he didn’t, but she was still his mother. I’d never forgive her for hurting him the way she had.
I wasn’t sure what to say, so I focused on the road. I’d have to ask my parents for some advice in this particular area of parenting.
I clicked the gate remote and waited for it to open.
“I can’t wait to see my surprise! Daddy, can you drive faster?”
Laughing, I said, “No, I cannot drive faster.”
We finally pulled up to the house, and I parked outside the garage. Emeline was parked inside, so Rhett wouldn’t know she was here.
I got out and opened the back door for Rhett. He clambered out as I grabbed his backpack.
When he headed for the side door that led into the mudroom, I said, “We’re going to the barn.”
“What about Pip and Bull?”
Pip was Rhett’s kitten, and Bull was his chocolate lab puppy, who was as crazy as hell. He gave Moose a run for his money. They both shared the same father, and they seemed to understand they were brothers. When they were together, they were two peas in a pod.
“I just need to check one thing in the barn, then we’ll go see them.”
Rhett frowned. “Is my surprise in the barn?”
I laughed. “That’s a silly question. Just this one quick thing, I promise.”
Kicking at nothing on the ground, he folded his arms and started walking toward the barn.
“Are you pouting, Rhett?”
“No, sir. I’m just mad.”
I bit back a laugh and walked next to him. “That’s okay if you’re mad.”
“Grammy would tell me to… I can’t think of the word.”
“To be patient?”
He looked up at me. “That’s the word.”
This time, I did chuckle.
We walked into the main entrance of the barn and turned to go down the aisle with the stalls. Once Rhett saw Emeline, he ran toward her.
“Emeline!”
She bent down and caught him right as he launched at her.
“My goodness! You almost knocked me over!”
Rhett laughed.
A warmth spread through my chest as I watched them together. She was so damn good with him, and I knew she’d make a wonderful mother to my son. The thought wasn’t something new. As each day went by, I became increasingly sure that Emeline was the one. The woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
“How was your first day of school?”
Rhett jumped for joy when she put him back on the ground. “It was so fun! I got a star for being fast and quiet when Ms. Kennedy told us to get on the rug for story time!”
Emeline gasped and put her hands to her chest. “You already got a star?”
He nodded. “Yep! Sure did!”
She was down on his level, like she always was when she spoke to Rhett. “Well, I think that alone deserves another hug!”
Rhett wrapped his arms around her neck, and she stood, lifting him with her. “My goodness, pretty soon I won’t be able to lift you!”
“Grammy said I’m growing big because I eat all my broccoli.”
Emeline giggled. “I bet that’s one reason for sure.”
“Are you ready to see your surprise?” I asked.
Rhett grinned. “Yes! Come on, Emeline, we need to go back to the house!”
“The house?” Emeline asked. “But your surprise is right here.”