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Three
     
     
    The team lunch after the game had been great, and Dusty was the center of attention as he introduced Evan to all of his friends and their parents. Sierra could see many of the fathers had wanted to talk with Evan about his time overseas, but he seemed to pull back each time the conversation became a little too inquisitive about what he had experienced. Luckily, Dusty’s excitement would save him each time, since he would pull Evan away to the next friend until they had made the rounds.
    After what seemed like a whirlwind tour, Evan was finally able to sit down again at the table with Sierra. “Well, that little guy is like a bundle of energy. I clearly need to bottle that and sell it.”
    Sierra laughed at the description, because that was definitely her son. “Oh, he’s just excited that you’re back in town. He’ll slow down soon enough, and he’ll be down for the count once the adrenaline is gone.” As she sipped her soda, she took a moment to just look at him and appreciate the man sitting in front of her. “Thank you, Evan.”
    “For what?” He lifted one eyebrow in that inquisitive but sexy manner, and Sierra felt the butterflies in her stomach begin dancing a jig.
    “For being a good friend to Dusty. You could have ended the emails at any time or given up on answering a nine-year-old kid’s questions, but you didn’t. You’ve been a good friend to him, and I just wanted to make sure I thanked you for that in person.” Sierra knew her voice reflected her nervousness, but this was important and had to be said. “Every time he saw your face come up on the computer screen for your Skype conversations, it helped to get him through the days and weeks until he heard from you again. That meant so much to him—to both of us.”
    Sierra saw his knuckles clench and the skin turn pale as if he was preparing for something. “Actually, it’s me who should be thanking you. You and Dusty came into my life when I needed it. You’ve both opened my eyes to something I never realized I needed.”
    Her heart pounded so loud, she wondered if Evan could hear the telltale sound. “What exactly is that?” Dare she hope that he felt the same way she did? Just as he was about to speak again, Dusty chose that moment to arrive at the table.
    “Mom, can I have some money for the video games?”
    Giving Evan a look that let him know the conversation wasn’t over, Sierra began to reach inside her purse for the money, but Evan beat her to the punch. She watched as he pulled a five-dollar bill from his pocket and handed it over. Once Dusty accepted the money, he pushed away from the table and ran back to his friends.  Sierra tried to pick up the thread of conversation, “So, what exactly did you realize?”
    “Oh, well, maybe that’s a conversation for another day.” Foiled by a nine-year-old. She knew there was more to this conversation, but Evan’s guard was back in place, and it wasn’t the time or place to push the topic, so she decided to try another tactic.
    “Would you like to come for dinner with me and Dusty tomorrow night? Your choice--we can treat you to a nice dinner out or we can make you a home-cooked meal.” Spending more time with Evan was her goal, and if she had to share him with a restaurant full of people again, then she would do so, but she hoped he chose the second option.
    “A home-cooked dinner would be nice, Sierra. It will be good for me to just spend time and hang out with you and Dusty. What time should I arrive?”
    She knew there was more to that statement than what he had actually said, but she would dissect his every word later tonight, when he wasn’t around to read every emotion and thought on her face. One thing she could never be accused of was having a good poker face. If she was feeling something, whether it be excitement, sadness, or desire, it could be read on her face and she didn’t want to play her hand too soon.
    “Okay, how about four o’clock tomorrow? Be