Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)

The next few minutes were a flurry of greetings. Raoul, a former Cowboys quarterback, stayed close to Pia, his attractive wife. They were warm and friendly, saying nice things about the small apartment. When they were seated on the sofa, Caramel hopped onto the cushions, then stepped onto Raoul’s muscled thighs and studied him.

Pia smiled. “Pretty girls are always attracted to him.”

Raoul petted the dog. “Yeah, but this time I want to like her back.”

“What can I get you to drink?” Fayrene asked.

“Do you have wine?” Pia asked. “I haven’t had wine since I found out I was pregnant and tonight’s the night.” She covered her mouth briefly, as if holding in a yawn. “Just one, though. Ryder’s started teething and that means I’ve been up a lot at night.”

Ryan went to get the bottle of wine from the bookcase. “What about you, Raoul?”

“A beer if you have it.”

Ryan grinned. “I do. It’s from a local microbrewery.”

“Good man.”

Pia accepted the glass of wine and kicked off her shoes, then tucked her legs up under her. She took a sip and sighed.

“This is so nice,” she said to Fayrene. “Thank you for inviting us. These days we rarely get out. We could, of course. There are plenty of people willing to babysit. It’s just with the twins turning three and Ryder, it’s difficult.”

Raoul put his arm around her. “Plus you’re shepherding Peter to a lot of things these days.” He glanced at them. “He’s thirteen now. Seriously into baseball and cycling.”

Ryan returned from the kitchen with a beer in each hand. He gave one to Raoul. Fayrene took her glass of wine and sat down opposite the sofa. Ryan settled on the floor at her feet. Caramel abandoned their company to crawl on Ryan’s lap and curl up as she frequently did.

“Four kids is a lot,” Ryan said.

“But wonderful,” Fayrene added, thinking they needed to be talking about how great it was to be married and have a family. “They must bring you a lot of happiness.”

“They do,” Pia said with another yawn. “The age difference is challenging. Mostly because it’s in Peter’s nature to help and I don’t want his childhood to be about taking care of the twins or his baby brother.” She looked at Raoul. “He’s a great kid. We got so lucky with him.”

“With all our kids,” her husband said, then kissed her forehead.

Fayrene knew that Peter was adopted and that the twins weren’t theirs biologically, either. Ryder was the first child they had together.

Raoul turned to Ryan. “You work for Ethan,” he said. “I’ve been hearing about the modifications you’re making on the wind turbine designs. Innovative thinking.”

“Thanks. I like my work.”

The two couples talked about what was going on in Fool’s Gold these days.

“I’m hearing that the town is annexing more of the surrounding areas,” Pia said, then covered another yawn. “Someone told me that the Nicholson ranch will be within city limits now. At least the acreage with the house on it. I remember Zane Nicholson from high school. He was in my class.” She smiled at her husband. “He was very popular with the ladies, just like you.”

“As long as I don’t have competition with him now.”

Pia smiled. “You don’t.” She set her glass on the coffee table and leaned against her husband. “How’s your business, Fayrene?” she asked.

“I’m busy.”

“That’s good,” Pia murmured. “The wine was nice. Did I mention I haven’t had wine in over a year?”

As she spoke her eyes drifted closed. Fayrene waited for her to say something else, only to realize that her guest had fallen asleep. Pia’s breathing deepened and her body relaxed. Raoul glanced down and grinned.

“It’s the kids,” he murmured. “Keeping her up too many nights.” He paused awkwardly. “I’m sorry but I think we’re going to have to take a rain check on our dinner. I really should get her home and in bed.”

Fayrene involuntarily glanced at the clock. It was six. Barely evening. She looked at Ryan, who seemed just as startled.

“Come on, sleepyhead,” Raoul said gently, shifting Pia into a sitting position. “Let’s get you home.”

“What? Did I fall asleep?” Pia flushed. “I’m so sorry. It’s just everything going on. You know—three kids under four—it’s challenging.” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Really. Can I have a cup of coffee? Then I’m sure I can stay awake through dinner.”

“You don’t have to,” Fayrene told her. “You should go home and sleep.”

Pia hesitated, then stood. Raoul did the same and put his arm around her.

“If you don’t mind, we’d love to take a rain check on dinner.” She yawned again, then leaned against her husband. “Thanks for understanding.”

Ryan held Caramel as he and Fayrene ushered out their guests. When the door had closed, Fayrene leaned against the wall. So much for showing Ryan how wonderful marriage could be. It was barely six in the evening and the Moreno family was in for the night.

Ryan handed her Caramel, then put his arm around her. “So,” he said with a grin. “What’s for dinner?”