They’d brought an umbrella and set up a spot for Thomas to nap.

“That’s okay. I like holding him.” He tugged a beach towel up over the baby to protect him from the sun.

“What would your friends in Florida say if they could see you right now?”

“They’d never believe it.”

“What will you do about your business there?”

“They’ll buy me out and find someone to replace me.”

“Will they be mad that you’re not coming back?”

“Maybe. The three of us have busted our butts to build up a thriving business.”

“It’ll be a blow to them to lose you.”

Mac sighed. The same thought had been weighing on him since he’d decided to stay. “They’ve been texting me with all kinds of questions and problems. We’ve got a lot going on right now. We always do.”

“Did you have a girlfriend there?”

Mac glanced at her, not sure where this was heading. “Sort of.”

Maddie laughed. “How can you ‘sort of’ have a girlfriend?”

“I dated my assistant for a while—and yes, I know that’s a terrible cliché—but we didn’t see much of each other outside of work, which irritated her. But that was over before I came home.”

“What’s her name?”

“Rosanne.”

“Is she beautiful?”

“You’re beautiful.”

“Nice try. What does she look like?”

“Short with buck teeth and a wart on her nose. Nothing at all to look at.”

Maddie dissolved into laughter. “You’re so full of it. She probably looks like a super model.”

Mac linked his fingers with hers. “She can’t hold a candle to you. The second I saw you, every other woman faded to the background. You’re the only one who matters now—the only one who’s ever mattered.”

“Mac. . . You’re so sweet.” She brought their joined hands to her lips. “Now tell me, what does she really look like?”

He laughed at her persistence. “Well, she has six toes on her left foot.”

“Mac!”

After they finished the shift at the daycare, Mac told Maddie he had an errand to run and would be back shortly. He sat on the sofa to tie his running shoes.

“So you’re literally going to run?” Maddie asked.

“Yep.”

She eyed the bag from Gold’s on the counter. “Do you think maybe you could hurry up?”

Mac stood and wrapped his arms tight around her. “I’ll be so fast you won’t even know I’m gone.”

She ran the tip of her tongue over his neck. “I’ll get Thomas fed and put down while you’re gone.”

Mac shuddered. “Hold that thought.”

“Hurry.”