Sucker Punch (TKO 4)

“Mom,” I groan. “Please don’t start all of this.”

“What?” she asks. “I’m just saying I think it’s cute you were his nurse.”

“Pam, you’re probably embarrassing them,” Dad pretends to scold her.

“It’s fine,” Austin tells them. “It’s not a big deal. It was pretty cute, although at the time, I was pretty upset because she was the one who broke the news to me that I’d lost my arm.”

“Austin has an owie,” Darla pipes up out of nowhere. Everyone starts laughing and she just stares at us, wondering what is so funny.

“Yes he does,” Mom tells her. “Darla, do you want to spend the night tonight?”

I glare at Mom, wondering what she’s up to. Darla’s eyes light up and she nods her head.

“Mom, you’ve had her all day. You don’t have to keep her.”

“Don’t argue with your mother, we want to keep her tonight,” Dad says as he cuts the cake. That gives Darla another reason to be excited as he sets a small piece in front of her.

I grab a piece of cake and stick my fork in it. The chocolate melts in my mouth as I roll my eyes. “Fine,” I say as I swallow the bite. “If you really want to keep her, I won’t stop you.”

My phone rings and I grab it out of my pocket. Brendan is calling. I’m guessing he’s wanting to talk to Darla, so I place the phone on speaker and let her talk.

“Hi Daddy!” Darla yells into the phone.

“Hey, baby girl. How was your day?”

“Good. I’m eating cake and I get to stay with Papa and Gwammy!”

“Well, you be good, okay? Sleep good tonight. I love you,” Brendan tells her.

“Love you.” Darla smiles into the phone as if he can see her.

I look over as I end the call and notice Mom is smiling. Our talk about Brendan went well last night and she just got to hear firsthand the changes he’s making.

Chapter 32

Austin

Paige’s mom hugs me one more time as we inch closer to the front door. Darla has already said her goodbyes and she’s currently involved in a bowl of ice cream. Something about this dinner tonight has truly eased my mind. I had already told myself I was definitely okay with Paige having a kid, but meeting her parents and seeing them all interact, well, it made me want to be a part of it all. If this isn’t fate slapping me upside the head, then I don’t know what is.

So much has changed in my life over a short period of time and the changes are nothing less than welcome right now. I can honestly say I am happy with where I am in life, even if I only have one arm.

Paige and I walk to the car and as we both sit and buckle our seatbelts, she turns to face me. “So, do you want to stay the night with me?”

I notice her voice is a little shaky. She’s not used to this at all and it’s pretty damn cute. “If you want me to.”

“I asked, didn’t I?” She looks at me before she puts the car in reverse. Her eyes are sparkling and in this moment, I really want to kiss those soft, plump lips of hers, but I contain myself.

“You did, and I’m telling you yes.” I grin.

Relief washes over her face. My guess is she didn’t think I was really going to say yes. Why wouldn’t I, though? “Seriously, Austin?”

“What?”

“You could have just said yes.” She laughs.

“Where’s the fun in that? Drive, woman, I’m ready to kiss you.” I point in the direction she’ll be heading.

Her laughter fills the inside of the car and I laugh alongside her. She just may be the perfect woman for me.