Free Solid Soul by Brenda Jackson Page B

positive.”
    She shook her head. “It doesn’t make sense. Earlier this week she was ranting and raving about how madly in love they were and nothing and no one would ever break them apart.”
    “I heard the same thing from Marcus. I guess they sat down and talked about it and in the end decided to take our advice. They were getting too serious way too fast.”
    “Whatever made them decide to slow things down, I’m extremely grateful for it. Do you think we still need to lay out the rules we came up with?”
    Chance nodded. “They may think this way now but it might be a different story tomorrow. Besides, either way, there’s plenty of trouble they can get into before Marcus actually leaves for school in two years.”
    And it was the kind of trouble Kylie was definitely familiar with. She agreed with Chance. It wouldn’t hurt to let the kids know exactly where she and Chance stood and how they planned on handling the situation of them being a couple.
    “Ready to go outside?” he asked.
    “Just about. I just need to find that lid for the bowl of potato salad. That’s what I was looking for when you came in.”
    “Then let me look for it.”
    Kylie watched as he crossed the room and, not needing a stool, reached up and opened the cabinet. He pulled out several lids. “Will one of these work?”
    “Yes.”
    He placed them on the counter then crossed the room to her. He reached out and caressed his finger against her cheek. “Thanks for the kiss, Kylie. I needed it more than you will ever know.”
    He really didn’t have to thank her. She’d needed it just as much as he had, although she wished she hadn’t. “I think we need to get back outside now.”
    As much as Chance wanted to stay inside with her, a part of him knew she was right. “All right. Is there anything else you need for me to do before I go?”
    A smile touched her lips. “No, but it might be a good idea for you to wipe your mouth. You’re wearing the same shade lipstick I’m wearing.”
     
     
    “Now that the both of you are well fed, there’s something Chance and I would like to discuss with you.”
    Both Marcus and Tiffany looked up from eating their ice cream. Marcus’s smile faltered somewhat and Tiffany rolled her eyes heavenward. “I knew this day was going too good to last,” she said. “What do you want to talk with us about, Mom?”
    “Your relationship.”
    “What about it, Ms. Hagan?” Marcus asked her in a respectful tone.
    Kylie glanced over at Chance, who nodded for her to continue. “Chance and I talked about the best way to approach the situation, especially since Tiffany isn’t old enough to date yet.”
    “But I should be old enough, Mom. The other girls at my school began going out with boys when they were thirteen.”
    Kylie frowned. “I’m not going to discuss what the other girls are doing, Tiffany. You’re my concern. And for me it’s not a particular age but a maturity level. I personally don’t think you’re ready to begin dating.”
    “If you had your way I would never date!”
    “That’s not true. You’re the one who has to prove to me that you’re ready. But Chance and I do understand you and Marcus would like to spend some time together, so we came up with what we feel is a workable solution.”
    “And what solution is that?” Marcus asked when Tiffany refused to do so.
    It was Chance who responded. “You and Tiffany can date only if the dates are chaperoned.”
    Tiffany glanced over at Marcus before looking back at their parents. “You mean that you’ll be coming with us to the movies? Bowling? On picnics?”
    “Yes,” Kylie answered. “So what do you think?” She braced herself for her daughter’s tirade.
    “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Tiffany said, smiling.
    Kylie blinked. “You do?”
    “Yes. Since Marcus and I will be getting married after college, I think it would be good that all four of us get to know each other.” She smiled at Marcus. “Don’t you agree,