“After we get some shopping done, let’s drive to the dealership just outside town. Hank is honest and has a couple of options I noticed when I drove past yesterday.”
“Don’t you want to think about it first?” Zoe asked in surprise.
“I did. I usually borrow Bill’s SUV when my family visits but now that we have you, I need a more permanent solution.” Backing from her driveway, he added, “If we find one, you can drive it out to the house for me. I’ll still use this one for work.”
“Food before anything, Dad!” Mandy demanded.
“Of course! I’m not a monster!”
Driving to the diner, he wrapped his arm around Zoe’s shoulders while Mandy took her hand. They were greeted by a smiling Vicki as they chose their usual booth.
Looking across the table at the woman he loved, Nate felt a sense of calm he’d never experienced as an adult.
Everything was finally falling into place.
* * *
They took their time shopping and Zoe thought about what they would need while his family was in town. She quizzed him about their likes, of which there were many, as well as their dislikes, of which there were few.
Planning out a few simple meals and adding a bunch of miscellaneous snacks and beverages, Mandy walked up to the cart carrying an enormous assorted cheesecake.
“We need this.” Her expression was firm.
Zoe put her hand on her hip. “Do we? Are you sure? We have a lot of desserts in this cart considering both of you told me they don’t have much of a sweet tooth…”
“Fine. I need this. My growing teenage body will respond so well to the four different types of cheesecake. It’s probably critical.”
Laughing, she carefully rearranged the fragile breads and produce so the dessert could sit flat.
“You’re a rock star, Zoe. Seriously. I want you to fatten me up.”
“With your metabolism? Unlikely but I’ll do my best.”
Holding out her fist for Zoe to bump, she retorted, “You with a goal is formidable. I’m gonna weigh myself when we get home. I think there’s a scale in the bathroom we never use. I’m pulling for you to win.”
Arching her brow, Zoe predicted, “It’s more likely I’ll be the one who gains weight.” She shook her head. “You’ve painted me into a corner. Well done, young lady.” Mandy snickered as Nate appeared beside them with an open bag of chips and she stared between his face and the bag. “You just ate! You can’tpossiblybe hungry!”
Munching happily, he shrugged one shoulder.
Hands on her hips, she decided, “I need to get you both out of the food supply location.”
Nate offered, “Let’s drop everything off at the house, check out the SUV, and then go for lunch.” She started to reply when he added, “Early dinner, I mean. Earlydinner.”
“Fine.” Zoe started to push the cart but Nate set his bag of chips in the top and pushed it for her. “I need to pack a bag for tonight.”
“A week. Maybe two,” he said with a wink. “That’s a good start, don’t you think?”
Then the father and daughter were running down the aisle toward the checkout and after a small laugh to herself, Zoe followed.
They were quite the pair. A fantastic, beautiful pair that she loved more than she could possibly express.
Hours later, Nate signed the paperwork on a rugged SUV that could seat seven. Shaking the man’s hand, he led them outside and handed Zoe the keys.
“See if you like how it handles. I know it’s a lot bigger than your car. I’ll follow you to my place then we’ll head back to yours.” Grabbing her in his arms, he swung Zoe in a circle. “After a kiss.” He delivered it with remarkable skill and set her on her feet. “Our first together purchase. Something awesome for our little family.”
Stroking her fingers over his face, she smiled. “I like the way you think.” Lifting one side of her mouth in a smile, she murmured, “I might need some help getting in it.”
The three of them laughed and Mandy insisted on riding with Zoe to the house. Nate kissed her through the driver’s side window and walked to his work truck.