* * *
I might be looking forwardto our date, but I’m still pretty clueless. Whit’s making dinner for us, because he’s awesome like that, but I feel like something’s missing. I need to do something special.
But I’ve got no fucking clue what to do.
“Booker,” I say, slumping into the couch next to him. “I need assistance.”
“What’s up?”
“I need dating advice.”
The poor guy chose that minute to take a gulp of his water, and he damn near chokes. “Uh, I am not the guy you want, Knox. Ask Whit.”
“I already did and he told me to propose with the help of sea creatures.”
“You’re proposing? Wow. Must be something in the water.” He looks at the water bottle in his hand and blanches.
“No, I’m just trying to figure out how to woo my girl. We’ve got a date night, and Whit’s making us dinner, but…”
Booker nods. “I think you’re making it more complicated than it is. Willa’s basically a single mom, dude. A night where she’s baby-free and doesn’t have to cook? That’s rare and awesome.”
“Yea, but it’s not. I mean, it shouldn’t be. I need…something…”
“I get that, but you, my friend, are an overthinker. Takes one to know one,” he laughs. “Think about it like this: what’s something that makes her smile? What’s something you can do to show her you’re paying attention?”
“Book, you’re a genius,” I tell him, typing frantically in my phone. I’m in the wrong state and at the wrong time of year for my girl’s favorite dessert, but I need to make it happen.
“I’m not a genius, especially when it comes to dating,” he mumbles.
“You could be. You just don’t put yourself out there.”
“Soon that won’t be an issue. My parents are taking me off the market…”
“What?”
“Yep. There’s a girl from church. Her parents and my parents have decided we’re a match made in heaven.”
The poor guy looks like he’s about to puke. “Dude, they’re making you date her?”
“Uh…worse…if they get their way, it’ll basically be an arranged marriage. But…I can’t sweat that now…the season’s in full swing, so I’m begging off as long as I can.”
“Booker, dude. That’s fucking 19thcentury shit right there.”
He looks up at me, and for a moment, I think he’s going to say something, but he shakes his head. “Good luck with your date, man. You won’t need it, though. And Rose will be in good hands.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, and grab my keys. I’ve got a bakery to find.
Chapter 24
Willa
I’m nervous.It’s ridiculous, but here we are.
I’m no virgin. I wasn’t even a virgin the first time Knox and I had sex. And I had his baby, for crying out loud. And we’ve definitely christened his new bed this past week. But tonight’s our date. Phoebe and the guys have Rose, so Knox and I have the place all to ourselves.
I spent the morning unpacking and organizing. After my meltdown at the coffee shop, Knox and I talked a lot. We agreed that if we’re going to make a go of this, we must trust each other and go all in. And part of that is Rose and me moving in here. Ian’s place was becoming a safety net, and I was using it as a crutch.
So, we’re parents. And a couple. But right now, I’m showered and fresh and freaking out about what to wear. Which, again, is ridiculous.
