Page 182 of Rags's Awakening
Casey let out a thin laugh and reached up, wrapping her fingers around his wrist to keep his hand right where it was against her cheek.
“No, Rags, it’s not that,” she whispered, her voice thick. “I want to go.”
He searched her face, his thumb smoothing over her cheekbone. “Then talk to me, babe. Why the tears?”
She took another drink of wine, then moved his hand to her thigh and covered it with hers. “You know how I grew up. My mom flitting in and out with only my grandma trying to hold things together.”
“I know,” he murmured.
She looked up and him and held his gaze. “When I was younger, I used to look at normal families at the mall, the parks, or on TV and wonder what it felt like to belong to one. To have a mother who cared, sisters and brothers to play and laugh with, and big family dinners.” Another tear escaped and she swiped it away, sniffling. “Being invited to share that with all of you… it just hits a little hard.”
Rags set his drink down, shifting so he could pull her onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight against him. “The past is gone, but we got the present and endless tomorrows.”
“I’m being silly and emotional, but you wanting me to meet your family makes me feel loved and accepted.”
“Sometimes you gotta lean into your feelings. We’re a part of each other’s lives now, babe. And when my mom and Megan get a hold of you, you’re gonna wish you passed on Sunday dinner.” He laughed.
Casey reached over and snagged a tissue. “You’re crazy, you know that? I can’t wait to meet your parents. They must be special to have a son like you.”
“They could do without the outlaw stuff.” Rags shrugged. “But we now have a tacit agreement to not talk about it. It works.”
“I can bring my Snickers ice cream cake. I make a real good one.”
“My mom’s gonna have enough food for an army.”
“I know, but I’d like to bring something.” She tapped her finger against her lip. “Actually, I could put together a centerpiece.”
Rags laughed. “My mom’s gonna love you.”
“Tell her I’ll bring the flowers”
He tweaked the tip of her nose. “You’re too cute, darlin’. Bring the biggest damn arrangement you can make.” He cupped the back of her neck and tugged her closer, pressing his mouth against hers.
After the kiss, she jumped up.
“Where’re you going?”
“To get my laptop so I can make out a list of things I need to do for the dinner,” she said, walking toward the study.
“What the hell did I unleash,” he said under his breath as he grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.
***
The minute Ragsflicked the kill switch with his thumb, his two nephews and niece came running across the front yard.
“Uncle Rags,” Tyler said, rushing over to hug his uncle’s legs. “Can I sit on your motorcycle?”
“Hang on a sec.” Rags laughed, dropping the kickstand. “I gotta help my woman off.”
Lucas and Grace crashed into him just as he helped Casey off his Harley. She smiled at the three children.
“Hi. My name’s Casey. What’s your names?”
“Tyler,” one of his nephews said, extending his hand.
“Nice to meet you,” Casey said, shaking it. She glanced at Rags, her eyes twinkling.
“I’m Lucas,” the younger boy said.
