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“Did you forget you have an entire company in California?” I arch a brow at him, and he finally surrenders to staying put—at least for now.
We finish eating and put up our plates and make two to-go coffees.
“Y’all be safe out there,” John tells us as we start heading out, and I swear his southern accent got thicker.
“We will.” I turn and give him a wave. When we step off the porch, and I look out at the rolling hills, I think that maybe one day, I could live here. It’s peaceful and quiet, the type of place people go to settle down and enjoy their days together.
Travis grabs my hand, and we go to the car. Once we’re inside, I let out a sigh and lean my head against the headrest and smile. This weekend was amazing, one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
BONUS SCENE #2
VIOLA
“Mom!” TJ screams from the top of the staircase. He’s named after his father and is definitely Travis’ mini-me—loud, obnoxious, and keeps life interesting with his antics. Basically, a typical thirteen-year-old boy. “Where are my basketball shorts?”
“You mean the entire dresser drawer that’s filled with them…” I muse from the kitchen as I grab creamer from the fridge.
Coffee.I need lots and lots of it.
It’s Friday morning and chaotic as usual with three kids and three dogs.
“I can’t find my favorite pair!” he whines.
“James, go help your brother, please. Ginny, don’t forget you’re picking TJ up after practice,” I remind her. Ever since she got her license six months ago, she’s been put on carpool duty, which has been a godsend.
“Ugh. I have plans,” she deadpans, then holds up her book to remind me.
Except when she complains about it.
“Can’t you pick him up before the signing? He’s done at 4:30. You’ll have plenty of time before you go,” I say, filling my cup full of coffee.
Ginny’s been invited to an exclusive meet and greet dinner with one of her favorite authors, and she’s been talking about it nonstop for the past three months. There’s no way I could’ve forgotten, but it happens to be the same night Travis and I are leaving for our anniversary weekend getaway.
She scoffs, then nods.
“James, don’t forget to feed and water the dogs,” I say when he returns with TJ. “And you…” I point at my youngest. “No pranks on Grams and Gramps. I’m scared one of these days you’re going to give them a heart attack.”
Travis strolls in with a devious smirk on his face. He walks over, smacks me on the ass, and steals my coffee. “Nah, your folks are gonna outlive all of us.”
I roll my eyes, then snatch my cup back. “That’s my favorite Harry Potter mug. Get your own.” Then I lean over and give him a kiss.
“Ew, please stop the PDA,” Ginny groans loudly. “It’s bad enough we know what you’re gonna be doing all weekend. We don’t need to be witnesses.”
I nearly choke, wondering where all the attitude is coming from. Ginny’s in her prime teenage years—one minute she’s sweet as pie, and the next, she’s ripping your head off. And I can’t even deny that she’s a lot like me at that age.
“What are they doing all weekend?” TJ asks innocently. At his age, he’s definitely been subjected to the sex talk and where babies come from, but that doesn’t mean he’s put together howhewas conceived.
“Reading,” Travis answers with a sly grin.
James rolls his eyes and starts digging in the fridge. At fifteen, he’s constantly shoving food in his mouth.
“I’m leaving in five, be ready or get left behind,” Ginny announces to her brothers.
“Shotgun!” TJ calls out, grabbing his backpack and basketball bag.
“Keep dreaming!” James retorts, shoving him when he walks past. “Youngest always gets the backseat.”
“Just wait till I can drive. I’m making you sit in the trunk!” TJ shoulder-checks him.
