Fourth Down (Portland Pioneers 1)

I make my way into the pizza parlor and tell the hostess my family is already inside. I have no idea where they’re sitting, but I don’t care. I’ll wander around the entire place if I have to. I head toward the fire truck, knowing Roxy likes to sit by it and stop dead in my tracks when I spot Autumn and the kids.

They’re sitting in the booth. There are drinks on the table, and the menu is gone, making me think Autumn has already ordered our food. But this isn’t what has me standing still in the middle of the room. Roxy is on Autumn’s lap, and Reggie has pressed himself right up tight to Autumn’s side. The three of them are coloring and seem to be in a deep conversation about where each color should go. I don’t know what part of the scene in front of me is making my heart twist in knots the most. Is it the sight of my daughter being attached to Autumn, Autumn caring for my children, or the look of happiness on my son’s face? Ten minutes ago, when he was on the phone with his mother, he was sad. I thought lunch was going to be an emotional time for him, that he’d be despondent. But from the looks of things, Autumn isn’t allowing any of that to happen.

I clear my throat as I approach the table. Three sets of eyes look up at the same time. “Hey, guys.”

“Hey, Dad,” Reggie says and then goes back to coloring.

“We ordered already, and I got you a soda.” Autumn motions to the lone drink on the other side of the table. “Everything okay?”

I nod as I slide into the booth, feeling lonely because everyone I want to be with is across from me. “We can chat about it later.”

“Only if you want,” she tells me. I like that she’s giving me an option and not demanding she be in the know. Honestly, I like that Autumn hasn’t pestered me with questions about Elena or about opening up regarding my failed marriage.

“Dad,” Reggie says, grabbing my attention. “Miss Autumn drew this, and then we started coloring it.” He slides the placemat over toward me, and I lean in to take a better look. There’s a house with windows and a chimney, a field with flowers and grass with two children standing in it.

“You drew this?”

She nods and adjusts Roxy on her lap. “My mom is an artist, so I know a few tricks.”

“This is pretty awesome.”

“Thanks, but the kids did all the work. I just gave them the outline. Reggie decided on what colors the house should be while Roxy worked on the flowers.”

“I love it.” I give it back to Reggie and place my hand on his, giving it a firm squeeze.

When our pizzas arrive, I suggest Roxy or Reggie come over and sit on my side. Neither of my children budges. I’m not sure if I should feel bad because they don’t want to sit with me or happy because they like the woman I like. I feel like I’m losing no matter what, though. I like Autumn and want to spend time with her, without my kids, but something tells me unless I’m sneaking around or Reggie is in school and Roxy is with Miss Meghan, I’m not going to get much alone time with Autumn.

Autumn doesn’t encourage either of them to move. She simply adjusts the way she’s sitting so Roxy can stay on her lap while they both eat. Autumn even beats me to cutting Roxy’s pizza and offers to do the same for Reggie.

“What, no way,” he says. “I can eat it with my fingers.” To prove his point, he picks up his cheese pizza, tries to fold the thick crust in half, and takes a bite. The only problem is, the pizza’s hot and very cheesy, which means he’s making some horrible noises with his mouth while cheese and sauce ooze everywhere.

“Reg.” I reach for the pizza just as Autumn places a napkin under his chin. Roxy isn’t helping matters by giggling. “Come on, dude.” I take the slice out of his hand and manage to get the cheese pulled apart. “Manners,” I remind him as Autumn is rolling the sauce and cheese-soaked napkin into a ball.

“Let’s either wait until the pizza cools down, or I can cut you a smaller slice,” Autumn says. While her voice is kind, I fully expect Reggie to start sulking. But he surprises me and says a smaller slice would be fine. Autumn places another piece onto a clean plate, slices it down the middle, and gives it to my son, only for him to repeat the same thing he did before. This time, successfully.

Once everyone is settled and the pizza mishap has been taken care of, we start eating, and I realize quickly, I’m watching a relationship develop between the woman I like and my children. Seeing this unfold in front of my eyes is heartwarming.