A Magnolia Friendship - Anne-Marie Meyer Page 0,46

pulled my suit coat tighter around my body. My nerves, mixed with the cool evening air, left me shivering. Thankfully, Jake didn’t ask any questions when I collected my children. They were hanging out with him at the hardware store, eating caramels and throwing darts.

It made me happy that my brother seemed to be adjusting well to his new life. He was growing his beard out and wearing flannel shirts. He looked like the epitome of a small-town hardware store owner.

I thought about teasing him but then decided against it. After all, the longer I stayed, the less time I had to get ready and the more likely it was for him to ask me questions about tonight.

For all he knew, I was spending the evening alone, and honestly, that was all I needed him to think. Especially since I was sure, the minute Clementine got around him, she was going to spill whatever she thought I was doing.

“Come on, guys,” I called from the front door.

Bella and Tag groaned in unison. Frustration built up inside of me as I took a few more steps into the store. There was no way I wanted to drag them away, but if that was what I needed to do, I’d do it.

Jake appeared in the aisle next to me. He grinned as he took a few steps and scooped me up into a hug. “I can keep them here for the night if you want.”

There was a cheer from the cash register.

I sighed as I pulled back and gave him a look. I didn’t want him to see how relieved his offer made me feel. Without my kids around, asking me questions about where I was going, I just might be able to calm myself down long enough to make it through this night.

“Really?” I asked, making sure to steel my expression.

Jake chuckled. “Yeah, sure. We don’t have many evenings left where it is going to be this warm. I was thinking about setting up the projector and playing a movie with a bonfire and popcorn.”

Bella and Tag whooped in agreement.

Jake laughed as he glanced over his shoulder at them. “See? I knew it would be a hit.”

I couldn’t fight the smile playing on my lips any longer. I loved having my brother around. He made my life easier and helped me to feel more relaxed. An overwhelming feeling of gratitude took over, and I didn’t fight it as I reached out and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Thanks,” I whispered.

Jake hesitated before he chuckled and gave me a squeeze. “Wow. You feeling all right?” he asked as he pulled back and peeked down at me. I loved his comforting smile and how happy he seemed. Ever since he and Clementine got back together, he was more relaxed. Like this was the place he belonged. I just wished I could feel the same.

I sighed and nodded as I pulled away. “Yeah, I’m feeling good. Just tired.”

Jake nodded as he motioned toward my face. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but those bags under your eyes…”

I walloped him in the arm as he let his voice trail off. Typical Jake.

“Owie,” he said as he moved to protect his arm. “No need to get violent.”

“I’m leaving,” I called over my shoulder as I walked over to my kids and gave each of them a kiss on the top of their heads—despite their protests. Then I shouldered my purse and headed toward the door.

“I’ll bring them home tomorrow morning,” Jake called after me.

I nodded and pushed through the door. Once I was outside, I paused and watched as Jake made his way toward Bella and Tag. They were laughing at something he said as he rested his elbows on the table, his goofy smile beaming in their direction.

My chest squeezed, and for a moment, I felt guilty for leaving my kids. After all, they were just beginning to adjust to our new life—well, Bella more than Tag. Did it make me a terrible mother to just abandon them with my brother? Should I stick around?

It took me a moment of wallowing in my guilt before I pulled myself from my thoughts and focused on my car. I would drive home, get ready, and allow myself a night out with Danny. When it went bad—and I was fairly certain it was going to go bad—then I could move forward. I wouldn’t have regrets. This was my one chance at returning to the dating world, and