Page 56 of Contentious

“No, thanks. I don’t eat breakfast.”

“Mom says it’s the most important meal of the day.”

“So I’ve heard, but I’ve never wanted to eat first thing. I get around to it later.”

“That’s not healthy,” Ty said. “Your brain needs energy. Maybe that’s why you’re dumb about kids.”

“Could be that or the fact that I haven’t been around them since my youngest siblings were little a long time ago. You’ll have to teach me what I need to know.”

“That’ll take a long time.”

“You can teach me about kids while I teach you how to surf.”

Ty smiled. “Okay.”

As Cresley was seeing them off a few minutes later, she noticed a large bulge under Carson’s shirt. “What’s that?”

He raised the hem so she could see the handgun he’d tucked into the waistband of his jeans.

She shook her head. “I’d really rather not have a gun in the house.”

“It’s just a precaution, and Ty will never see it. I promise.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I know, but I don’t want to be caught off guard by any surprises.” Carson kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back to pick you up for your meeting. Call Julian, okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll do it right now. Where’s my kiss, Ty?”

“Whoops, sorry, Mom.” He came over to hug and kiss her. “Have a good day.”

“That’s my line.”

“I beat you to it.”

She bopped him playfully on the head. “Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Ty shot out the door and ran to Carson’s SUV.

Carson stole a quick kiss from her. “Set the alarm.”

She handed him Ty’s booster seat. “I will.”

He walked toward the vehicle, held the back door, helped Ty into the seat and made sure he was belted in before he walked around to the driver’s side and flashed her a grin that made her heart do a funny flip in her chest.

She could get used to mornings like this, she thought as she waved them off.

Slow your roll, girl. Mornings like this aren’t what he wants, so don’t go there.

In the kitchen, she used her phone to arm the security system and then called Julian.

His delightful assistant, Mattie, picked up. “Good morning, Cresley. How are you today?”

“I’m doing well. Hope you are, too.”

“Every day is a new adventure.”