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But something has been heavy on my heart this whole week; my past. I know I need to tell Juniper about myself. I mean, she’s told me so much about her life.
Sighing, I gather up some ingredients and get to work on cooking. I promised Juniper and Tobias I would make dinner tonight at their house. Smothering the steak tips in my special dry rub, I sit it aside and work on the sides.
Fresh bread from the farmer’s market, salad made with everything from my garden, and ears of corn from the farm down the street. I smile, knowing they’ll love it all. Wrapping things up, I load it all into a cooler and get ready myself.
Throwing my shoes on, I comb through my hair and throw it in a bun. I whistle for Dagda, who comes running down the stairs.
“Ready, buddy?”
His tail wags, and then we’re on our way. I wheel the cooler down the driveway to Juniper’s house. Tobias is already outside and comes running over, all smiles, as Dagda runs to lick him.
I look up to see Juniper leaning against the house in a gorgeous yellow sundress. It’s a soft buttery yellow that looks as soft as her skin. Winking, I walk over and watch as Juniper’s cheeks turn red.
“Hey, gorgeous.”
“Hey, Cody.”
I turn back to see Tobias running around with Dagda and sneak a quick kiss in with Juniper. She happily sighs as our lips meet. Pulling away, I wink and wheel the cooler over to the picnic table.
“What projects did you get done today?”
Juniper comes over and throws a tablecloth on while I set the grill up.
“I sanded some chairs today and put the final coat on that table for Gretchen! She’s that sweet lady down the road.”
I smile as I throw the steaks on the grill. “Watch out for that one. She may seem sweet, but lord when she gets riled up…”
Juniper playfully slaps me. “She likes me. We’re long lost sisters.”
“Women…”
She scoffs, but gives me a cheeky grin as she leans across the picnic table to put a plate down.
“Cookies, wine, and a smile. You can take over the world.”
“Nah. I like my garage, dog, alone time… and you and the wee man. That’s all I need in my life right now.”
Juniper smiles, that beautiful blush spreading across her cheeks and chest. I turn back to the grill and finish up, placing them on a plate as Tobias comes running over.
We all sit down at the table, digging into all the food Juniper laid out. Sitting back, I smile, watching the two of them interact. She’s a wonderful mom and Tobias is a wild little guy, but in the best way.
Finishing up dinner, we bring Tobias and Dagda inside for bed. He clings to me as we walk up the stairs.
“You read me a story, mister Cody?”
I grin at the little boy. “Of course, wee man.”
Juniper gets him all ready for bed and tucked in as I browse his shelves for the perfect book to read. Landing on a book of fairytales, I smile and pick it up.
Tobias grins with his big teddy bear tucked under his arm. “Read the one about the giants!”
Laughing, I sit down on the floor as Juniper takes a spot next to me. “Giants?”
I shrug. “We read it last time. Old tale from when I was growing up. It’s about using your brain over muscles.”
Tobias nods. “It’s soooo good, mama.”
Juniper grins and leans back. “Read away, mister Cody.”
