Page 102 of Forbidden Kisses

"She didn't tell me anything."

"That's the point of a surprise," Duncan said with an amused expression.

I had so many questions. How were we going to act around Jeremy? Were we going to tell him something? Did it even make sense considering I was starting my new job on Monday? I wanted to bring up the mom issue, but maybe I’d have time later tonight.

We dropped by my house to get my things. There was no one home, but Paula had laid the gray backpack on my bed. Duncan loaded it in the trunk, next to his and Jeremy’s bags and the tent.

I had to admit, I was beyond anxious. "Are you going to tell us where we’re headed?" I asked once we were in the car again.

"Yeah. To Idyllwild Campground in Mount San Jacinto."

"Yes! We get a mountain experience," I said.

Jeremy was cheering in the back, and I couldn’t help but grin. Oh man, this felt so much like we were a family. Was this why Jeremy had asked if I wanted to be his mom? Objectively, there was no need for me to go camping with them—Duncan was perfectly capable of going with his own son.

Just as I opened my mouth, Duncan squeezed my fingers, as if guessing what was on my mind. He gave me one of those devastating smiles, and I relaxed instantly.

We were just going camping. I didn't need to overthink this.

"You've got supplies too?" I asked.

"Yes. I've got some sausage, hamburgers, buns, and bread—stuff we can cook on a campfire."

"Marshmallows too? For s'mores?"

Duncan nodded. "Yep. Couldn't forget those, could I?"

I smiled. He was a great dad.

He was a great man, period.

The drive would take about two hours. I looked up the info on my phone and kept spouting off random facts.

One hour into the drive, Jeremy fell asleep, and Duncan and I stayed silent. Jeremy was a light sleeper, so he'd probably wakeup if we started talking. Duncan took my hand again, squeezing my fingers, and I just relaxed into the seat.

An hour later, as we entered the park, Jeremy woke up.

"We’re here!" he exclaimed.

I smiled from ear to ear. This was shaping up to be the best weekend ever!

As we got out of the car, Jeremy hugged me. “I know you and Dad both like the nanny starting on Monday, but you're the best.”

I smiled, kissing the top of his head, trying not to think that someone else would take my place in a few days.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Duncan

Putting up a tent wasn't as easy as it looked on YouTube.

"This is the largest tent I've ever been in," Riley exclaimed.

I cocked a brow. "Really? I was furious that they didn't have anything bigger."

She laughed. "Duncan, this has separate rooms. That’s amazing!"

She'd been a pro, instructing me on where everything went. I'd basically just provided the muscle, and Jeremy hung on to her every word. He was standing in my way more than helping, but I knew how important it was for him to be useful, so I gave him small tasks.