Page 104 of A Simple Regret

“I really hope so.” My whispered confession makes my heart beat with a quick tempo. I take a deep breath and add, “I’ve always loved him.”

“And he you, Maren. Now, he gets the added bonus of your son, and if you ask me, he loves him with his whole heart too.”

“He does,” I agree, recalling with fondness how good he is with Theo. Patient and kind and always wants him around. He takes him to his garage, not afraid to spend alone time with him and show him anything and everything about working on the truck. It’s sort of become their thing lately, reminding me of the paternal bond of father and son.

Maybe, someday, he’ll want the job officially.

“He will.”

I look up and blink, trying to recall what was said last.

Linda snickers and reaches for my hand. “I could practically read your thoughts. He wants to be that boy’s father, and he’ll be the best one he can be. To Theo and any other children he’s lucky enough to have.”

Tears fill my eyes. It’s as if she truly understands the secrets I’m keeping.

She squeezes my arm. “Now, let’s go check on those boys and make sure Tyson and Theo haven’t eaten all the pre-wedding snacks,” she states with a knowing look in her eyes.

“Dance with me, Shortcake.”

I instantly smile and place my hand inside his. He helps me stand and leads me onto the dance floor. Feeling the eyes of everyone at the table, I say, “They’re all staring, aren’t they?”

He pulls me into his arms and doesn’t even bother looking over my shoulder to confirm. “Probably.”

I rest my head on his shoulder and slowly sway to the country tune. “I think the last time we danced was at prom.”

“Before I got under that red dress you were wearing,” he proudly boasts, the cockiness evident.

“Yeah, yeah.”

He presses his lips to my forehead. “Best night ever.”

“It was a great time,” I confirm, resting my arms against his body as we move to the music.

“I can’t believe Theo’s still going strong.”

Lifting my head, I glance over to my three-year-old. He’s been a trooper, only taking a short nap this afternoon before we got dressed for the wedding. It’s about nine thirty, way past his bedtime, but I haven’t had the heart to suggest it’s time for him to leave. He’s sitting on Tyson’s lap, or his new Papa as he’s referred to him all day, and even though he’s showing signs of fatigue, he’s happily playing with Lizzie and waving at everyone that passes the table.

He’s going home with Tyson and Linda tonight. They offered, allowing Camden and I the opportunity to enjoy the entire reception. It’s not the first time he’s spent the night there. They did a practice run two weekends ago, and it went so well, Theo and Tyson have both been asking for another sleepover. They even went as far as to add a toddler bed to the room they had already set up with a crib for June, so it’s a perfect fit for both young kids.

They’re also taking June home. It’s the first overnight adventure with their granddaughter, and I know Charli is nervous. She talked about it earlier, not that she doesn’t trust her parents, but the simple fact it’s the first time she’s been away from her baby overnight.

“I think he’s falling asleep,” Camden whispers, drawing my attention back to the table.

Theo’s eyes are closed and his head is starting to sag. Tyson adjusts him, offering a more comfortable position, and Theo doesn’t so much as open his eyes. Linda says something to Tyson, who nods in agreement. Carefully, he stands up and turns him, allowing Theo to rest his cheek on his shoulder.

“They’re ready to go,” I say.

Camden takes my hand and we return to the table. I help gather up their things, even though Theo’s overnight things are already at their house. “Call me if you have any issues,” I tell Linda and I lean over and press a kiss to Theo’s cheek.

“We will have no problems,” she assures me, turning her attention to her daughter.

Charli seems almost panicked as she bundles a sleeping June in her carrier seat. Quinn is there, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze and whispering, “It’s just like when you take her to daycare, love.”

“I hate taking her to daycare,” Charli proclaims with a sniffle.

“We’re going to be just fine. I managed to keep you five alive all your lives, you know,” Linda retorts, referring to her own four kids and Quinn, who spent much of his childhood at the Miller home.

“I know, Mom. This is just harder than I thought.”