where they’re gonna go.”
With his son still clinging to him, for Luke, time slowed and then froze. Daisy grinned at him from where she sat on the pool steps and in that moment, Luke had never felt more complete. Yes, Daisy had screwed up royally by not immediately telling him she was pregnant, but was Luke prepared to toss away what could potentially be a great future all because of fear? If so, how was he any different from Daisy who had kept Kolt’s existence from him for the very same reason?
“You two men look handsome together,” she said.
“I don’t know what you think,” Luke said to Kolt, “but I’m thinking your mom is pretty gorgeous.”
Kolt made a face. “You’re not gonna kiss her, are you?”
“I hope not,” Dallas said with an odd tone. “Because the burgers are done, meaning all of you slackers need to get out of the water.”
All through dinner, Luke couldn’t shake the feeling that his friend didn’t approve of a potential rematch between him and Daisy.
When the ladies volunteered for KP duty, Luke seized the opportunity to ask Dallas what was on his mind. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not a big fan of the idea of me and your sister giving things another shot?”
“Because I’m not.” Dallas eased onto a chaise lounge, resting his arms behind his head. “Bet it’s going to rain tomorrow. The knee I twisted in that ice storm a couple years back hurts like hell.”
“Nice try at avoiding the issue,” Luke said, sitting in the chair beside him, “but I would’ve thought you of all people would support a reunion.”
“Used to think I would,” Dallas said. “But after this business with Henry, Daisy’s messed up. She’d have to be to keep you from your son.”
“Yeah,” Luke said. “I agree.”
“Which proves my point.” Dallas winced while repositioning his leg. “Seems to me you’d be better off going with someone new. So would Daisy. The two of you together?” Dallas shook his head. “Never work.”
“You’re pissing me off,” Luke said, his whole body tensed. “I’ve known you my whole life. You know the kind of solid man I am. What makes you think for a second I couldn’t make Daisy happy?”
Gazing across the glassy pool, Dallas said, “I don’t for a second doubt that. What worries me is that you even have to ask. Used to be, when it came to Daisy, the two of you just did whatever you wanted. To hell with what anyone else thought. Now, you’re too mechanical about it. For the sake of your son, I think part of you wants to be with his mom, do the whole perfect family routine, but wanting isn’t enough. You have to need it. In here.” He patted his chest.
Luke rolled his eyes. “Dallas the philosopher.”
“Mark my words,” his supposed friend said, “you go into a relationship for any reason but love, you’re either going to get burned or light the fire. Either way, no one’s getting out alive.”
“Nice.” Rising, Luke said, “Remind me next time I need a friend to look elsewhere.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
After changing back into his jeans and T-shirt, Luke bypassed Dallas on his way into the house. He found Daisy putting leftover tomato and onion slices in a plastic container. Bonnie and Betsy sat at the kitchen table struggling with math homework. “Thanks for dinner,” he said, “but I’ve gotta go feed my horses.”
“Sure,” she said. “Rub some noses for me.”
“Will do. Where’s Kolt?”
“Upstairs changing.” Putting the tub in the fridge, she added, “He’s got spelling words to practice.”
Not entirely ready to leave, yet not sure what else to say, Luke nodded. “I, ah, got you flowers. They were on the table outside.”
On her way to stash leftover buns in the pantry, Georgina said, “I wondered who those were from. I already put them in water.”
“Thanks,” Daisy said. Luke couldn’t tell if she’d meant the sentiment for him or her mom.
“Thought you had to feed your horses?” Bonnie glared up at him.
“I do,” Luke said. “What’s with the mean look?”
“You ate the last scoop of potato salad and everyone knows that’s my favorite.” Hands on her hips, Bonnie resembled a pint-size linebacker, itching for a fight.
“Yeah,” her twin, Betsy, chimed in. “Everyone knows.”
Hands up, Luke said, “Sorry. Next time I won’t take a single bite.”
“Better not,” Bonnie said with an extra-fierce scowl.
“Knock it off.” Georgina gave both girls swats on their behinds in passing. “Daisy, why don’t you walk our guest