warms my chest.
Thank God I’ve done something right.
As we’re leaving, I ask Dalton what I wondered about traditional college or a trade.
“Nah.” He hooks his arm around my waist. “I want him to do what he wants to do. If that’s to follow in mine and Drew’s footsteps, then great, but if he can be something better, provide a great life for himself and whatever family he’s going to have without breaking his back bending over a motor, why wouldn’t I want him to do that? Either way, our kid is fuckin’ smart and I’m proud of him.”
Feeling lighter than I was before we left, I reach up, kissing him on the cheek. “I’m proud of him too, and I’m super proud of the job you did with him while I was gone.”
“Don’t be proud of me,” he laughs. “It took a fucking village, babe, a fucking village. He’s lucky so many people love him.”
Aren’t we all?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Mandy
“I’m gonna run to Harper’s and get some breakfast. Does anyone want anything?” I ask Tatum and Charity as we start to get ready for our day.
It’s slightly weird having Tatum in the office still, especially since she’s not in the office every day. On the other side, I love getting to know my little sister again.
“Coffee,” the voices say.
“Shot of espresso,” Charity yells from her office. “A shot of espresso and coffee.”
In all honesty I don’t think she should even be back at work yet. Will is only a few months old, but she has cases that won’t wait, even for maternity leave.
“Baby not sleep last night?” I say as I peak my head in.
“I don’t want to complain,” she yawns. “Especially to you.”
“Stop.” I give her a look and a grin. “You’re allowed to. You’re a new mom with a full-time job. It doesn’t bother me to hear you complain. Hell, if I were in your position, I’d be complaining too.”
“It was so much easier when I was younger,” she sighs. “Even with two of them. I’ve just not been able to bounce back like I did before.”
“We’re older,” I remind her. “It’s bound to happen.”
“Even with my body,” she continues. “I gained more weight with the twins and I was down to my pre-pregnancy jeans in a little over a month. This last ten pounds with Will? It won’t budge. No matter what I do, it will not budge.”
“Charity, you’re still beautiful.”
“That’s what Drew says, but you know as well as I do that it’s hard to see yourself how others see you. This ten pounds is keeping me from wearing a lot of my favorite clothing, and I’m pissed.”
The look on her face makes me laugh. “You’re gonna get it, Char.”
She breathes deeply. “In the grand scheme of things it’s so small, but dammit.” She smacks her desk.
“Believe me, I get it.”
“Anyway, I need a shot of espresso, please.”
“You got it.”
Going back to the lobby area, I grab my crossbody bag, putting it on before leaving through the entrance. The exit is closer to Harper’s shop, but today I feel like a little bit of a walk.
Spring is starting to make its way into Kentucky. The last few days we’ve had a lot of rain, giving the area around the square green grass and blooming plants. Everything shines with a sense of renewal.
Turning the corner, I see Harper’s shop up in the distance. She’s got a few people parked, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a bike or two. I’m still too far away to make out who it may be, but whoever it is, I’ll sure be glad to see them.
The closer I get though, there’s an excitement rumbling in my stomach because that’s one hundred percent my husband’s bike. I’m quiet as I open the door so I can just watch. He’s standing next to Caelin, and they appear to be in deep conversation about the baked goods Harper has in her case.
For a moment I let myself admire the man I call mine. He’s stands tall, his hair a little long at the top. He woke up too late to do anything other than brush his teeth and get dressed. His beard is longer than normal, but I love the way it brushes my skin.
When I get to arms-length, I reach out, hooking mine around his waist.
“Hey, babe.” His deep morning voice rushes through me.
“Hey, what are you doing here? Thought you were gonna be at the shop today.”
Harper waves at me, and I wave back,