AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But you’re going to love every minute of it.”
Their eyes had connected at some point, and now she found herself staring back at him. It might be just her, but their conversation had her thinking about the future. She’d be a grandmother soon enough, and he’d be a grandfather. Their properties would be combined—their families would be combined—whether she liked it or not.
Actually, she loved it. What she loved most of all was the thought of growing old with this man by her side. Of watching their grandchildren play. Of spending holidays and long summer afternoons by his side. If he didn’t feel the same, it was better to know now than later.
“We need to build a movie theater where our kids will be proud to bring their own kids,” Gus said.
“And someday, our grandkids will come here on dates or outings with friends,” Bobbie said.
“And hopefully, if all goes well, they’ll run this theater and pass it on to the next generation.”
“And the next,” Bobbie added.
It was hard to imagine this movie theater still standing a century or longer after they were gone, but it could remain in the family, in addition to the properties their families owned. It was an investment—not just in their children’s future, but in Cupid Ridge’s future.
“What about us?” Bobbie blurted.
His smile faded a little, and he tilted his head slightly. He wasn’t quite following the sudden twist in the conversation.
She rushed to clarify. “Do you see us as business partners or…?”
She didn’t finish that thought. He could pick it up from there.
“I’d like for us to be much more than business partners,” he said. “In fact, I’d love that.”
Those words were music to her ears. But it was clear he was still being vague with his wording, probably feeling things out to make sure she was on board. Neither of them wanted to put themselves out there and risk being rejected, especially since it would be impossible to avoid each other. Not only did they live in the same small town, but they very well might be starting a business together.
“Honestly, I never thought I’d consider a relationship again after I lost Sharon,” he said, emotion softening his voice considerably. “It’s been four and a half years, and I haven’t even looked at a woman in that way until I sat across from you in the diner that morning. Since then, you’ve been all I can think about.”
At those words, she struggled to catch her breath. She consciously forced herself to breathe in and out as he lowered his hat to his side and stepped toward her. Each move was slow, tentative, as though he didn’t want to scare her away.
“What about our kids?” she asked.
His movements stopped, and he stared at her as though not quite sure what to say. “Kids?”
Had he forgotten so easily? “Yes. Phoenix, Sawyer… I could name the others, but those two in particular are going to have a rough time accepting us dating.”
He shrugged. “I figure it’s like when your kids date someone you don’t like. You know if you say something, that only pushes them closer. So you just keep your mouth shut.”
“Do you really think that’s how it will go?” Bobbie asked.
His mouth spread into a smile, and Bobbie knew his answer before he even spoke. “Of course not,” he said. “But we’re the parents. They have to do what we say, right?”
Bobbie wasn’t so sure about that. Sawyer could be especially bullheaded, and she was pretty sure Phoenix was the same. They were in for a fight. It was a fight they could tackle together, though.
“Now.” Gus took the last few steps to close the distance between them. “What do you say we have our first official movie date?”
Frowning, Bobbie looked around. “This place is closed,” she pointed out.
“I happen to have the key to the projection booth. Mike said the last movie is still cued up. I’m sure we can figure out how to get it going.”
“The movie we saw last week?” she asked.
He winced. “Is that a bad idea?”
Now her mouth spread into a smile. “Not at all. I can think of nothing I’d like more than to enjoy a romantic movie with the man I’m dating.”
With that, he took her hand and led her toward the auditorium. It looked like she was getting her matinee, after all.
