CHAPTERTEN
Lucas
Acouple of hours later, we’re in my truck, heading to my parents’ place. I’ve fixed Roman’s car seat in the back and he’s engrossed in a game on Melody’s phone.
“Do your parents know we’re coming?” she asks, her voice betraying how nervous she is. She doesn’t need to be nervous. My parents are going to love her.
“Yes, they know.”
She nods. “What have you said about… us?”
I glance across the truck at her and smile. “Just that I’ve met someone.”
It’s mostly the truth. I told my mom I’ve met someone. I also told her I think Melody istheone. I don’t tell Melody that, though. It’s too soon.
“And they know about Roman?”
“Yeah, they know. They’re looking forward to meeting you both.”
She still looks terrified, and I wink at her, making her smile. She looks so beautiful, and I have to force myself to tear my eyes off her so I don’t get into a wreck. She’s wearing a short flowery dress that falls mid-thigh, and my hands grip tightly to the steering wheel to stop myself from reaching across the cab and placing my hand on her warm skin.
Melody’s ringtone sounds from the back seat, pulling me from my thoughts.
“It’s Nana!” Roman shouts.
“Give me the—”
“Hi, Nana,” Roman says, answering the call and cutting Melody off.
“Hi, Roman. What are you up to?” a voice asks, and I turn to look over my shoulder. Roman’s face is lit up with excitement as he holds the phone up to his face. His nana must be video calling him.
“Lucas is taking us to the pool.”
“Who’s Lucas?”
“He lives next door.” I glance at Melody, who gives me a small smile. “He’s a firefighter. He brought the fire truck to the house and we went to the firehouse and I went down the fireman’s pole!” Excitement laces his voice and his words tumble out in a rush.
“That sounds like great fun. Are you in a car? Is Mommy there?”
“Yeah, she’s in the front with Lucas. Look.”
I look over my shoulder again just as Roman turns the phone around, pointing the camera right at me. Melody reaches into the back and takes the phone from Roman’s outstretched hand.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetheart. Is this a bad time?”
“We’re just going out for the day.”
“Anywhere nice?”
“We’re going swimming.”
“With your newfriend?”
She emphasizes the word friend, and I can’t help but smile.
“Yes, Mom. This is Lucas. Lucas, my mom, Lucy.”