Chapter Eleven
With the car safely situated in my parents’ driveway, I turned off the ignition and unstrapped a giggling and bouncing Javan, who immediately rushed into his grandpa’s arms. Delighted, he laughed loudly as my father swung him around. Chase made impatient noises as I unbuckled him from the car seat and pulled him out. He tried to squirm out of my hands, but I didn’t want him crawling on the asphalt. I held him tightly till I reached my mom, who had also come out of the house and was waiting with open arms.
“Baby!” She crooned as she snuggled into the soft skin around his neck and cheek. After a moment she reached out and pulled me into a side hug and kissed the top of my head.
“I’m so glad you’re here! Who’s hungry?”
“Me!” Javan threw both fists into the air.
“Good. Let’s all get inside before the food gets cold!”
After Javan stuffed himself full of waffles and sausage, he snuggled with his
papa on the couch to watch a cartoon. Chase finished his oatmeal, and I wiped his face clean.
“I’m going to put him down for a nap, Mom. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Shortly after, I glanced at the hall clock, fifteen minutes after ten. The anxious rhythm of my heart kicked up a notch, and my fingers got cold
“It’s almost time dear, are you ready?” My mom placed her arm around my shoulders and I leaned into her, thankful for the comfort to my anxious nerves.
“No.” I answered in a weak voice.
“You can always tell him the truth, that you’re scared witless and just want to be friends at first.” My mom offered gently.
The idea had merit. Why not? Who said I had to commit to a relationship? “Okay, that’s actually a good idea mom. Thanks.”
A huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and I offered my mom a slight grin.
“Well, I’ve been around a little while longer than you.”
“True.”
A knock on the window caused me to turn and see Levi standing at the door,
offering a small wave to my dad, who had risen to let him in.
“Hello sir.” Levi nodded to my father and held out his hand. “I’m Levi Jensen.
It’s nice to meet you.”
My father took Levi’s hand and gave it an enthusiastic shake before thumping
him on the shoulder. “Nice to meet you too! I’ve heard a lot about you—“
I closed my eyes in mortification. Leave it to my dad. Levi glanced over at me
and gave me a small grin, which I returned with a red face to boot. “I’m Darin Forrester, and this is my wife Caroline.”
My mom stepped forward and extended her hand. Levi shook it. “Ma’am. Thank you for opening up your lovely home.”
“Oh, not a problem. We’re thrilled to have you.”
“Yes, thank you for coming.” I spoke, kicking myself for not having anything original to say.
“Are you hungry?” my mom asked.
“No ma’am, but thank you.”
“Levi, would you like to walk now, or did you want to sit and have a cup of
