One Look: A grumpy, single dad small town romance(83)

After I’d walked a long length of beach, I looked up to realize I was near the dune on which Lark had gotten herself stranded. When it happened, I had hid my attraction to her with a gruff indifference. Even then I knew getting close to Lark had the potential to change everything.

I thought back to her offhand comments about love languages and realized exactly what I needed to do.





My fist pounded on Tootie’s front door twice before I turned the handle and let myself in. “Hello?”

“Back here!” Tootie’s voice was filled with laughter as it floated down the hallway.

My boots stomped on the creaking wooden floors as I made my way through her house. In the large living room, Tootie, Penny, and Katie were sitting on blankets and pillows with something that looked like green mud smeared all over their faces.

“Hey, Daddy!” Penny’s crooked white teeth were stark against the mask. “We’re beautifying.”

I smiled. “I can see that. I didn’t mean to interrupt girls’ night, but I needed to talk with Tootie.”

My aunt unfolded herself and groaned as she rose from the floor. I motioned toward the kitchen, and she followed.

As soon as we were out of earshot, I turned. “Can you look after Penny for a few days?”

Worry crossed her face. “Of course. Is everything okay?”

I sighed and ran my hand across my face. “No. But it will be. I need to go to LA.”

A huge grin spread across her face when she realized what I was implying. Her hands planted on her hips. “Well, it’s about time. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be just fine. You bring our girl home.”

Affection for my aunt filled my chest. I hugged her and stomped toward the living room. Penny was delighted to hear she would get a few extra days of girl time, and I assured her that I would head home as soon as I could.

“Will Lark come home with you?”

Unease rippled through me. “I’m not sure, sweetie.” My plan was only half-formed, and I hoped to work out the details on the red-eye to LA.

“Okay, well, don’t screw it up.”

I laughed and tension eased from my shoulders. “Thanks, Pickle. I’ll do my best.”





36





WYATT





The summer sun felt different in California. Sure, I’d been to LA before for games or the odd trip, but viewing it in the context of Lark’s home, it all felt wrong. LA was too loud. Too busy. It lacked the quaint, slow pace of a place like Outtatowner.

I had subtly been keeping tabs on Lark via text. The night before she was her typical chatty self, and I knew work for the week was wrapping today.

It was early, but at 7:00 a.m. West Coast time, I’d already sent a good morning text. I followed it up quickly as I hauled my backpack over my shoulder and exited the plane.

I have a surprise for you.





Lark



You’re so sweet! I have a surprise for you too.





I smiled to myself as I arranged for an Uber. Not as good as mine.

Okay, you first.





The incoming picture made my heart sink to the floor. It was a selfie of Lark, smiling and lovely as ever . . . in a fucking airport. The large windows in the background provided a clear view of airplanes and a tower behind her.

No. No no no no no. This can’t be happening.

Please tell me you’re still in LA.





I watched as three bubbles appeared and disappeared four times. Then . . . nothing.

Lark, are you in LA?





Finally, a text came through.

Lark



I wanted to surprise you and Penny. I thought you’d be happy.





I immediately dialed her number. When it connected, I didn’t even let her get a word in. “Are you in LA?”

“Wyatt. Hey. Yes, look . . . if you don’t want me to make the trip, just say so. I—”

“Where are you?” The words rushed out harsher than I’d intended, but I had to see her. Immediately. Relief that she hadn’t left the city flooded over me.

Emotion filled her voice. “LAX. My plane is boarding in five minutes.”

Five fucking minutes.

“Do not get on that plane.” My eyes scanned the screens as I searched for outgoing flights from LA to Chicago. One of them had to be hers.

Gate 28. Five minutes.

I took off like it was fourth and goal in the fourth quarter and hauled ass toward the gate. Ignited by excitement and my love for Lark, I wove around luggage carts and families with slow-ass children. I was sure I looked crazed, but I couldn’t fuck this up. She deserved the big act of service, the words of affirmation—all of it. I needed to show her in every way how much she meant to me.

As I approached the gate, the flight attendants were scanning the boarding passes of the last remaining passengers. Lark wasn’t among them.

“Hold up! Wait!” I called between sucking in breaths of air.

One flight attendant looked at me, startled. “Are you on this flight, sir?”

“No, I—” I bent over, sucking wind, and was convinced I was going to puke all over the startled flight attendant.