Page 114 of Alec’s Dream

And Caleb being an all-around great kid didn’t make his grandfather wait. He moved to where my father stood up from the couch and walked into my dad’s arms and hugged him.

“Did you have fun on your cruise?” Caleb asked.

“Yep. Missed you three something bad, though.”

“C’mere and give me some sugar,” my mom demanded, and Caleb again did what he always did, which was kiss his grandmother’s cheek then offer her his so she could return the gesture.

“Ron Hartley,” my father boomed. “My wife, June.”

Now that my dad had greeted his grandson, completing his grandfatherly role, he switched back to over-protective father, meeting his daughter’s manfriend for the first time. It didn’t matter that his daughter was thirty-five, divorced, had two children, and was living with said manfriend. The tone of my dad’s voice couldn’t be missed.

Shit.

“Alec Hall. Nice to meet you.”

Alec shook my dad’s hand then turned to my mother, “June, it’s a pleasure.”

“You as well.”

Did my mother sound breathy? What the hell?

Then Alec made his way to me, and right in front of my parents and children, he pulled me into his arms and brushed his lips against my forehead. When he pulled back, he was smiling.

“Babe.”

“Hey.”

Now did I sound breathy?

“You good?” he asked near a whisper.

“Yeah. You?”

“Practiced with Caleb. Got to pick up Aurora and hear her newest trivia fact. Came home to you, and the house smells like you’re cooking heaven. Yeah, babe, I’m better than good. Where’s Jocelyn?”

Sweet Jesus. Why had I fought Alec for so long? I wanted to pull Alec closer and kiss the ever-loving hell out of him.

“Joss was getting fussy so Mom rocked her. She fell asleep so Mom put her upstairs. I thought I’d let her rest a bit then wake her up before dinner so she’s not awake all night.”

“Perfect. Caleb, your dad, and I have a few minutes to go outside? Caleb wants to practice a passing drill. Told him we’d do it before dinner if we have time.”

“There’s time.”

Oh, yeah, I sounded breathy. And that was because with all the goodness Alec was giving me, I could catch my breath.

“You sure? If you need help, we’ll wait. Explained that to Caleb.”

Of course he explained that to my son. Alec wouldn’t tell him they were doing something together unless he was absolutely sure, which meant he’d give Caleb options. Damn, but I was seriously falling in love with Alec at a speed that should’ve scared me to death but didn’t.

“Mom and I will finish up.”

Alec hooked his hand around the back of my neck, pulled me closer for another touch of his lips, then he turned.

“Ron, would you like to come out back with Caleb and me? Toss a ball while we get to know each other?”

Dad remained silent for a beat, his eyes never leaving Alec, and he was not hiding he was giving Alec a very thorough examination.

“Think I know all I need to know, though I’d still like to spend some time with you and my grandson.”