Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
It’s the kind I thought I once had, but clearly, I was wrong. I have nothing but fondness for my ex-wife, but in my heart, she doesn’t feel like the one who got away. It’s just fond memories and respect for the woman who gave me my daughter. We were young, and sometimes, life just doesn’t work out the way you expect.
After a few more reassurances and another round of goodbyes, we end the call. I lower the phone and glance around the quiet house, already imagining it filled with toys, laughter, and the occasional chaos that comes with a small child. Coral knows she rules the house when she’s here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And Mia, she’s a sweetheart, with her bright eyes and a laugh that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Coral has always loved to help, and I have no doubt the two of them will keep each other occupied. Coral’s got that nurturing streak, the same one her mother had at that age. I know she’ll be thrilled to have Mia all to herself, even if just for the evening.
I set the phone down and let out a small chuckle to myself. It’s two adorable little girls.
How hard can it be?
At five o’clock on the dot, their car pulls into the drive. I don’t even pretend I haven’t been waiting for them. Instead, I rush to the door, pulling it open and stepping out onto the porch. Reid waves, before dipping into the back seat to grab Coral, while Bellamy slings her bag over her shoulder and starts her way to the front door.
“Couldn’t talk her into it?” I ask, taking the bag from her shoulders as soon as she’s close enough that I can reach it.
“Actually, I did. She should be right behind us. She’s going to try to talk you out of keeping both girls,” Bellamy warns me.
“I’m the head coach of a professional football team. I think I can hold my own.” I chuckle as Reid joins us, and I push open the door, allowing them to step inside. As soon as the door closes, I’m reaching for my granddaughter, Coral, who squeals with delight as she leans over for me to take her from her dad’s arms.
“I think someone is excited.” Reid laughs.
“We both are,” I reply, kissing Coral on the cheek. She rests her head on my shoulder and snuggles close, and my heart melts.
Before I can reply, we hear Amanda pull up. “I’m going to go help her.” Reid kisses Bellamy’s temple and rushes back outside to help Amanda with Mia.
“I’ll deny it if you repeat it, but you found yourself a good one,” I tell Bellamy.
“I really did.” She smiles, and I love how it lights up her entire face. For far too long, those smiles when I was around were few and far between, but now, they’re something I’m constantly on the receiving end of.
Reid steps inside with Mia in his arms, and Amanda right behind him.
“Hey, cutie pie,” I say to Mia. She flashes me a grin and reaches for me. Coral is on board with this new development and offers Mia her hand. I open my arm, and Reid passes her to me. The girls giggle, and it makes my smile grow.
“Amanda, how are you?” I ask her.
“I’m okay. Are you sure you’re up for this? Both of them are a lot.”
Bellamy leans her shoulder into mine, reminding me that her friend would try to get out of going tonight.
“Are you kidding? Between my activity roster and the practice team, I keep nearly seventy adult children in line every day. These two little beauties will be a piece of cake,” I assure her.
“He’s not wrong.” Reid nods, a smile tilting his lips.
“You’re not getting out of this,” Bellamy warns her best friend.
Amanda nods before her eyes find mine. They’re a gorgeous shade of green, filled with unease. “Thank you, Will,” she says softly.
“Anything special I should know? Allergies? Routines?”
“She loves her soft blanket at bedtime. She usually crashes by eight. We’ll be back by then, right?” She turns toward Bellamy.
“Nope. Dinner at six, and drinks after,” she says, looping her arm through Amanda’s.
“Reid, grab my phone, will ya? Text Amanda my number. You can call and check on her as many times as you want, but I promise you we’ll be fine.”
She nods and stands a little taller, as if my words have given her comfort.
“Thank you for that. I promise not to text you every fifteen minutes.”
“It’s not a big deal,” Bellamy tells her.
“I leave her at day care during the day, and I just hate not spending every spare minute with her,” Amanda admits.
“You’re still you,” Bellamy tells her. “You’re an incredible mom, Manda, but you’re also still a woman, a best friend, and I really want you to come with us tonight.”