Bliss by Kaylee Ryan Page 0,49

asks.

“Now. Are you guys ready to go?”

“Cooper?” Reese asks.

“Ms. Latham. It’s all been arranged. Mr. Reeves has funded the outing, and there’s plenty of staff to go and keep an eye on the kids. You will be going as well.”

I feel her gaze, so I look down to find her peering up at me with tears in her eyes. “You….” She shakes her head, biting down on her bottom lip.

I lean in close and whisper, “I love you,” then stand to my full height. “Now, before we go, I need your word that you’ll be on your best behavior. Can you do that?” I ask the twelve sets of wide, innocent eyes that stare back at me. Head nods, and a chorus of “Yes!” echoes throughout the room. “Great. Now, there’s a bus parked right outside. Everyone go load up. Ms. Reese and I will be there in just a minute.”

There is a flurry of activity while the workers and the kids head outside to the bus. “Thank you.” I hold my hand out for Todd. “For allowing me to do this for them.”

“Thank you for wanting to. This is a rare treat for them. We appreciate what you’re doing.”

“Like I said, thank Reese. Without her, this wouldn’t have happened.” He nods and turns to leave.

“Cooper,” Reese says once it’s just the two of us. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“You said the kids didn’t get to go out, and there was no funding, so I made it happen.”

“I can’t believe this. You are an amazing man, Cooper Reeves.” Her smile lights up her face.

“Behind every good man is a great woman.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. Sure, it’s cliché as fuck, but it makes her smile grow wider so it’s worth it. Besides, it’s the truth. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her. She’s helped shape my past, and I can’t wait to see the way our future together unfolds. “Now, let’s get moving. There is fun to be had.” Placing my hand on the small of her back, I lead her outside to the bus.

“A party bus?” She laughs.

“Hey, it was short notice, and I promise you the kids will like the lights and the music. I wanted everyone to be able to ride together. This should be a bonding experience for them. They don’t get this often, and I want it to be a happy memory for them. My hope is that this bright day can outshine some of the dark ones.”

She’s smiling up at me, but her eyes are shimmering with tears. “I know the kids are watching us, eager to see where today is going to take us, but I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

“Then do it.” My voice is husky, even to my own ears.

“Later. When we get home.”

“Promise?”

She nods. “I promise.”

“Get your fine ass on that bus. We’ve got some fun to get to.” She laughs but moves to climb on the bus, and I follow her. “All right, you ready for a fun day?” I ask the kids.

“Yeah!” they cheer.

“Remember, you have to listen to what we tell you. No running off. You have to stay with us at all times. Got it.”

“Got it,” they all eagerly agree.

“Sam, to the zoo!” I throw my arm in the air, and the kids cheer. I take a seat next to Reese and just sit back and listen to their excited chatter. If feels good to know I could do this for them. Their smiles are contagious, as are those of my girl when she looks over at me. “Thank you,” she mouths.

“I love you,” I mouth back.

Her smile grows, as does my heart in my chest.

“Look at them,” Reese says, leaning into me. We’re on our way home from the zoo. We closed it down. Stayed until they kicked us out, and the kids, even though sleeping, are still wearing smiles while clutching onto their prizes. “You spoiled them today, Coop. I don’t know how I will ever thank you for this.”

“I don’t need your thanks, Reese. I did it because I wanted to. Besides, it was you who told me they didn’t get this kind of thing. I never would have thought of it had it not been for you.”

“This must have cost you a fortune.”

“You remember I signed my new contract last week, right?” I ask her.

“Yeah, but, Cooper, this was a lot of money.”

“Reese, I can afford it.”

“I know. At least I think