“Annabelle, eyes right here please.” His voice was deep and demanding. That pull I’d felt toward him since the first time we’d met was very evident and reeling me right in.

It was not fair that someone could have that color eyes and be so mesmerizing. I’d love to take him to the tropics just to see if they really were the same color as the ocean.

“I’m listening.”

“Hmmm, if you say so. This weekend my parents asked if we all wanted to come over for dinner. Something about my mom missing her boys, blah blah blah. Anyway, I know both of my parents enjoyed your company, and frankly so do I. So would you like to join me?”

My head jerked back. “Why does this feel like a ‘meet the family’ sort of date?”

His brow furrowed. “Definitely not. And could you even count it as that when you’ve already met them?”

He made a point. “Touché.”

“Oh, and if you come, you’ll have to bring tennis shoes this time.”

“Why’s that?”

“Baseball, Annabelle. We play baseball every time we get together.”

Oh, yes, I wasn’t even thinking about their family traditions. “Well, I work on Saturday ‘til six. Sometimes it’s a little later depending on the number of laboring mothers and deliveries.”

“That’s not a problem. They will be barbequing so I’m sure dinner will be later than normal. Dad’s a bit meticulous on the grill.”

I had no reason to refuse. It wasn’t like he was taking me on some wild ride again. Plus, my friends would be there to act as my comfort. How intimate could Turner and I get with his family around?

“Alright, you have yourself a date.” Seemed low key enough.

Standing up from the table, he pushed his chair back. “You done with your food?”

I nodded.

He tossed them in the trash as he made his way to the door. “See you in a couple days, Beautiful.”

My stomach flip flopped. He didn’t even stick around after making me all mushy, he just walked out. I smiled to myself. Well, looks like I’d be seeing if I could keep myself safe and uninjured. Ironic that he’s taken me on two dates now that I could have easily hurt myself, and yet the one place I was heading this weekend is where I managed to end up on my ass. Guess it’s challenge accepted, Annabelle.

I WANTED TO FIND TIME to check on Baby March before I had to leave for the Brooks’ house, but unfortunately it was already past six, and I still had another thirty minute drive ahead of me. Turner was going to wait for me, but I insisted that he go ahead of me. I didn’t want his family to hold off on dinner just because I was running late. I even suggested taking a rain check but he assured me it was fine.

“Hey, I’m heading out. All my patients have been passed off. Have a good weekend,” I called over my shoulder to my charge nurse.

“You too, hon,” she replied.

Once out in the parking garage, I climbed into my car, tossed my bag onto the passenger seat and got on the road. I was actually looking forward to this evening. I may have been more nervous if this was my first time meeting the Brooks family, but it wasn’t. Being around this family was comforting. I wasn’t sure if that was odd, but I accepted the emotion. Paul and Donna had a way of making you feel like you were one of their kids. I’d be willing to bet they never met a stranger. Rolling the windows down, and turning the radio up, I sat back and enjoyed my short drive to their house.

Turner came outside to greet me when I pulled into the half circle driveway. He opened my door and bent down to greet me with a kiss on the cheek, I was motionless. Normally, I didn’t get this from him until the end of the date. Apparently, he was trying to keep me on my toes by switching things up. I sighed deeply, unable to stop the girlyness from escaping my throat.

He smiled a dazzling, warm smile at me. “Glad you made it.”

After I got out of the car, he shut the door behind me and we started walking toward the house. The driveway contained several other parked vehicles, two of which I recognized as Keegan and Macie’s. I didn’t think Macie would be here, but knowing Keegan she probably talked her into it.

“Me too.”

“How was your shift?”

“Long and tedious. But when it comes to labor, sometimes tedious is good.” I laughed. “Excitement on my floor means a momma is struggling or baby is. Not necessarily something we want.” It was weird how comfortable this simple conversation was to have with him. Almost like we’d done it for years.

“Hmmm, I see what you’re saying. Well, I hope you worked up an appetite. Pretty sure my dad bought every meat the market down the street had in the display case. Plus, my mom made her famous dill potato salad and caprese salad, and knowing her, there will be no less than three different desserts to choose from later. I think Keegan brought some food, too.”

My stomach rumbled. “Oh, I definitely have an appetite right now. Maybe too much of one.”

He squeezed my hand and winked at me. That rumble turned to flutters. He was getting to me.

“Well, eat your fill. Regardless, I know Mom will send you home with a container full of leftovers. That’s half the reason I come over.”

I slapped at his arm and smiled. “You’re such a guy. Does your mother know you use her for her cooking?”

“Absolutely. My brothers and I have been eating them out of house and home since we were kids. She lives for this.”

I’m pretty sure she probably did. In the short time I’d known Donna, I got the impression she was your typical southern woman and mom. Small wasn’t in her vocabulary unless it referred to herself. Her home was immaculate, her cooking was perfection, she raised her boys to be southern gentlemen, and she did it all without a hair out of place on her head.

Stepping into the front door, I was greeted by so many smells, the scent of comfort food permeating throughout the home. It has been a while since I’d walked into something like this. In fact the last time was when I was here.

“Hi, Annabelle! How are you, honey?” Donna came around the corner dressed in a cute summer maxi dress and an apron. Sweetness poured out of her voice.

My automatic reaction was to go to her. She opened her arms to me and greeted me with a hug. I was not an affectionate person, but for whatever reason with her, it felt natural and okay. Donna even smelled good. Like a mom, if that made any sense.

“I’m good.” I released from her embrace. “Thank you so much for having me. I’m sorry I’m late.”

She waved her hand in front of me. “Oh please. You’re not late, you’re right on time. Paul is just finishing up on the grill and Keegan is getting everyone’s drinks. Come on in and make yourself at home. What would you like to drink with dinner? We have lemonade, sweet tea, or I think there’s some beer in the fridge downstairs, Turner could go get you one.”

I looked up at him. He was beaming down at his mom. Huh, I never noticed it before, but he was definitely a momma’s boy. It was written all over his face. The adoration in his eyes couldn’t be missed.

“Actually, a lemonade would be fine, thank you,” I replied politely.

“You got it.” She winked at me. Her smile and Turner’s were exactly the same. My eyes fixated on her straight teeth and dazzling expression. “Son, fix her a glass please, and go check on your daddy. I’m worried he’s going to burn the chicken breasts attempting to get those darn char lines perfect.”

Turner sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Without the sass, young man,” she admonished.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at their exchange.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’ll be right back.” He squeezed my hand again, and released it. When he walked out of the foyer, I gave Donna my attention again. She was standing with her hands on her hips, shaking her head.