“Would you boys like to come over to Grammy’s and spend some time with me?”
Charlie looked over at Dillon and the two put their heads together, whispering. A moment later, they looked up at Margaret, then looked at me.
“Mommy, we can go.” Dillon nodded.
“Okay, boys, let’s go get your backpack and I’ll help Grammy move the car seats.”
“I have my own. I borrowed Judy’s.” She smiled triumphantly as I stood up.
“Would you like a cookie, Marsha?” I walked back through the house with the boys behind me. We waved to Miss Monica and went out to my van.
I got their bag out and handed it to Margaret. “There’s coloring books, cars and some other little things they like to keep them busy.”
“Wonderful.” She took the bag. “Being a Friday night…”
“We’ll call before we come to get them.” I cut her off and walked over to her car, opening the back door. “All aboard.”
The boys climbed in and I helped them strap in, gave them each a kiss and closed the door.
Nothing else was said as she got into the driver’s seat and I watched her leave with my sons.
Henry
I wrapped up my work early and on my way to my truck; I called Miranda.
“Hey there.” Her voice sounded sad.
“My mom has the boys, doesn’t she?” I leaned my head back on the rest.
She sighed. “Yeah. It’s too quiet without them.”
“Would you be interested in dinner with lil’ ‘ol me?”
“Justyou?” Her voice teased. “How will we manage without them?”
“We could eat our food hot.”
“There is that.” She laughed. “Okay. It’s a date.”
“I’ll be home soon, gorgeous.” I ended the call and pulled out of the lot.
The ring box pressed into my hip in my pocket, and I felt giddy with excitement.
Have dinner. Pick up boys. Ask if I can keep her forever.
It’s a simple plan. What could go wrong?
The drive home went quick but when I walked into the houseand a wall of silence greeted me it made me understand how Miranda felt.
I took off my work boots and made my way through the house. As I was climbing the stairs, I heard the water running and Miranda singing. Picking up my pace, I started stripping before I went into my bedroom.
My foot got caught in my boxers, tripping me.
“Ohmygod!” Miranda jumped in the water, turning to see me naked as I caught myself. “You scare the shit outta me!”
“Not the way I wanted to make you scream.” I waggled my eyebrows at her, and she threw her head back in laughter.
“Bring it on.” She blew me a kiss, and I walked over, pulling the shower door open.