Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded. Grayson was asleep on Cole’s shoulder. The flight from Texas had worn him out.

It was a scrambled mess to leave the Dunes, especially at the height of vacationers, but Lance had stepped up. Lisa offered to take a few morning shifts and her sister could watch Tassels.

Hank had a repairman on call if there were any emergencies. Once Cole made the decision, he was all in. No matter what, we were doing this together.

My chest prickled. I exhaled. “Ok.”

I knocked as I pushed the door opened. “Mom? Dad?” I called. “We’re here.”

I heard my dad’s heavy footsteps in the hallway before he entered the foyer.

“Sweetheart.” His eyes dropped from my face to our clutched hands. “Cole?”

“Sir.” He reached forward to shake my dad’s hand. “Good to see you.”

I bit my lip. This was round one. “Dad, where’s mom?”

“Working on potato salad. What’s going on?” I realized he was speaking softer because of Grayson.

“I’d rather do this as few times as possible,” I explained.

Cole squeezed my shoulder and followed me to the kitchen.

“Honey.” My mom rounded the kitchen island and hugged me. “And Cole.” She beamed. “It’s been too long. I’m so glad Kaitlyn tracked you down. And look how cute Grayson is. I can’t wait to hug him.”

I blushed.

“Janet.” My dad’s voice was stern.

“What?” She looked at us.

“Cole and I wanted to talk to you about something.” He was still clutching Grayson. I knew if he tried to put him down he’d wake up.

“I’ll just keep stirring the potato salad. We have about two hours before we need to leave for the base. Ryan is in the air now. Go on, tell me what’s happening.”

“Mom, please stop worrying about the potato salad and look at us.”

My dad folded his arms.

Cole slipped a strong arm around me and I watched my mom’s mouth drop.

“We came here together. Cole and me,” I started my explanation. “We’re together.”

My parents were speechless.

Cole cleared his throat. “We realize it could make everyone uncomfortable to start.”

My dad peered at Cole. “You’re like a second son to us. There’s a big age difference between you two. And you have a son. With a woman you didn’t marry.”

“Dad,” I hushed. I didn’t need Grayson to hear any of this. I looked at Cole. “Why don’t you see if he’ll go down in the guest room.”

He nodded and walked out of the kitchen.

My mom dropped the spoon. “I love Cole,” she whispered. “But what are you doing, Kaitlyn? He’s way too old for you. And his life is complicated. He’s a father. A father.”

“I know exactly how complicated it is. And I just want you to support us. You’ll get used to it. And Grayson is adorable. I already love him too.”