Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“I’m Cricket . . .” Do I tell them and go through the whole hullabaloo again?
“Dover,” Griffin states. “Cricket Dover, and this is her son, Jacob.” Turning around to find the boy, he adds, “You didn’t miss anything, Beckett. This is my friend Cricket and her son.”
“Whoa. I thought that was Daisy on your shoulders.”
“Silly, brother.” Daisy cracks up, then kicks him in the shin.
“Daisy!” her mom scolds while Beckett hops around on one leg like they might have to amputate. “You don’t do that. Now tell Beck you’re sorry.”
“But I’m not sorry.” She takes off running along the fence line. “Come on, Sunrise.” The horse gallops along with her, which is so entertaining to see. I’ve never seen a horse do that before.
Christine watches until they near a curve in the bend, then turns back. “I’m sorry, Beck. Are you okay?”
Annoyance produces a scowl on his face before he grumbles, “I’m fine.”
When he takes off running after her, his dad says, “Be nice, son.”
As if a little embarrassed, Christine closes her eyes and sighs. When she reopens them, she says, “She’s wild like the flower she was named after.”
I’m not sure if I should fear her wrath or applaud her spirit, but that Daisy is going to love having a cousin her own age to play with. I’ll have to make sure Jacob is up to the task, though. Other than going to play gym twice a week, he’s not used to the dynamics of other kids, much less ones who kick.
Tagger says, “Beckett’s my oldest. You’ve met Daisy, and this here is baby Julie Ann.”
“She’s precious. How old is she?”
“Four months and just the best baby,” Christine practically coos. “We named her after my mom. She’s so sweet and already sleeps through the night, which is a win.”
My gaze darts to Griffin who gives me a reassuring smile. When I turn back, I say, “I remember that period well.” My gut twists when I realize what we’re saying in front of Griffin though. He didn’t get the opportunity to be there for his child like we did. His expression is one of indifference, but I’ve learned he holds a lot inside that he tries to hide from everyone. “Well, I’m glad you guys get to sleep as well now.”
She says, “If Baylor and Lauralee were here, you’d get to meet the whole family.”
“Oh.” I hold a finger up. “I met him.”
Griffin does a double take. “You met my brother?”
“Yes. Downtown. He was really nice. Talked to me about one of the available spaces.” They all groan in unison, causing my jaw to slip.
Christine laughs. “Sounds like Baylor. Did he get you to sign on the dotted line?”
“No,” I reply under a gentle roll of laughter.
Moving closer to me, Griffin sets Jacob, who’s still clinging to the empty basket, back on his feet. “He’s really good at closing deals.”
“No deals were closed today. At least, not with me.” When I see Griffin smirk, the gaffe I made glares like a beacon. This man closed a few deals himself last night on that back porch daybed of his. I wouldn’t be opposed to closing a few more after hours, except I can’t. No babysitter on duty tonight.
Griffin comes to stand next to me, his hand on Jacob’s shoulder like it’s natural. I don’t even think he realizes what he’s doing, and I know Jacob doesn’t mind because he’s still standing with Griffin like he’s his new favorite hero. My son looks up at me, and says, “Potty, Mommy.”
I look at Griffin. “Do you mind if I take him inside to use the bathroom?”
“No. Go right ahead. We’ll be here.”
Taking Jacob’s hand, I lead him toward the house. Conversation picks up behind us, but from the words I catch, it’s casual and jovial. When we enter the house, I do a quick scan, knowing we’re running low on time before he has an accident. I gesture toward the hall. “Come with me.”
The bathroom is tucked under the stairs. We slip inside, and I help unlatch his belt buckle. He takes care of the rest. I’m used to stark white and marble bathrooms designed by my mother. This bathroom is decorated in gold-hued towels with matching flowers on the shower curtain. A dark brown rug is situated over laminate flooring. Although the style has probably passed by a decade or more, the colors are warm, and it makes the small space feel cozy.
After a quick handwash, we return to the front of the house, but instead of going straight for the door, Jacob dashes upstairs. The fastest kid. Wonder where he gets it? It’s not from my Pilates-loving body. “No, Jacob. Come back. This isn’t our home.” Completely ignored, I huff. I glance at the front door, then back up to the top of the stairs, where he’s already disappeared. “Jacob?” I really don’t want to get busted like I’m snooping around the place, but this kid’s not listening to me.