I nod, chewing my lip. “One of the parents, Jason Barnett’s dad. He said some stuff. About art. That my class is going to turn him into ‘a queer’.”
Nate’s jaw tightens, shaking his head. “What a dick.”
He gives me an apologetic look even though he didn’t do anything. “I’m sorry you had to hear that, Iris. I know you probably ain’t used to that sorta talk, not being from around here and all.”
I shrug.
If only he knew.
“It wasn’t about me. I know he’s wrong. But Jason, it washis dadsaying that stuff.”
He steps closer, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me close. “You didn’t deserve that. Neither did the kid.”
“He was just so-hateful.”
Nate nods, “I’ve been worried about Jason. His dad is a real hardass, and he’s been acting weird. He tells me nothing’s wrong, but—” I turn in his arms, pulling him into a tight hug.
We pull back before people start to question why we’re hugging in the middle of the parking lot, continuing until we stop by my car.
Nate’s thumb strokes gently over my wrist, “You okay?”
“Yeah,” I whisper. He leans in then, pressingthe softest kiss to my forehead first, then another to my cheek, and finally my lips.
When we part, I breathe a little easier.
Nate
My house looks like a damn sporting goods store exploded. Coolers are filled up by the door, fold-up chairs from the garage, fishing poles propped against the wall, and a bunch of blankets Ben swears we’ll need.
Lizzie has planted herself on one side of the couch, her hand bracing her pregnant belly. “Can’t believe y’all are dragging my pregnant ass into the woods,” she grumbles to Gracie, who nods along with her, patient as ever.
“Thought fresh air was supposed to be good for you,” Alex says, coming down the hall, ducking when she chucks a throw pillow at him.
Calvin and Ben are over by the window, talking about fishing techniques, even though I know Ben doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
Dude doesn’t even like fishing.
The kids are chasing each other around the coffee table, nearly tripping over stray supplies, while I’m holding baby Margot, making her giggle. She’s so cute. Looks just like Uncle Nate.
It’s exactly how I like it, messy and loud, Wesley family chaos.
Right in the middle of it all, my phone buzzes in my pocket.I hand baby girl back to Gracie and step into the kitchen, away from the noise.
“Hey, Darlin’, you busy?”
“Just sketching. Are you already on your way?”
“Almost. Everybody’s here now, raising hell in my living room,” I lean back against the counter. “And heads up, we’ll probably lose signal for most of the trip.”
“Oh. Right. I guess that makes sense.”
“Don’t sound so sad,” I tease. “It’ll only be for a few days.”
“I know. I’ll miss you, though.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
It’s really hitting me now that I’m not going to see her for four days. “Maybe I should stay home,” I offer, actually considering it.
