Under the Stars

Dropping onto the couch beside me, he leans forward to kiss my lips before pulling a bundle wrapped in white paper from the bag.

“The line was out the door.”

“It’s always like that. Roland took us there when we first got back. I wish I’d known…”

He unrolls the foot-long sandwich, and I have to stop speaking. My mouth is literally watering. “No more Everything poboy. Now they call it the Three-fer.”

“I don’t care what they call it. Give me some.”

He laughs, passing half to me, and I take an enormous bite, my eyes rolling with delight as the tangy rémoulade fills my mouth along with perfectly fried seafood.

Mark lets out a little groan as well. “Still the best,” he manages around his bite.

I’m grinning as we devour our dinner in record time. The day we sat on the river chatting and getting to know each other is on my mind. We were so young, falling in love on the brink of disaster.

Leaning my head on my hand, I trace my finger over his shoulder, my belly happily full. “How did it go with Terrence?”

He nods. “He’s going to see if Eddie knows anything.” I can’t help a shudder at that name. His eyebrows lower. “Yeah, I don’

t like that guy either.”

“Good. You’re here.” Roland enters the living room with Jilly and a bottle. “I have to go, but it’s time for her dinner. She’ll need a bath, and then this little princess is ready for bed.”

“I actually remember how to take care of my child.” Impatience is in my tone.

“Yeah, but it helps me,” Mark jumps in, but I elbow his side.

“Don’t encourage him. He thinks he knows everything about babies.”

“I think he might,” Mark whispers close to my ear.

Roland only gives me a superior look. “Unpack her things. You’re not going anywhere.”

At that Mark pulls back, brows furrowed. I grip his forearm. “We had a fight. I was going to tell you—”

“Fight? What about?” His muscles relax.

“Lara was overly tired.” Roland hands me Jilly’s bottle, and I cradle her in my arms. “Now, I have to get to work. Practice those songs.”

Mark hops off the couch and holds out the white bag. “Hey, I got one for you.”

Roland stops at the door and glances at the offering. “It’s not often I say this…” He takes the bag. “I was wrong about you. You’re very good for Lara, even without money or connections.”

Mark exhales a laugh. “Thanks?”

Roland pats him on the arm and takes off. Mark locks the door behind him before turning to face me. I’ve got Jilly cradled in my arm, and her eyes are blinking slowly as she drinks her bottle.

“I never really know what to make of him,” Mark says, coming to sit beside me on the couch.

“He means well.” I lift my chin for another kiss.

Warm lips cover mine, and our tongues meet briefly. It’s just enough to send a tingle through my lower stomach. When he pulls back, our eyes lock, and my chest tightens. When this is over…

“Hey, can I give her the bottle?” He sits, and I look down.

Jilly’s just a little stowaway in the midst of all this turmoil. She’s so innocent, so trusting.

“Yes—of course!” I gently pull the bottle out of her mouth.