Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80555 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“He doesn’t hate you.” I aimed for a reassuring tone. “He’s protective of his daughter. Like I said. Try hard. Win him over with being responsible.”
“Yeah.” Diesel’s mouth twisted as he straightened back up. “That’s why I said yes when Maren asked me to marry her.”
“Maren asked you to marry her?” I studied him more closely. That wasn’t at all how I’d figured things had gone down. Finished with my shirt, I gave it a quick shake as I didn’t have time to let it fully cool before pulling it on.
“Way to assume gender norms, Dad.” Diesel gave me the sort of eye roll Maren used frequently. “We kind of talked around different ideas as far as cohabitating. I said I wanted us to get married and be a family, but I wouldn’t ask so she wouldn’t have to feel bad saying no. So then she asked me.”
“I revise my estimate.” I chuckled warmly, liking Maren more by the minute. “You’ve got good odds here. You chose well.”
“I know.” Diesel beamed as he shrugged on his shirt. “No idea what I did to deserve her, but I’m going to make sure she knows how lucky I feel every day.”
“Good plan.” I clapped him on the back before helping him with the bright-teal tie he’d picked. “Now, let’s get you to the courthouse on time.”
Diesel grabbed his pregnancy and baby guide. Meanwhile, I did a quick check to make sure the dogs had water and access to their doggy door, which led to the fenced backyard that existed solely for the dogs’ enjoyment and my herb garden experiments. Because I had work later, we drove separately to the historic courthouse square in downtown Mount Hope. I parked closer to The Heist and walked over, catching up with Diesel, Maren, and Eric outside the judge’s chambers.
“You look lovely,” I said to Maren, who greeted me with a hug. She wore a loose-fitting floral dress and sandals.
“It’s because I kept down breakfast.” She grinned and patted her belly. “First time in weeks.”
“Excellent.” I fished an envelope out of my pants pocket. “Since you’re back to enjoying breakfast, you may like this little gift for you and Diesel.”
“A gift?” Maren’s eyes widened as she opened the envelope, revealing the paper I’d printed last night. “A night at the Hopeful Bed and Breakfast?”
The bed and breakfast was on the eastern outskirts of town, enough in the country to feel like a mountain escape.
“I know the real wedding is next year, and maybe you’ll do a honeymoon trip then, but your wedding night should be special.”
“Thank you.” She launched herself at me for a tight hug, followed by Diesel. The two excitedly stepped to the side, discussing plans for that evening.
“Thanks.” Eric’s voice was as tight as the lines around his eyes and mouth.
“Hey, Captain Thunder Cloud.” I bumped shoulders with him. I wasn’t sure of his actual paramedic rank, but captain sounded about right. “I figured you also might appreciate them having privacy tonight.”
“Oh.” He shuddered, apparently only now realizing that the alternative was them staying with one of us as they were still collecting items before moving into their basement apartment at Eric’s. “Good point.”
“I generally do make sense.” I gave him a pointed look. “And I’m not out to hurt you or one-up you.”
“I know.” Eric paused as his stomach gave an audible rumble. Like Diesel and me, he wore a dress shirt with an understated gray tie. The tie had caught the edge of his collar, adding to his overall overwhelmed appearance. “Just wish I’d thought of the idea myself.”
“Maren said she ate, but what about you?” Unable to resist, I reached out and straightened his collar. In a shocker, he didn’t flinch away.
“I had…something.”
“You don’t even lie well.” I shook my head. “We’ll get lunch after this.”
“Maybe a fast one.” Eric shoved his hands in his pockets. “I have to clock on for a partial shift. My supervisor asked for volunteers. I’ve got enough seniority that I could have said no, but I figured I might want the distraction tonight.”
“I feel you.” I glanced over at Maren and Diesel, who were cuddled together on one of the long wooden benches. “I’m actually looking forward to the dinner rush.”
“You?” Head tilting, Eric narrowed his eyes at me. “I was under the impression you were totally fine with all this.”
I made a frustrated noise. “We’re not that different, Eric. I’m worried sick, same as you. I’d rather keep them close so I can hover more effectively, that’s all.”
“That’s smart.” His tone was rather defeated, so I bumped his shoulder again, trying to coax out a smile.
“Telling you, I generally am.”
Before Eric could reply, a middle-aged clerk in a sunny yellow sweater set opened the courtroom doors.
“The judge will see you now.” She ushered us into the room. The air conditioning was at morgue levels of cold, and Maren rubbed her bare arms as the clerk checked over their license and other paperwork.