He chuckles softly, and I’m relieved to see this clearly stressed-out single dad looking a little happier. “I feel like this is going above and beyond your librarian job duties.”
I smile. “I have actually gone over to someone’s house and helped them plant a garden in their backyard. I have shown up at the senior center and taught them all how to line dance. I once fostered two stray cats that someone found injured but couldn’t keep themselves. I learn things and love to apply them in real life. Especially if it means that other people get to learn them too.”
He shakes his head. “That is kind of amazing. And I am desperate. If you can help my daughter’s birthday be amazing, I will be forever in your debt.”
I grin widely. “And I also have a town full of people who owe me favors. That’s never a bad thing.”
Now he outright laughs, and I feel extremely proud of myself.
“That is a good point,” Jack says. “Okay, you can add me to that list. When are you available?”
“How is tomorrow?" I ask.
“Really?” he asks, his eyes hopeful. “That’s not too soon?”
“It’s never too soon to do a good deed.”
“And it’s never too soon for me to start practicing painting nails,” he agrees. “If I’m going to do ten manicures, I’m going to have to get good fast.”
“You’re going to do ten manicures at her party by yourself?”
“I’m sure Delaney and my grandma will help,” he says.
“And Sloan and me. And I’m going to recruit some more friends. Kaelyn and Harlow for sure.”
Jack’s shoulders actually sag with relief. “I’m not even going to ask you if you’re sure, in case you have second thoughts.”
I laugh. “Why would I have second thoughts? Do you know my mom? She’s a huge party planner. She would be ashamed of me if I didn’t jump in and make this party over the top.”
“Now I feel great about it,” he says. “If it gets you proud mom points, this is definitely a win-win.”
I grin. “Exactly. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You’re my hero, Mia.”
Jack leaves with a smile, a straighter spine, and a more confident stride.
Exactly the way I want everyone to walk out of my library.
And I can’t help but think that I really like all of the Bennett boys.
CHAPTER 12
DAVID
On Thursday evening, I mount the steps to my mother’s front porch. As I hit the top step, her front door swings open and she steps out to greet me.
“Well, hi,” she says, smiling.
I lean in and kiss her cheek. “You don’t seem surprised to see me.”
“Why would I be?”
I start to answer but I don’t have a good response. We all stop by without notice all the time. I shake my head. “I guess you wouldn’t be surprised. But you seem to have been expecting me.”
She gives me another smile, this one slyer. “I was.”
I nod. “Because Jack told you I would be stopping by.”
