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“That’s how you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“You know it’s real when you don’t want to stay over. You know it’s real when you want to stay.When you want her to stay, so, tell me, Brooks. Do you want her to stay?”
“Always.” I think back to all the nights I’ve asked her to stay over, and she always declines. I’ve never really given it much thought, but I do want her to stay. Not just so I can wake up with her in my arms the next day. Not just so I can reach for her in the middle of the night and make love to her, although all those things I want. But I want her to stay because I don’t want us to be over.
“There you go.” He drains the rest of his beer. “You know, we might need to start a new Kincaid family tradition.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”
“One where we take another trip, but the women who own our hearts get to come too.”
“You missing Mom already?” I tease.
“Probably as much as you’re missing your girl.”
My girl.
“You think Mom would be up for that?” I ask him.
“As long as we kept this tradition, the guys’ trip, I’d say yes. She’d love to be a part of it.”
“You know Blakely’s all in.” I laugh.
“Don’t I know it. I’d say Jade and Ramsey would be too. And what do you think? You think your girl would like it?”
“Yeah, I think she would.”
“I’m going to call it a night. I’m too old to stay up this late,” he jokes. “You staying up?”
“Yeah. I’ll make sure they all make it back.”
“Night, son.”
“Night, Pop.” He tosses his bottle into the tote we bring for recycling and disappears into his tent. I pull my phone out of my pocket and stare at the screen. Finally, I crack and send her a text.
Me:Having fun?
Palmer:I am. Are you?
I miss you.
Me:Yeah. The twins, Archer, Ryder, and Rushton, went swimming. I’m staying up to make sure they make it back.
Palmer:Such a good big brother.
She sends me a selfie, and she has bright blue eyeshadow all over her face.
Palmer:Blakely’s handiwork.
Me:You’re beautiful.
Palmer:There is zero chance of getting lucky tonight, big guy. You can save the pretty words.
Me:Palmer?
Palmer:Brooks.
