“There’s something there, right?” she says.
“I think so. I’m happy for them. Faith is the best, and Chad’s a good guy. My best friend.”
“You’re a good guy, Ford Gregory.”
“Yeah?” She nods. “Right back at ya, baby.” Another kiss to her lips because she’s here, and I have to kiss her as much as I can before I leave.
I know our time is coming to an end, and I need to savor every single minute.
This afternoon has been a blast. I love getting to catch up with extended family. What I love even more than that is that they all got to meet Shayne. I introduced her as my girlfriend. It’s not something that we’ve talked about, but we will. Tonight. I have a surprise for her—a surprise for us.
“Thanks for coming, Mike,” I say, giving my uncle a hug.
“Good to see you, Ford. Take care and be safe.” He hugs me one more time before moving to Shayne. “Keep this one in line, will you?” he asks her, pointing at me.
Shayne laughs. “I’ll see what I can do. It was so nice to meet you.” She offers him her hand, but he pats it away and wraps his arms around her in a hug.
“You’re good for him,” he says, not bothering to lower his voice.
“We’re good for each other.” She glances at me, and something passes in her eyes that I can’t name.
“That’s the last of them,” I tell her as Uncle Mike makes his way to his truck.
“You have a great family.”
“Thank you.”
“Hey, what are you two getting into tonight?” Faith asks, joining us.
“We have plans.”
“Oh, okay. Chad and I were thinking about hanging out at my place. You two are welcome to join us.”
“Thanks, sis, but like I said, we’ve got plans.”
“What are we doing?” Shayne asks.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I’m not sure if I like surprises.”
“You’re not sure?” Faith asks her.
“Never really had many surprises in my life. Not good ones anyway.”
“I’ll be sure to change that,” I say, my lips next to her ear. I kiss her neck and pull back before I lose my self-control. “So, you and Chad?” I ask Faith.
“Maybe. No. I don’t know.” She laughs.
“How about yes?” Chad says, stepping next to her, sliding his arm around her waist. The way he’s looking at her, it’s the same look I have when I look at Shayne. He glances at me and nods, and that one simple gesture tells me all I need to know. He’s going all-in with my sister.
“You two kids have fun,” I say, backing away from them, bringing Shayne with me. “We’re going to say bye to Mom and Dad and head out. Oh, and we aren’t staying here tonight,” I tell them. They smile and wave. I have a feeling they won’t be staying here tonight either.
“We’re not staying here?” Shayne asks as I lead her into the house.
“Nope. All a part of the surprise.”
“Hey, kids,” Dad greets us. “Heading out?”
“Yeah. We’re going to grab a few things, and then we’ll be out of your hair.”
“You’re not in our hair,” Mom assures us.
“Babe, we did go from no kids to a house full the last few days.” Dad wags his eyebrows and smacks her on the ass.
“Todd Gregory.” She tries to scold, but her laughter prevents it from sounding like an admonishment. That and the blush coating her cheeks.
I’ve grown up watching the way he loves her, and I want what they have. I know Shayne wasn’t as lucky as me. I hope this works out with us, and I can show her what it’s like to live in a house full of love. I can see it clearly in my mind.
I was with Sara for two years, and it didn’t hurt me to walk away from her. I’ve known Shayne a handful of days, and the thought of not seeing her every day is tearing me up inside. If that’s not telling, I don’t know what is.
“On that note, you two crazy kids have fun tonight,” I say, tugging on Shayne’s hand to lead her upstairs to pack. “Oh, and, Dad—” I pause, looking over my shoulder. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” I wink. Dad throws his head back in laughter, and if I’m not mistaken, I hear Mom do the same.
“I cannot believe you just said that.” Shayne looks horrified as we enter my room.
“Oh, come on, how do you think Faith and I got here?”
“Ford!” She laughs.
“Pack an overnight bag.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise, but I can tell you it’s just going to be us. So, pack whatever you’ll need for a night with just the two of us.” I want to tell her not to bother with clothes and just sweep her away, but I don’t want to assume. I know we’ve talked about more. About being together in the most intimate of ways, but I’d never pressure her for more. I just want to spend my last night home with her. I want to hold her in my arms and kiss her sweet lips. And if that leads to more, well, I’m prepared for that too.