Page 66 of Mr. B

“No.”

“Can I have it?”

Wes held the marshmallow out to him, and he pulled it off the stick and stuffed it in his mouth, then licked his fingers before giving Wes a thumbs-up and wandering off.

Bailey wrinkled her nose. “Why are guys so disgusting?”

“Fortunately, some of us grow out of it.”

“Every time I think a guy is cute, he does something like that.”

“Wait until you’re in college.”

“They’re worse?”

“No. Their maturity level jumps quite a bit.”

“Well, that’s good to know.”

“Have you made a decision on where you want to go?”

“No, but I have time.” She smiled. “Anyway, back to you and Mom.”

“Bailey.”

“I was wrong about the whole father thing.” She picked up her crutches. “But having you for a step-dad wouldn’t be so bad.” She stood and limped away.

The flames danced around the split pine logs, with a layer of coals beneath them, and a light show of mini-explosions launching embers up into the night sky. But the crackling of the fire could hardly be heard over the hum of multiple conversations around the perimeter of the fire pit, interspersed with the occasional raised voice or laughter.

As Wes soaked the comfort of it all in, Cassandra came up to sit next to him. “I don’t suppose you’d roast me a perfect marshmallow?”

“After the last one, I’m not sure.”

“I have faith in your ability to get it flawlessly toasted on all sides.”

Wes looked at the girl passing out marshmallows. “Hand me two of those, Tessa.” She handed him two, and he put them on the end of his stick and held it over the fire.

“So, what were you and Bailey talking about?”

“How gross boys were.”

“Sounds about right. I’ve been blessed with a daughter who is very particular when it comes to boys.”

“That’s good. She shouldn’t be in a rush.” Wes cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “She has the notion that I make you happy.”

Cassandra smiled. “She’s not wrong.”

He turned the marshmallows over. “I’m not sure how much longer I can fight this, Cass.”

“So, stop fighting it.”

He finished roasting the marshmallows, then pulled the stick away and put them in front of her. “I guess I still have it after all.”

“Oh my gosh, perfect.” She pulled one off and put it in her mouth, then put her hand up while she chewed it. “Goodness.” She laughed. “That was a mouthful.”

The firelight bounced off her cheeks as she ate the second one, and Wes was reminded of the young girl he’d loved. The only girl he’d ever loved. He turned back to the fire and melted the remaining marshmallow from the end of the stick.

“Do you want another?”