AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I searched his eyes, trying to find something, but I didn’t even know what I was looking for. “Sure, Buttercup. I can give you time if that’s what you need.”
With that, I leaned in and gently brushed my lips across his cheek, opened the door, and walked up the sidewalk. I inserted my key without looking back, but when I turned to close the door, he was gone, taking my heart with him into the night.
Chapter 24
Courtland
After dropping Molly off at the Bluebird, I jacked off to visions of long legs wrapped around my waist, sucking rosy nipples into my mouth, and drifted off to the best sleep I’d had in months. She was right. We were making progress. She just needed time.
The Halloween Festival was in five days, and things were on track for the big reveal. Jackson told me I needed a grand gesture to win her back, and that was what I intended to do. How he knew was a mystery, given he’s only been in love once, and that ended in divorce court. Hell, maybe he knew more than I did when it came to the fairer sex, and at this point, I’d take whatever help I could get. I had nothing to lose.
Julia was coming to town tomorrow, and I planned to enlist her help with this last step in the quest to get my girl back. After raising a questioning brow respectively, Lucy and Tess were also on board with the plan.
I hadn’t seen my parents in a few weeks, so when Mom called offering breakfast, I was hard-pressed to say no. Dad was doing well, and the doctors confirmed last week what we’d anticipated for months. He was in remission. My parents gathered us all through video chat and gave us the good news. It was time for a celebration, and if I knew one thing, It was how to celebrate.
The house appeared empty when I walked through the front door, barreling straight toward the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked biscuits and sizzling bacon took me back to my childhood home. There weren’t many memories I relished from those years ago, but my mother’s cooking was one of the best. She must have heard my car because she called to me from the open door before I could look for them.
“Courtland, we’re out here.” I knew where they were without asking. My dad built a sun deck after they moved in, and that’s where they could be found most mornings. The sun’s rays streamed through the oak trees, casting shadows over this side of the house, and the white-throated sparrows sang out an early morning melody. It was a peaceful escape from the things life had thrown their way recently.
After leaning in for a kiss on the cheek and hugging my dad, I settled at the ornate metal table in one of the floral patterned chairs as Mom poured coffee into three mugs in front of us. As many places as I’d traveled, I’d never found a better cup of coffee than my mother’s.
“Mom, you look beautiful as always, and Dad, you’ve gotten a little color back in your face since the last time I saw you.” They both looked happy and healthy, and that made my heart swell.
My mother’s eyes filled with tears, and my dad choked up as he cleared his throat. “Son, we owe you a debt we can never repay.”
My breath caught in my throat. “Dad.” I cut him off, emotion strangling my voice. “There is no debt. I was in a position to help, and that’s what I did. You and Mom mean the world to us, and if I had strings to pull, you damn well better know I’d pull them. Every damn time.”
When I met my dad’s eyes, they were wet and red-rimmed. He held my mother’s hand and nodded, overcome with emotion. I blew out a breath and smiled as Mom brought us in for a hug, and our laughter was only broken up by the sound of my phone. Looking at the screen, my face split into a smile so wide I couldn’t disguise my delight.
“Courtland.” She had the voice of an angel, and I was the devil. Heaven and hell collided when I heard my name on her lips. The physical reaction was undeniable.
“Hello, Buttercup. How was your night?” My arms ached for her, and my body was twisted up in so many ways I thought it was made of rubber.
“It was good. I was wondering if you’d want to have lunch today. If you’re not busy.” She sounded breathless.
Trying to keep my voice even so she wouldn’t detect the teenage lust brewing just below the surface, I was quick to answer. “No, no plans at all. What did you have in mind? For lunch, I mean.” I know what I’d like for lunch, and it didn’t include actual food or an audience.
She laughed, and I sucked in a breath. My God, her laughter was like sweet wine to my thirsty soul. “I haven’t been to Jack’s for lunch in a while. How does that sound?”
My brother’s place did serve a mean cheeseburger and onion rings. “Sounds like a plan. Meet you at noon?”
“That will work. Oh, and Courtland.” I held my breath, not knowing what she was about to say. “I’m looking forward to it.”
The air exploded from my mouth with relief. “Me too, Buttercup. Me too.” I ended the call, not sure if I could wipe the smile off my face.
After I had eaten my weight in bacon and eggs, I left to go see Ben. After Jackson told him about my intentions, he agreed to meet me this morning to discuss the grand gesture I had planned for Molly. Everything was set for the night of the Halloween Festival. He had coordinated with Julia and Knight to gain the necessary access to the venue. This covert operation was shaping up to be one to remember. If things went according to plan, it could be the best night of my life.
When I walked into the Lux, I found my brother sitting in his office, deep in thought. “Am I interrupting anything?”
My voice brought him out of his daze. “Oh, hi, Court. No, not interrupting anything. So Jackson tells me you’re ready for the big one.”
My eyebrows shot up. “The big one? What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laughed at my confusion. “You know, pull the trigger, pop the question.”
He looked at me incredulously when I narrowed my eyes. “I don’t know where Jack gets his information, but first things first. I’ve got to get the girl before there can be any trigger pulling or popping of any type of questions.”
“Courtland.” His tone turned serious, and I sat up a little straighter in my chair. “Man, you always get what you want. Always have. Remember when we were kids, and you wanted that sickly stray dog to come home with us from the ball field? We all thought Mom and Dad would for sure shoot that idea to crap, but they gave in to you despite protests from the rest of us. Or the time that we were all told at the mall that we couldn’t play the arcade. Knight, Jackson, and I followed along behind Mom and Dad, and you were determined to get your way. After whining for two minutes, Dad gave up and stuffed five dollars into your pocket so you’d shut up.”
