Page 75 of An Unexpected Turn
“I just want to stay with you. I’ve always wanted to stay with you. I never said anything because I knew it would upset Mom.”
I’d forgotten our dinner experiment as my eyes clouded. I rubbed at the emotion flooding my chest.
“So then, you’ll stay with me, and you won’t worry about anything else.” I reached across the table and squeezed his shoulder. “Okay?”
Silence fell over the table as the waitress placed the plates in front of us and left.
“I guess I could go to the festival if I’m here. It’s not a dance, right? It’s this winter carnival thing instead?”
A slow smile stretched across Peyton’s mouth.
“We may pipe in holiday music, but it willnotbe a dance.” She held up her hand. “I swear.”
“Aaron said he saw a student volunteer flyer somewhere,” Mike said around a mouthful of fries. I took it as a good sign that his usual bottomless appetite was back.
“Yep. We have only a handful so far, but enough to help with setup.”
“If I wanted to volunteer, do I need to sign up?”
Peyton’s eyes lit up, flicking her gaze to mine for a second before she set her burger back on the plate.
“Nope. All you’d have to do is tell me.”
“Okay. Let me know what I need to do.”
She leaned back, squinting at him.
“What size do you think you’d be in a Santa suit?”
When he whipped his head toward hers, his eyes wide, both of us burst out laughing.
“Relax. All we need is some decorating and setup, nothing more.” She squeezed his arm and popped a fry into her mouth.
I didn’t come out and tell my son that Peyton and I were a couple, but we felt like a team—more than I’d ever felt sitting across the table from his mother. My sister had said when I found the one, she’d be good for both of us.
I was never so happy to tell Kristina that she was absolutely right.
“You get those burgers every week?” Peyton mused as she rubbed her stomach. “I think they’re a once-a-month burger for me.”
“My son has tried to order a second one a few times.” I chuckled as we headed into the parking lot. “Where are you parked?”
“Way in the back. I didn’t anticipate the lot being so full.”
“Let me walk you to your car. Mike, you can sit in the truck.”
“Okay. Good night, Ms. Miller.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Thanks, I guess. Again.”
Her full lips curved up. “Thanks aren’t needed among friends. Thankyoufor letting me eat with you.”
He shrugged and slipped into the passenger seat.
I opened Peyton’s car door when she clicked the key fob and pulled her into a quick kiss.
“Thank you,” I whispered. “For running into us.” I kissed the corner of her mouth when she smirked. “And being what he needed tonight. You have that way with both of us.”
“You’rewhat he needed, Jake.” She skimmed her hand down my cheek. “I had a great time tonight. I look forward to our next accidental dinner.” She pecked my lips and climbed inside, rolling down the window after she started the engine.
“Have I told you that I love you lately?” I asked as I leaned in the open window.
