“Good,” he states, then adds, “It’s settled then.”
He takes another step toward me, then another, until there’s only an inch between us. I suck in a breath when he lifts his scarred hand and settles it against my cheek, his thumb swiping back and forth against the skin.
His eyes close and he lays his forehead against mine. Butterflies flutter in my belly when his lips touch mine in a soft kiss before he pulls them away. I fist my hands in his shirt at his sides to keep from pulling his head back down.
“I’ve missed you.” He whispers the words against my lips.
The agonized tone causes my throat to close up, but I still manage to get out, “I’ve missed you too.”
“I’m sorry for being an ass a few weeks ago.”
I shake my head against his. “I understand. It was a tough time for you.”
“That’s still no excuse,” he states.
We stay this way for several moments, both quiet as our minds race with thoughts. I keep my eyes closed, afraid of what I’ll find in his if I open them.
Daniel comes racing out of his room a few minutes later, out of breath and looking flushed from exertion. Alexander and I both pull back quickly.
“I’m done!” he yells, skidding to a stop beside us. “Can we go now?”
I plaster on a stern look. “There’s no way you got all your chores done that quickly, young man.”
His eyes widen. “I did, Mama! I promise!”
I narrow my eyes. “And if I go check, I won’t find any toys stuffed under your bed or in your closet?”
He drops his gaze and shuffles his feet. “Maybe only three or two,” he mutters, keeping his eyes away from mine.
“Daniel,” I scold.
“Aww, Mom,” he whines in response. “It’s only like nine or ten, I swear.”
I hold in my laugh at the earnest look in his eyes. “Daniel Liam. You march your butt right back in there and clean your room the right way.”
His face falls, but I steel myself from giving in to him. He turns and grumbles as he walks away.
“Stop by your sister’s room and let her know we’ll be leaving soon,” I call after him. There’s no point in checking to see if her room is clean. It always is, and any chores I give her are done as soon as she gets home, before I even have to remind her.
Alexander opens the door to Blu’s BBQ Pit and the kids and I file in before him. We take a seat at one of the booths in the back corner.
“Sit with me!” Daniel says to Alexander, a little too loudly.
He slides in beside Daniel while Kelsey and I sit across from them. When I peek across the table to Alexander, his jaw is hard. I look around the room. My heart lurches when I see several pairs of eyes looking our way. It makes me angry they are staring so blatantly.
I reach across the table and lay my hand over his to grab his attention. “We don’t have to stay,” I tell him. I hate to think he’s uncomfortable.
“No,” he grunts, then clears his throat. “I’m fine.”
I pull my hand away and smile at him, hoping it’ll help settle his nerves.
After we’ve browsed the menu for a few minutes, an older lady by the name of Sadie walks over, order pad in hand.
“Gwen, right?” she asks with a smile. I nod and give her my own smile. She turns to the kids next. “And Daniel and Kelsey?”
“Hi,” Daniel says excitedly. Kelsey nods once.
She turns next to Alexander. “Hey, Alexander. It’s nice to see you.” I’m pleased to see no intrusiveness in her gaze. She also doesn’t stare at his scars. She’s simply talking to an old friend.