She Loves Me (Harmony Pointe #3) - Melissa Foster Page 0,98
her lips.
A long while later, after anchoring the boat in the middle of the lake and enjoying dinner, they sat side by side in the moonlight with their fishing lines in the water. They were drinking beer straight from the wine bottle because Piper’s incredible boyfriend who remembered everything they needed for dinner and a night of lovin’ beneath the stars forgot to bring glasses. Sweetwater was a distant glimmer of lights on the horizon, and Piper couldn’t imagine a more perfect evening.
She tightened the slack on her line and said, “Remi texted earlier about the volunteer day to put together the duffels and birthday boxes. It was supposed to be two weeks from yesterday, but they had to change it to two weeks from today. Do you think you can still make it?”
“Absolutely. Jasper wants extra hours, and my two part-time bartenders are always happy to take on more.”
“Good. What they’re doing for foster kids is so important. I love being a part of it. It’s like fate dropped Mason into Remi’s life at the perfect moment. They’re so similar, and it’s great that they both want to foster children and maybe have their own.”
“How about you, Pipe?”
“Me? I’m afraid Mason’s out of luck, because fate already dropped a man into my life at the perfect time, and I have no plans of swapping him out.”
“I’m damn glad about that, even though it’s not what I meant.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I know you aren’t looking to get married, but you’re great with kids. Do you want a family one day?”
“That’s a hard question.”
“Why?” He held her gaze, and she sensed that he might not let her out of answering.
“Because I want a family, but I also want my career. It might be hard to be several months pregnant in my line of work, or even a few weeks pregnant, because my crew might treat me different.” She shrugged. “I don’t know the answer, but since I don’t want to get married, I might just be Auntie Piper forever.”
He wiggled his fishing line and said, “Lots of mothers have careers. Look at our sisters. I know your job is different, but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up if you want to have kids. Would it be so bad to manage projects instead of working hands-on for a few months?”
“I don’t know. It’s too much to think about right now.”
“Okay, but I just want to throw out there that getting married isn’t a prerequisite for having children.”
“Just ask Ben, right?” She lifted her line, reeling in the slack, and hoped he would accept the subtle change in subject.
“Exactly. Speaking of Ben, he paid me a visit at the pub today.”
“Oh yeah? How is my big brother?”
“He’s good. He came to make sure my intentions were honorable.”
Piper snort-laughed. “Ben did? I’d like to have been a fly on the wall for that conversation. You’ve got fifty pounds on him.”
“It’s not about size, babe.”
“Here’s a hint. Women lie.” She arched a brow and said, “It’s always about size.”
He chuckled. “Let me rephrase that. Making a point is not about the size of the man; it’s about respect. He did good by you. You should be proud of him.”
“I’m always proud of him. I could never do all the things he does. Ben is a financial genius, and though it hasn’t been easy, he’s stepped up for Bea and handled fatherhood like he handles everything else—with humor, heart, and a boatload of patience. Like you do.”
The appreciation in his eyes warmed her all over.
“Thanks, babe. Your brother’s good with numbers, but so are you. You’re also good with tools, with your body, my body . . .”
All her best parts sizzled with the smoldering look he was casting her way, and she leaned in for another kiss.
When their lips parted, he said, “Ben brought Bea with him.”
So much for sizzling. “To give you a stern talking-to? That must have been hilarious.”
“She’s a doll.” He gazed out over the water for a long moment, and then he said, “You’d make a great mom, Piper. It would be a shame for you to miss out on having a family of your own.”
She didn’t want to get into a heavy discussion when they’d had such a wonderful night, so she said, “What would be a shame is if we don’t catch any fish tonight.” They hadn’t caught anything, and she didn’t care. Just being with Harley was enough for her.