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Chap holds out his giant hand for Austin to shake. “I’m your mom’s friend, Chap. And you?”
Austin returns the shake. Next to Chap he looks like an infant. “I’m Austin.” He sounds like one too.
Chap glances toward me. “Do you like pumpkins?”
I nod and he turns back toward Austin.
“Your mom likes pumpkins, and I happen to love them. So, we’re going to pick some out. Grab your jacket.”
For a long moment, Austin stares up at Chap as though he’s considering a spar but instead, he runs off to grab his coat. He even puts his boots on before he’s asked.
“Okay, I’m not letting you leave.” I laugh though I’m completely serious. “Heneverlistens like that. Not to anyone.”
Chap laughs. “It was one thing. I’m sure he’ll start questioning me soon.”
“I don’t know. It’s the tone of your voice. You sound so sure of yourself. You made me want to put my boots on and you weren’t even asking me.”
“So you’re a sucker for some dominance?”
My cheeks burn.Is he flirting with me? Can priests talk like that? Am I turning him like the books Grace talks about?
No. I laugh to myself at the stupidity of my thoughts and grab my coat off the hanger by the door.
“Sorry,” he says. “I was kidding. I thought it was—”
“It was funny. I’m sorry. I’m all in my head.” I leave out the part about how I do like dominance and how it’s been a long while since I’ve had a man with a deep voice tell me what to do. I need help. Serious, brain restructuring help.
“Are we doing this pumpkin thing or what?” Austin stands by the door with his coat and boots in place.
“Let’s go. Hop into the back seat of my truck and buckle up.” Chap takes charge as though he’s been here for years, like he knows what to say and how to say it. There’s no waver in his tone. There’s only confidence and Austin responds…immediately.He even seems happier, like the direction has somehow alleviated whatever anxiety he was carrying.
“Great job getting buckled, buddy.” Chap reaches back and squeezes Austin’s ankle as he opens up the truck door for me.
This is a dream. This man isn’t real. He brought me donuts, he made my kid follow direction, and he opened the truck door for me. I’m obviously still asleep in bed.
“What do you like to do for fun, Austin?” Chap closes my door and makes his way around to the driver’s side.
Austin responds when Chap sits. “Play video games and watch TV.”
God, I’m an awful mother.
“What games?”
“Superhero stuff mostly. Do you play games?”
“A little but I’m awful busy on the ranch and at work. You play any sports?”
“Nah. I want to play football, but Mom won’t let me. She said it’s dangerous.”
“She’s not wrong. It can be dangerous for sure.”
“Maybe you could talk her into it. She’s easily persuaded with compliments.”
I glance back at Austin. “What?”
“You are, Mom. Last week I was in trouble at school, and I told you how pretty you looked, and you forgot all about it.”
“I didn’t forget, Austin. I moved on. You’re still in trouble for that. The school called me yesterday.”
