AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“When I see it, I’ll know.”
It doesn’t take long. Amongst the puzzles is the perfect present for Brett Pratt.
“Paper models?” Devin picks up a box from the shelf and flips it over. “It’s like 3D origami of his most famous buildings. Why these?”
My smile is instant, and I catch the way Devin’s brown gaze flick to my mouth. “My parents were pen pals when they were teenagers. My dad used to fold his letters into paper planes when he mailed them. He still does.”
Randomly, he leaves paper plane notes throughout our house for us kids or Mom. Silly stuff, like Dad jokes or telling us he loves us. Often he left folded shapes on my pillow to find when I came home from school. Notes of encouragement for a girl with a big test or a broken heart. Besides his bone-crushing hugs and Mom running her hands through my hair while we sit on the couch watching television, I’ll miss the notes most.
“That would explain that bracelet you’re always messing with.”
“Oh, yeah.” I touch the glass paper plane charm hanging from the braided leather out of habit. “My dad had my Uncle Olle make this when I was younger.”
“He sounds like a great dad.” Devin carries the box to the cash register for me, a solemn downturn of his mouth.
Once I slip the receipt into the bag, he asks, “Do you want to set up a tour of the house?”
Maybe I should, but I don’t. My gaze falls on the lush green landscape, and it’s beautiful, but I have no draw to this random Wisconsin museum.
What are we still doing here?
I shake my head.
The corner of Devin’s mouth curves up. “Let’s go somewhere else then.”
“Like where?”
He pulls out his phone, tapping, and scrolling. Waiting, I offer a passerby a smile.
“How strict are your parents on the budget for this trip?” I look at him, unsure of why he asks. “I noticed your original plan has us spending the night in Minnesota tonight. We’ll have to stay in Wisconsin if we change our trip.”
We were supposed to knock out two states in one day. The change isn’t a big deal, but maybe later, we can find a way to erase a night and keep the hotel costs to a minimum. “We planned on around ten hotel nights. It’s fine.”
He taps his phone more, his tongue caught between his teeth in a way I’ve realized is a sign he’s concentrating. “I’ve got it, but you’ll have to give up the keys to Snowball.”
I snort. “Not happening.”
“Then you’ll ruin the surprise.” He flashes a toothy smile. “I promise I’ll keep us safe.”
“You think you can con me into handing over my car keys for a surprise?”
He pokes my side. “I’m not conning you into anything. C’mon, let loose for a while. Toss the checklist for an hour. Trust me, Spitfire. I’ll be careful with the precious cargo. You, too.”
Spitfire isn’t the most endearing nickname a man can give a woman, but coming from Devin’s mouth, it’s sexy in a strange way.
“No looking at your phone. No texting, checking messages, nothing. Got it?” He bites the inside of his cheek, staring, and man, did I just become my mother?
Fine.Digging the keys from my bag, I hold them out. “Don’t make me regret this.”
Of course, he insists on lowering the top and cranking the music. Giving Devin control of my first car freaks me out—what if he’s a terrible driver—but when he eases from our parking space using all the rules we learned in Driver’s Ed, I release my fear and trust him.
Once we’re on Highway 60, I consider asking Devin about his dad, but he’s too happy behind the wheel to risk bringing up something so sensitive. And it’s probably a conversation best for when we don’t have to shout above the wind. Willa mentioned the man abandoned them as kids, and Devin’s face in the gift shop as I gushed about Dad has me stewing in guilt. Wanting to keep the peace, I lean back and enjoy the ride and Devin’s classic rock playlist. Dad would approve. I also snag a piece of his Big Red.
Roughly an hour later, Devin pulls off at exit 87.Wisconsin Dells?
“You’re not going to give me a hint?” I ask as our speed slows, allowing for conversation without shouting.
“You really hate surprises, don’t you?”
