Eligible Ex-husband - Marie Johnston Page 0,23

out, peering up at the brick building the girls and I are walking by.

I recognize the man. Mr. Waterson is a client of mine. The woman is much younger than him, but he’s never included a Mrs. Waterson in his visits to my office, or any correspondence at all.

I should greet them, but my mouth stays closed. What are the chances he’ll recognize me? Mr. Waterson isn’t my favorite guy to deal with, but he’s one of my clients that’s been with me the longest, claiming to like my hustle, meaning he likes being able to call me at all hours and get a response.

Like Lancaster, Mr. Waterson has no issues approaching me on weekends. Do I chance that he can casually greet me and let me go about my day?

He looks my way, a disapproving frown tightening his mouth as his gaze sweeps over the girls, especially Maddy, who’s hopping beside me. When his gaze lands on me, he’s about to look away, but his eyes widen.

“Gainesworth?”

I use formal titles until I’m told otherwise, like with Lancaster because we’re friends, but I’ve always been Gainesworth to Mr. Waterson, who’s never asked me to call him William or Bill. “Mr. Waterson. How’s it going?” I release my hand from Maddy to give him a perfunctory shake.

His frown deepens and he eyes my hand for a second before he slaps his dry palm into mine for the quickest shake ever. Does he think I’m contagious because I touched a kid? “I certainly didn’t recognize you.”

I hold my smile in place out of sheer will. He makes it sound like I’ve committed a felony being out in shorts with my kids on a Sunday. Maddy’s hand slips back into mine. “I’m enjoying the day with my girls.”

“I see.” He gestures to the woman. “Gainesworth, I don’t think you’ve met Amanda yet. We’re looking at buying this building. It’s her wedding present.”

“Nice to meet you.” I don’t have to worry about giving up Maddy’s hand again. Amanda casts a cool glance our way and goes back to assessing the brick structure.

“Claims she’s going to be bored. Wants a special project.” Mr. Waterson checks his watch. “The realtor should be here by now. She’s going to get a hell of a pay-off from this sale, but not if she lollygags.”

I evaluate the building. I mean, I bought a house, a nice home for my family, but not a multi-story brick building that houses retail and high-end condos. “This should be a good project.”

Maddy tugs on my hand. A family with three kids is leaving the dessert shop, their hands piled full of chocolate and whipped cream and sprinkles. “Daddy.”

That earns another dour look from Mr. Waterson. Amanda puts more distance between us. “Just wait, honey.” I give Mr. Waterson a smile. “Hope the building works out for you. Let me know if I can be of any help.”

“You can help by watching my money. Who’s on duty while you’re playing dad?” He laughs like it’s the funniest joke in the world.

That’s not how investment works. Or being a dad. “You’re in good hands, Mr. Waterson.”

He eyes my clothing. “Amanda showed me that article. I’m wondering if you’re as dedicated as you used to be, Mr. North Dakota.”

That damn article. “Rest assured, I’m more dedicated to my clients than I ever was.”

“Hmmph.” His attention is snagged by a car parking across the street. “Finally. I should take an extra percent off her commission.”

“Have a nice day.” The girls don’t need any more prompting to start walking.

Maddy waves to Amanda. “Bye.”

Amanda lifts a brow and shifts her gaze to me. Interest infuses her eyes and her icy expression melts into a demure smile.

I give her a nod and look away. The last thing I need is for clients thinking North Dakota’s most eligible bachelor is hitting on their women—or that I’ll hit on my female clients.

Abby leans close and whispers. “I don’t like him.”

I bend down and whisper back, “When you grow up, you can buy a building for yourself. You don’t have to marry a Mr. Waterson.”

I’ll make sure of it.

Natalie

I’m sitting in a fabric foldout chair, splitting my attention between Abby running after the soccer ball on the brilliant green soccer field in front of me and catching glimpses of Maddy on the playground.

Rachel sits beside me and after a quick hello and settling in, the story of Simon pours out of me. She’s been with me through everything. She was the first one