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Mason swims over and pops up out of the water near Jasmine.“I remember you.You were at the weenie roast.”
“That’s right.I remember you too, Mason.”She slides into the water.“Is it fun living on a ranch?”
“The best.There are cows and horses and Blue the dog and barn cats and this pool.And Miss Ava makes me cookies.”
Jasmine’s smile widens.“You’re having all the fun.”
“Yep.”Mason dunks under the water, then shakes his head, spraying water in every direction.
She laughs, then does the same, which clearly pleases Mason.
Kent nudges me.“He seems to like her.”
“Smart kid.What’s not to like?Maybe you should start meeting preschool teachers.”
He shakes his head.“I’m not interested in meetinganyone.Mason is my only focus.He needs my attention.”
I’m not arguing with Kent.I’d have better luck getting a brick wall to move.“He’s a good kid.And in spite of everything that led to him coming here, he seems really happy.You deserve credit for that.”
He shrugs.“Not sure about that, but I’m glad he’s happy.”
I pat his shoulder, then join Jasmine in the pool.
As soon as I’m in the water, Mason jumps onto my back.“Let’s play shark.”
“Sure, buddy.”
Jasmine eases up in front of me and feigns fright.“Are you going to get me?”
“That’s my plan.”I blow her a kiss, then growl.
Mason laughs.“Sharks don’t growl, Tyler.”
Grinning, she dives away.
What I told Kent the other day was wrong.I do have a plan.It’s more long term than short term because I want her onboard—obviously—but I plan to marry Jasmine if she’ll have me.
Snuggledin the bed of my truck, Jasmine and I wait for the fireworks to light up the sky.
She shifts so that we’re face-to-face.“This is comfy.And romantic.Thank you.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this.Did you have fun today?”
“I did.It was nice being around your friends.Seeing you with them.I feel like I know you a little better.”
“Uh-oh.”When I’m unsure of how to take something, I always go for the laugh.
She pats my chest.“All good.I like you more now.”
I press a kiss to her forehead, eager for the day I upgrade that four-letter L word to a different one.“How did I get so lucky?”
She’s quiet, and I trail a hand down her back.
“Did I say something wrong?”
Her head wags back and forth.“No.I’m just not used to it.After growing up being treated like I was an attention-seeking burden, I never felt like someone would be lucky to have me.And when I did finally date someone, he acted like I was the lucky one.Even when I caught him in a lie and discovered he was cheating on me.”
I hug her closer.
