Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
“Works for me,” I agree, as Ben asks, “The minivan?” making a face filled with horror. “You drive the minivan. I’m allergic.” He shakes his head.
“Oh, Lord, you’ll be fine. Besides, I told you I’m getting one after my lease is up this year, so you may as well experience it firsthand,” Rhonda says, smacking his chest.
“No wife of mine is driving a minivan.”
“Sure.” She rolls her eyes, and I feel Shel’s shoulders shaking and look down at her to see her fighting back laughter.
“You okay, baby?”
“You can buy mine from me, Rhonda. I hate it.”
“You hate it?”
“It’s nice to drive, but I hate looking at it.”
“See, babe? No minivans,” Ben states.
“Whatever. Can we just go?” she tosses out, heading for the door.
“Absolutely, and since I’m feeling generous, you can ride in Shel’s van tonight for a small fee I will take from you later.”
“Ben,” Lea hisses, nodding at the kids, who are rolling their eyes.
“Jesus, at this point, we’re never going to make it to dinner,” Austin growls.
“Oh, yes we are,” Lea growls back, herding the kids in front of her toward the door. “I’m hungry, and the Harbor House is closing in a week, so I won’t be able to eat there again until next summer. So if we miss our reservation, I’m going to be one unhappy pregnant woman.” She then looks at Austin, who is grinning, and growls, “Come on, Mr. Wolf.”
“Are they always like this?” Shel asks, as I lead her toward the door, following Austin.
“Always.”
“Hmmm,” she hums, then smiles. “I’ve always liked Lea, and since meeting Rhonda, I’ve gotten to like her too, but the guys are seriously funny.” She grins, and I lean down, kissing the grin off her face, and then take her keys from her and toss them to Ben, leading her to my truck as the kids, Rhonda, and Ben pile into the van.
“So what’s you guys’ plan? Are you moving in together? I have a renter for you if you are,” Rhonda offers, and I feel Shel tense then look at the kids, who are all waiting for my answer, and hear Lea hiss, “Rhonda.”
“What?” she asks, blinking and looking around, confused.
“Are we moving in with Shel, Dad?” Aubrey asks, and my eyes go to my daughter sitting across the table from me.
I didn’t plan on having this conversation tonight. I know Shel wanted to talk to Hunter first, so she could feel him out, before having me sit down with the kids to see how they felt about the idea. But with Max being here the last week, things have gotten off course, and neither of us has brought it up, even though I think about it every damn day.
“We’re thinking about it, gorgeous, but won’t unless all of you agree it’s okay,” I say, then look at Steven, who is smiling at Aubrey, before moving my gaze to Hunter, hoping he’s not upset. Him being younger and only recently experiencing his parents’ divorce will make this a little more difficult for him, and I won’t move forward if he’s not ready.
“We have more rooms at our house,” Hunter points out, then looks at his mom. “I vote they move in with us.”
“Yeah, I say we move into Shel’s, but I call the room with the bathroom upstairs.” Aubrey grins, and Steven growls, “You can’t call that room. I call it.”
“Too bad, already did. Plus, I’m a girl. I don’t want to share a bathroom with boys. I’ve already done that forever, and I’m so over it.” She rolls her eyes, and I feel Shel’s hand on my thigh grasp tightly, and then hear her giggle, only to laugh loudly when Hunter adds his two cents.
“We don’t want to share a bathroom with you anyways. Girls have too much crap. You should see my mom’s bathroom.” He cringes, and I chuckle. Shel’s not a neat freak by any stretch of the imagination, and Hunter is right; her bathroom counter is covered in odds and ends.
“That’s true.” Steven reaches out, giving Hunter a fist bump, and everyone at the table laughs.
“So when are you guys moving in?” Hunter asks, and I look at Shel, who is biting her lip, then look back at him.
“Not sure yet, bud. We’ll talk about it again in the next few days to make sure you’re all still good with the idea, and then go from there.”
“I’m good with it,” Hunter says, and Shel’s hand tightens further.
“Me too,” Aubrey agrees.
“I’m good.” Steven shrugs, and I put my hand over Shel’s on my thigh then flip it over to wrap my fingers through hers.
“Oh my, I think I might cry,” Lea breathes, and Rhonda mutters something that sounds like she’s already in tears, but I keep my eyes on the kids, wondering how the hell all of this is so damn easy. I assumed the kids would have concerns, but they just look content with the idea… even happy about it.