She took a careful survey of all the options before landing on a set of red plaid flannel pajamas with a matching red robe and fuzzy slippers. “How about this one?”

“A girl definitely needs PJs,” Grayson said, taking note of the others she considered for future gifts. “Let’s hit the register and then hit the road.” He steered her toward the front of the store, with a side trip to the penny candy aisle to fill a small bag, before they checked out.

“Thank you so much,” Simone said, holding her big green bag by the handles as they made their way to the car.

“You’re very welcome. I can’t wait to see how she looks in her new outfits.”

He held the door for Simone and waited until she was settled before closing it.

“Thank you,” Emma said softly. “She loved that.”

“I did, too.”

“It complements her eyes. Really?”

“It did!”

Her gaze dropped to his lips and then returned to his eyes. “You’re too much.”

“Nah, I’m just enough.” He winked and waggled his brows. “We’ve got to go.”

“I know, but I don’t want to.”

“It’s going to be okay, Emma. Remember, I promised.”

She nodded and got into the car, but when he got in, he noticed she had tears sliding down her cheeks. That was when he knew he couldn’t keep his surprise from her any longer.

“Hey.”

She looked over at him.

He raised his hand to her face and brushed away her tears. “I was thinking I might come with you guys, if you don’t mind.” To his great horror, Emma began to cry harder. “Emma, honey.” He glanced at Simone, who also seemed on the verge of tears. This surprise was not going as he’d planned.

And then Emma released her seat belt and reached for him.

Grayson pulled her in as close as he could get her with the center console between them. “Shhh. I don’t have to go if you don’t want me to.”

Emma shook her head. “I want you to,” she said softly. “I can’t believe you’re actually coming with us.”

“Only if it’s okay with you guys.” He looked to Simone, who nodded enthusiastically.

“It’s more than okay.” Right there, in front of her child, Emma kissed him square on the lips.

“Ewww,” Simone said, covering her eyes.

“That’s a relief,” Grayson said. “For a second there, I thought I’d read this all wrong.”

“You didn’t. I can’t believe this. I was so sad this morning to have to leave you here.”

He felt breathless and off-kilter when he stared at her lovely face. “You know this is totally crazy, right?”

“Totally.” She reached for his hand and held on tight. “The best kind of crazy.”