The Wedding Wager: Dakota Daddy

That evening, she pulled her son onto her lap. He was big enough that his legs dangled almost to the floor, but not quite. “Ethan, I want to talk to you about something important.”

Eight (#ulink_f398d919-0268-55b8-b5de-21dbd3e2c342)

Thursday morning Megan opened the door and stepped back to let Jared enter. For the first time since he was in his early twenties, he was nervous. He held a package in his hand wrapped in plain gray paper. He also had a junior-size football and a paper sack. Even with all his thoughts on the event ahead, he noticed Megan. He wished they’d stayed at his Yucatán home another day or more, because he wanted more nights with her, and he’d already missed her badly. It was a surprise that he would want her with him so much because he had thought he was over her and she would no longer be so important to him. She had her hair in a braid today and she wore tight jeans, a green T-shirt and boots.

“I left my things in the car. I can get them later,” Jared said and she nodded. “He’s okay with all this?” Jared asked.

“Yes,” she answered. Her eyes were wide, a clear turquoise, and she looked pale and somber. “He’s curious and I think he likes the idea of having a dad, but he’s shy.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s waiting in the family room. Jared, after I introduce you, I’m going to leave the two of you to get acquainted. I may go riding. It’s a pretty June day and he likes to play outside, so that’s good. You can take him out or you can stay in the family room. If you want to call, I’ll have my cell phone. I’ll stay out of the way for the next two hours.”

He nodded. “That’s great, Megan. I want to take both of you to dinner tonight.”

“Thanks, but I already have steaks. We’ll eat here and it’ll be easier.”

They entered the family room and he saw Ethan dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. He sat on the sofa playing with toy cars. As soon as they walked into the room, Ethan assessed him with a mixture of shyness and curiosity. He stood and waited.

“Ethan, this is Jared Dalton. You met in town last week. He’s your real father. I told you about him.”

Jared held out his hand to shake Ethan’s. “I brought you a present.”

“Before you open it, Ethan,” Megan said, “I told you earlier, I’m going to leave so you and Jared can get to know each other. I have my cell phone and you know how to call me. I’ll be back after a while.” She leaned down and he ran to her, holding up his arms and she swung him up to hug and kiss him. He held her tightly until she leaned away to set him on his feet. “Be a good boy.”