Page 50 of Chasing Honor

“You, sweet girl, have done everything.”

Before I could answer she pulled away and moved into her husband’s embrace.

“Thanks, guys. We’ll see you later. Sorry for the mess.”

“Not the first, won’t be the last,” Lenox responded.

“Ready to go home?” Ethan asked Carson.

“Yes.”

But instead of taking Ethan’s hand she grabbed mine.

“Will you lay down with me when we get home?”

“Sure will, darlin’, right after you drink down a special cup of tea to make your tummy feel better.”

Lily sniffed, Ethan cleared his throat, and Lenox smiled.

There was something in the water, they’d all gone batty.

13

“You sure you still want to do this?” Honor asked.

“Carson is fine,” I told her for the tenth time. “No fever. She hasn’t been sick since yesterday. It was all the crap she ate then the running around.”

“Okay. If you’re sure. You know better than me.”

“I’m sure. Carter will be here any minute and he wants time with Carson, anyway.”

With all the commotion last night I hadn’t been able to tell Honor why my brother wanted some one-on-one time with his niece.

I still wasn’t sure what to make of last night and how Honor had handled everything like a rock star. She hadn’t missed a beat. Most women who’d just been thrown up on would’ve had a fit. Not, Honor. She calmly sat with my daughter on her lap and comforted her. Even though I knew she probably wanted to gag. God knew I did. That shit was gross, and had been everywhere.

As soon as Carter walked in the door I’d ushered Honor out. Part of me had been afraid I was going to be stood up, and she’d opt to stay home to make sure Carson was okay. That wasn’t happening, though. Honor had disappeared into her room about an hour ago and had emerged looking stunning. She always looked great, but, tonight, she had on a little extra makeup and her hair was pulled up in a fancy twist, showing off her sexy neck. It would be a bloody miracle if I could make it through dinner without sporting a hard-on. She even wore the bracelets Carson had given her to wear for our date.

I’d been scared shitless to tell my eight-year-old I was going out with Honor. It would’ve been laughable the way I’d stumbled over my words had the situation not been so serious. Carson had simply shrugged like it was no big deal. When I’d asked her if she had any questions, she’d asked if we’d bring home ice cream if she was good. Against my better judgement, I said yes. Call it guilt for going on my first date since she was born.

“This is really nice, Ethan.” Honor noted when I pulled up to the valet.

“Let me open your door,” I warned when she went for the door handle.

The valet opened my door, handing me a ticket, and I rounded the hood to Honor’s side.

“Thank you, handsome.”

The lighting in the restaurant was dim, the dark blue walls making it even more so.

“Have you been here before?” she asked.

“No.”

After a quick exchange with the hostess we were seated and greeted by our server, an older gentleman, who’d flirted shamelessly with Honor. He took our drink order, and we looked over the menu.

“Ethan—”

“Don’t, Honor. Don’t look at the prices, just order what you want. And I swear to Christ if you order a salad because it’s inexpensive I’m introducing you to spankings when we get home.”