Page 48 of Every Beat of My Heart

“You should come back on Thanksgiving weekend and choose your tree. We’ll show you how to cut it down,” I offered, my heart pounding.

“Could I do it myself?” Owen asked.

Claire looked uncertain. “I don’t know. I don’t like the idea of you using a saw.”

“I promise we’ll show him how to do it properly. We learned at his age,” Teddy said.

“Okay,” Claire said the same time Owen yelled, “Yes.”

Owen walked next to Teddy and Wes, listening to them talk about the different types of trees and their characteristics.

I squeezed Claire’s hand. “We’ll take care of him. Don’t worry.”

Claire let out a breath. “This is what I wanted: a male figure teaching Owen life skills.”

I frowned. “His father doesn’t show him things? Put air in the car tires, change the oil.”

Claire shook her head. “He’s not particularly handy or athletic.”

I vowed to myself that she could count on me. I’d help Owen when I could. Just not in front of the other football parents or at school. Even if I couldn’t have her, I could bring her and Owen into our fold. If he worked here, and I helped him with football, he’d have plenty of male influence.

By the time we finished our walk, Owen knew everything there was to know about tagging trees. He knew the different types, the best shape, and weight of the branches. “We grew up knowing these things. We followed Dad around from the time we could walk, begging him to tell us everything.”

“That’s sweet. I can just imagine you following him around the fields.”

“Fiona and Daphne weren’t into the farm. Not like we were,” I said as we headed in the direction of the house.

Dad stood on the porch. “Are you staying for dinner? I can grill out.”

Claire waved a hand. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. We can head home.”

I wanted her and Owen to stay for dinner. I liked having them here.

“Oh, I insist. You must be hungry, and we have plenty of food,” Al said kindly.

“Can we stay, Mom? Please?” Owen pleaded with Claire.

I winked at her. “You know you can’t resist spending more time with me.”

Claire flushed, even though at this point, she had to know my charm was an act. “Okay. We’ll stay.

I wondered if she saw through the act. I supposed it was too much to believe she preferred when I was real with her.

“You can help us cook. You ever fire up a grill?” Dad asked Owen.

Owen’s eyes widened as he glanced at his mother. “No.”

“There’s a first time for everything. Wash your hands, and then come out back.” Al went inside, and Owen asked Claire, “Are you okay with me helping?”

Claire’s lips pursed, and I knew she was nervous. “Just listen to whatever he tells you.”

Owen swallowed. “I can do that.”

I suspected he was still nervous after he’d started that kitchen fire.

The others went inside, but I hung back with Claire. “Has he attempted to cook yet??

She looked up at me. “I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

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