An Unexpected Arrangement by Heidi McCahan

Author:Heidi McCahan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-10-09T18:04:35+00:00

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Several hours later, Laramie stood in the church parking lot, savoring the last bite of chocolate sheet cake. After the parade, she’d enjoyed another of her favorite traditions in Merritt’s Crossing—the Fourth of July community barbecue. Once she watched the fireworks with Skye, Gage and Connor, her day would be complete.

She tossed her paper plate in the garbage can, then turned in a slow circle. Didn’t Skye say they’d meet her right here by the dessert table? Laramie checked the time on her phone. Maybe something had come up with Connor.

“Are you looking for someone?” Jack’s voice, low and warm, sent goose bumps skipping across her bare skin. She turned to face him.

“Your sister and her family.” Her gaze flitted to the picnic basket and blanket in his arms. “Who are you looking for?”

“You.”

Oh. Those beautiful blue eyes searched her face. The hum of conversation and laughter of the kids playing on the playground nearby all faded into the background. For one glorious instant, she stood there, basking in his gaze. She should say something. Anything. Thank you? Why? It’s about time? How could such simple words get stuck in her throat?

Her phone chimed, defusing the spark humming between them. She forced herself to look away as she pulled her phone from her purse.

Connor is wiped out. We’re going home early. Have fun!

She sighed and put her phone away.

“Bad news?”

“Your sister and her family bailed.”

Jack grinned. “I guess it’s just you and me.”

“Where are the twins?”

“I hired a babysitter.”

“Who?”

Jack tucked the blanket under one arm, then offered her his other. “Not to worry, Macey and Charlotte are in good hands, and hopefully already asleep. C’mon, the fireworks are about to start.”

Laramie blinked, her feet still rooted in place. Who was this version of Jack, hiring a babysitter and showing up with a picnic for two?

“If we’re going to claim our spot, we need to go.” He angled his head to one side and gently tugged her into motion.

“What spot is that?”

“The place we always sat when we were kids.”

She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and fell in step beside him, her mind replaying summer nights long ago spent playing freeze tag and kick-the-can and feeling like it took forever before they piled on blankets to watch the fireworks.

A few minutes later, Jack stopped near the trees at the edge of the church’s property. He unfolded the quilt, then spread it on a patch of grass with a gentle slope and a fantastic view of the sky over Merritt’s Crossing.

“Please, sit down.” Jack sank cross-legged on the center of the quilt, patted the space beside him and reached for the basket.

Laramie sat down and tucked her legs beneath her, then smoothed her skirt over her knees. The warm evening air smelled of charcoal and hot dogs and hamburgers. Families gathered nearby, the kids’ anticipation for the show almost palpable.

Jack offered her a bottle of water. “Thirsty?”

“Thank you.” She twisted off the cap and took a sip.

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