“Sweetheart, talk to your father about it. Let him know what you want to do.”
“I tried to. He told me my job was to oversee everything, not hire a bunch of people to do my job. He won’t listen.”
She drew in a deep breath. “Let me talk to him.”
I nodded, then gave her another hug. “Good luck, but it won’t change anything.”
My phone beeped and I pulled it out of my pocket. The moment I saw Kaelynn’s name, I smiled.
“Well, I know that look on a man’s face. Who is she?”
Lifting my gaze from the phone and over to my mother, I shook my head. “Don’t even think it, Mom. We’ve been on one date.”
“My, that one date must have been a tremendous success. Your eyes actually sparkled when you saw who texted you.”
My lip snarled. “Sparkled? Seriously?”
“Yes. Sparkled. Nearly lit up the entire room.”
I laughed. “Okay, well, I need to get back out there. I love you, Mom.”
“Aren’t you going to answer her back?” she asked, lifting up on her toes to try and see my phone.
“In a bit. Love you.”
She jutted her lip out. “Fine. I love you too! Remember, the rehearsal dinner is Thursday night! Don’t forget.”
Pausing halfway out the door, she looked over her shoulder. “Are you bringing her to the wedding?”
There was no way out of this one. My parents were invited to Terri and Jim’s wedding. Jim was like a brother to me and spent more time at my house in college than he did flying home to Washington. He was like a second son to my folks, so it was a no-brainer when Terri asked my mother for help planning the wedding. Her mom and mine were friends, after all.
“Mom, please don’t make this into a big deal.”
A huge grin appeared on her face as she held her hands up in defense. “What? I asked a simple question. I’m going to assume that is a yes.”
“Yes. She is going with me to the wedding.”
I had to give the woman credit; she did a damn good job trying to hide her excitement. She failed once she got outside the trailer and let out a small yelp of excitement.
Glancing back to my phone, I read the text from Kaelynn again.
Kaelynn: Are you free for dinner? My place? Seven?
I felt like a damn kid in high school with how excited I was hearing from her and knowing I was going to see her again.
Me: Sounds wonderful. Do you need me to bring anything?
Kaelynn: Yourself with a big appetite. Oh . . . and maybe something to drink. I don’t have any beer.
Me: Beer? So fancy? What are we having?
Kaelynn: Hot dogs. . . .
Laughing, I started back outside, but not before I sent her back a reply.
Me: Make me three . . . I like hot dogs. See you at seven.
Kaelynn: Looking forward to it.