“No, that’s when you do it. You gotta let him know what he’s getting into. No use wasting everyone’s time.”
“Right.” The front door opens, and my sister’s voice echoes through the house, followed by the girls who excitedly screech for their aunt and uncle. They’re probably just excited to get away from the worst mother on the planet. Here I am talking shit about my mom, and I’ve been free range parenting all day. “I should go. Portia just got here. I’ll let you know how everything goes tonight.”
“You better!” She disconnects the line and I stare at myself in the vanity mirror, wondering how my life got to this place. Five years ago, I was married to a man I believed I’d grow old and die with. I had our entire lives pictured and planned. We’d have two more kids, then move out to the country and buy a massive farmhouse. All the kids would have their own animal to look after, and we’d spend weekends riding four wheelers before sitting around bonfires playing guitars and eating toasted marshmallows. That was probably where I went wrong. I saw the future, and the future isn’t meant to be seen.
The door pushes open and my sister steps in with Bryn on her hip. “You look sad. What’s wrong?” She sets my daughter on the ground and tells her to run and tickle Uncle Hawk, then closes the door and looks toward me. “Talk.”
“No. I’m fine. It’s just been a long week.” I look back toward the mirror and finish the mascara, top my lips with some balm, and lazily curl my hair. “Thanks for coming over. I’m sure the girls could use some adult interaction. I’ve been hiding all day.”
“Well then, you’re going to be happy when I tell you that Hawk and I are taking the girls for a sleepover.” She rubs her belly. “We need practice. Hawk has this whole‘best uncle ever’fantasy and I’m already the best, so…” She laughs. “Seriously, you need a break. Take the weekend and we’ll make sure the girls have a blast. You can take them back with you when we meet up for Mom’s wedding on Saturday night.”
“Oh, God. Can you imagine the lecture I’d get if you showed up with my girls? She’d tell me what a train wreck of a mother I am for the next twenty years. Besides, I haven’t even told her about the divorce yet. I don’t even think I’m going.”
My sister rolls her eyes and leans back on the bed as the girls scream and play with Hawk in the next room. “Considering this is Mom’s fourth marriage, I’m not sure she has a leg to stand on. Besides, who cares what she thinks? You’re managing a divorce, a baby daddy who doesn’t care if he sees his kids or not, and the heartache of two kids who don’t understand any of that. You’re their hero, and I’m a shit sister for not getting here sooner to help.Seriously…we can show up at the same time on Saturday if you’re worried about it. I’ll put Hawk on Mom patrol. She’s nicer to him for some reason.”
“Because he’s a man. Mom has always been nicer to men.”
Portia’s eyes widen as though she’s just thought of a plan. “You know, if you really want Mom off your back, you should invite this new lumberjack guy to the wedding. That would keep her quiet.”
“No.” I laugh. “I was just joking with Bella about that. That would only give her ammunition. She’ll think I’m some tramp who ran off with another man.”
“Or she’ll see you took an upgrade.” My sister side-eyes me. “Come on. Even Mom knew Tucker was an asshole. Last Christmas, he made a comment about Grandma’s cranberry pie. Who does that? The woman spent her life perfecting it. Sure, it’s sour and tastes like cough medicine, but it doesn’t matter! Eat it and smile!”
I know she’s only trying to help, but truthfully, it’s a reminder of what a shit judge of character I am. I trusted Tucker enough to marry him and have two kids with him. Who’s to say I wouldn’t make the same mistake again?
I pull the hot iron from my hair and glance out the side window as a pickup truck pulls into the driveway.
My sister squeals. “He’s here! Are you excited?”
I narrow my gaze and let a few deep breaths cycle through my lungs as I peer through the dark window, waiting for him to get out of the truck. He could be hideous. I have no idea what he looks like. I didn’t think I was vain until right now. I mean, I don’t consider myself picky. Anyone who knew Tucker would know that, but suddenly, I’m hoping for a version of a man I’ve read about in romance novels.
I’m pretty sure a seven-foot-tall smoke-show isn’t going to hop down from the truck. Those men don’t exist. They’re a fantasy, best to be enjoyed with a bowl of popcorn and a nearby vibrator.
I stare in anticipation as my date steps from the truck. Long thick legs in tight jeans, a flannel shirt rolled to his elbows, black ink covering both his arms, a long auburn beard, and strong, wide shoulders.
Oh fuck.Maybe those book men do exist. The closer he gets to the house, the more handsome he becomes.
I glance toward my sister. “Why is this man single?”
She notices it too and shrugs with a big smile on her face. “You’re about to find out.”
Chapter Two
Wilder
“Hi.” Bree’s voice is a mere squeak as she slips out the front door and leans against it. “I’d invite you in, but it’s a family reunion in there. My sister is watching my daughters and her husband has them in the air like two little airplanes right now. Which is good, because I’m a terrible mom who’s been ignoring them all day.” She pauses for a second, then looks up at me with gentle blue eyes. “God, I’m telling you way too much. I’m so sorry. I haven’t really been ignoring them all day. It’s just been stressful lately and I…” She sighs. “I’m doing it again. I’m sorry. Please talk before I implode under the weight of my embarrassment.”
I drag in a deep breath and stare at her. “I was actually glad you were talking. It’s been ages since I’ve been out with anyone. I was nervous about how this would go.”
Her shoulders relax and she smiles sweetly. “Really? That’s a relief. When I saw you walking up to the porch, I was like, wow… that guy is super freaking hot. I bet he’s been on countless dates. And I…” She grins. “I’m awkward, and I’m pretty sure that’s not sexy. I’m sorry.”
Okay, now I can’t help but laugh. “Super-hot, huh? I can’t say that I’ve ever had a better start to a date before. And for the record, I think you’re super-hot, too.”
A wide grin spreads on her face as she glances down at her dress, smoothing her hands over the top of her god-like curves. Her breasts are full, her hips are wide, and something tells me if she were to turn around, her ass would be swinging. The only problem is, she’s probably too young. I usually date women around my age, and I’d guess Bree was in her mid-twenties. I wish the guy that set us up would’ve mentioned that.
“Oh please. I’m not hot at all. I’m one hundred percent a mom-bod and I’m pretty sure the lines on my face scream how much stress I have. You know I’m a single mom, right? This is going to be weird if you didn’t know.”
I reach my hand out for hers, helping her up into the truck. “Why would it be weird dating a single mom?”
