Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
“Hey, Momma.” I grin at her.
Her eyes soften. “Hey, Forrest.”
“I was so busy enjoying the company of the Pearce ladies last week, I forgot to take a few pictures of your dad’s pocket watch.”
“Yeah, we kind of got sidetracked.”
“No regrets.” My reply is instant. I need her to know that hanging out with her and her daughters was the highlight of my week.
“Do you want me to send you a few pictures?” she asks, biting down on her bottom lip.
“I think seeing it in person would be better.” It’s a lie. A picture is fine, but I want to see her, and not through this damn phone.
“Oh, okay. When are you at the shop? I can drop by and show it to you.”
“You know, I’m actually off tomorrow. Why don’t you come over around six and I can repay you for the dinner you fed me last week? Brogan is welcome too,” I add. Sure, that’s not much of a date, but I’ll take Briar anyway that I can get her.
“That’s not necessary, Forrest.”
“I know it’s not, but I want to. Nothing fancy. I’ll toss some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Do the girls still like hot dogs?” I remember when Emerson was little she would change her likes by the day.
“They do, but you don’t have to go to any trouble.”
“It’s no trouble, Briar. I’ll text you my address.”
“Sure. Okay. Six tomorrow.”
“It’s a date.”
Her eyes widen, and I have to bite down on the inside of my cheek to hide my smirk.
“I better go tuck them in.”
“Give them a kiss from me,” I tell her. Her eyes widen again, as if she can’t believe I said that. Was it too much? Hell, I don’t know. I’m out of my depth here, but I know that if I was there, I’d be helping tuck them into bed, and a kiss to the cheek or forehead would be a given.
“Night, Forrest.”
“Night, Briar.”
She waves and ends the call.
Tossing my phone on the couch, I close my eyes and imagine the three of them here in my space. Thinking about them here brings a smile to my face. This quiet house will be full of life for one night.
Today was my day off. I’ve cleaned all day. Not that my house was nasty, but Briar and the girls are coming over and I need—want to make a good impression. It’s just after four, and I’m full of excited energy. I’ve been really good. I’ve only texted her once to send her my address. The only reply I got was a thank-you. I can’t take it anymore. Grabbing my phone from the coffee table, I fire off a text.
Me: I have chips, and I was going to make some mac and cheese for the girls. My internet search tells me that it’s a hit with kids.
Briar: Actually, the girls are going to stay here with Brogan.
I stare at her message, unsure of how to take it. Does she not want me around her daughters?
Me: I’ll miss them. What about you? Mac and cheese?
Briar: You don’t have to feed me dinner, Forrest.
Me: I’m feeding you, Briar.
I can imagine her biting down on her bottom lip.
Briar: Burger and chips are fine. Nothing fancy is necessary.
Me: How about steak?
Briar: Nothing fancy. Burgers are fine.
Me: Do you eat steak?
Briar: I do.
Me: How do you like it cooked?
Briar: Well done.
Me: Well, since it’s just going to be us, I’ll mix up the menu a little. See you at six.
Briar: Okay.
One single word. I can’t get a read on her. I don’t know if she’s dreading seeing me or if she’s excited. Is she trying to downplay her excitement? Fuck, why does this have to be so damn complicated?
I contemplate calling Roman or Legend but decide against it. I’ve got this. This went from seeing her and her daughters, and maybe her sister, to just the two of us. Quickly, I stand from the couch, grab my keys, and tap my back pocket, making sure I have my wallet before heading out the door.
Briar just changed my plans for the night, and I’m more than okay with that. A quick trip to the store and a new plan falls into place.
By the time six o’clock rolls around, I have a vase of flowers sitting on the kitchen island for her. Steaks are soaking in marinade, baked potatoes are already on the grill, and the salad is mixed in the fridge. I have wine, beer, sweet tea, bottled water, and a few kinds of pop to offer her to drink. I even have juice boxes and a new gallon of milk that I’d already bought for the girls, and spill-proof cups. I’ll need them eventually for Lilly, and Legend and Monroe’s new baby, anyway.
When I hear her car pull into the driveway, I rush toward the door and pause. Pulling in a deep breath, I slowly exhale before opening it. Should I let her knock? Probably. However, she’s here, and it’s been six days since I’ve seen her in the flesh. When all I’ve been thinking about is her, having chill or whatever you want to call it isn’t necessary.