Fight to the Finish (First to Fight #3)(67)

“Just because things seem to be going the right direction for terminating Henry’s parental rights doesn’t mean it’s happened yet. I still can’t take Zach across state lines. And besides that, he can’t miss school.”

“So take him to my parents’ house.”

Kara sat up for a moment. “I can’t ask your parents to do that.”

“Look, I’m not giving them grandbabies for a few years, at least. I’m sure they’d love having Zach over there. It’s just for a few days, and Mom can run him to and from school. They’ll be careful with his diet. You’d trust them, right?”

“Yes, of course, but—”

“I’ll call Mom to double-check, but I bet they’ll be all over it.”

“Marianne, I—”

“Gotta go!” There was a click, and the phone’s screen blanked away.

Kara sighed and flopped back down. She still had work to consider. Though really, the middle of the week was her slowest time. If she called around, surely a few people could take some of her classes, then . . .

No, this was ridiculous. Nobody would just up and take a ten-year-old boy who wasn’t their own flesh and blood for several days. Watching grandkids was one thing, and most normal grandparents leapt at the chance to have their grandchildren come visit. Watching your daughter’s friend’s son who came with a host of allergy needs was another thing entirely. They wouldn’t . . .

Her phone beeped, and she looked at the incoming text.

Mom said yes, and not to dare think about backing out after this. She is thrilled about the idea of having Zach over. You don’t argue with Mary Cook. Pack a bag, drop it off at Mom’s tomorrow morning after Zach is in school, and she will get him from school in the afternoon.

She rolled onto her side and hugged her pillow tight to her chest. God, her friends were amazing. “Zach? Zach! Come get this duffle bag. We’ve got a few clothes to pack.”





CHAPTER


20

When Marianne ran at her, nearly plowing her over at the airport, Kara knew she’d made the right decision.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe you did it! You came! This is insane!” Jumping a little, she looked like a loon, with her bright blond hair fluttering around her face like feathers. “You’re here!”

“Yes, I’m here. Now, how the heck did you manage to get out to come get me?”

“I stole Reagan’s car and came over.” She grinned. “Reagan gets a rental, thanks to the travel work order, but I didn’t. So I took it. She’s busy all day, anyway. First matches are tonight. Baggage?”

“No, just this.” She held up her small bag—her gym bag, because she didn’t have luggage—and smiled weakly. “I haven’t really had a need for luggage, and it seemed like an impractical purchase for this one trip, so . . .”

“Who cares? If it holds your stuff, then it’s good enough. Whoops, rhymed. I’m just so jazzed!”

“No kidding,” Kara said dryly as they walked arm in arm toward the parking lot. “It’s like talking to a five-year-old before their ADHD meds kick in in the morning.”

Marianne’s steps bounced as she walked along, keeping up with Kara’s longer strides. “Maybe. The competition is getting to me. I can’t help it. The scrimmages were fun and exciting, but nothing compared to this. The teams are all looking good, and we’re ready, but once you get in the ring it’s anyone’s match. It’s an intense atmosphere in practices, with everyone sort of side-eying each other, and—”

“Okay, you have to stop.” Kara pulled up short, pulling Marianne to a stop beside her. “You’re making me nervous along with you. I can’t do what I need to do if I’m nervous.”

“What are you doing? What’s there to be nervous about? Oh, Zach? He’s totally fine. My mom texted me to say she’d picked him up and they were making cookies using that recipe on your blog. I sent her the link,” Marianne added.

“Yes, I know. Mary texted me the same thing. I mean you’re making me nervous about seeing Graham.”

“Oh, that.” Marianne waved it off and started walking once more toward temporary parking. “Don’t worry about it. He’s golden. The man has strategy like nobody’s business. Probably why he’s so good at his normal job. You know, that whole ‘knowing your opponent’s next move’ bit has to work well in court. Here we are!” She stopped by a midsized sedan in a light tan color, unlocking it with the key fob. “Just toss your stuff in the back.”

“I meant seeing him and dealing with the fact that he proposed to me.”

“He . . .” Marianne opened the driver side door and stared at her over the top of the car. “He proposed? You’re kidding me.”

“Right, because I find marriage humor to be the best sort.” Sliding in, Kara hissed as the backs of her thighs hit scorching hot plastic. “Jesus!” she yelled, hopping back out again. Her legs were on fire. Actually melting. She was melting from her ass down to the backs of her knees.

“Yeah . . . I was going to warn you, but you sort of stupefied me with that whole proposal thing.” Without getting in, Marianne reached in and started the car, then closed the door again. “It has to cool down for about five minutes before it’s safe to get in. Texas is no joke with the heat, man.”