Page 39 of Pining for You

“What about ‘em?”

“I’m forty-three. I doubt I could get pregnant at this stage. Or that I should.” I held up my hand when he started to speak. “I know there’s always IVF or adoption, but I’m not sure I want kids. Not at my age.” I had. Once. But then reality of life with, and after, Tony hit hard and given up any dreams of having a baby.

Brad leaned forward, not breaking my gaze. “My brother has four kids. All boys. Including a set of twins. Shelly has three kids. All girls who can reach a decibel level that’ll deafen you. Joy has a son and a daughter who are both going concerns. I’ve stayed with them all at various times and I gotta admit, I’m not sure I have the energy to take care of kids. Especially if we’re going to start this business and have to be on call twenty-four seven. Kids have not been on my radar. It’s not an issue for me. So don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure? Because I don’t know if I’ll ever feel the need to get married again, but I don’t want to lose you either.” I didn’t think my heart or soul could take losing Brad.

He turned his hand over and clasped his fingers around mine. “I don’t want to lose you either. I’m all in on this relationship. My parents would say we were going steady, I guess. But I don’t want anyone else in my life. We’re good.”

Holy crap, we were doing this. This wonderful man who had no red flags that I, or Marilyn, could spot, wanted me. Air rushed out of my lungs and the tension in my shoulders lessened.

“Okay then.” I blew out another breath and gave him a tremulous smile. “Let’s figure out how we can buy out John or find a way to start our own business.”

“Our business?”

“Well, yes. You’ll be the owner and chief arborist, and I’ll be your office manager.”

I’d meant to return to the bank’s letter, to grab my laptop and start looking up start-up loans or government grants. To research how much it would cost to buy used equipment, because going from the numbers Molly had provided Brad, they were way overestimated the value of used equipment.

Instead, Brad stood up, our hands still linked, tugged me out of my chair, and kissed me until I couldn’t think straight. “I love you, you know.”

“I love you too.” I hadn’t planned to say the words. Hadn’t said them even to myself. I hadn’t dared to. But now they were out there, I didn’t regret the impulse. I wouldn’t have taken them back even if I could.

“I love you,” I repeated, firmer in my conviction.

EPILOGUE

Six months later

CHLOE

A crisp October breeze swept into the vestibule of the coach house when I opened the door to find Malcolm standing in the courtyard. “Hey, Malcolm. Brad’s not here if you’re looking for him.”

He grinned broadly and said, “I noticed his truck wasn’t here. Anyway, I wanted to invite Brad to a party I’m holding on Sunday night.”

“Right, the start of the pennant race.” And the Blue Jays had qualified so the whole province was partying.

“You got it!” Malcolm’s grin widened. “Can you tell Brad about it?”

“I can.”

“You can come too if you want. I don’t know if you’re into baseball at all. But Ellie would probably like some female company.”

“I like baseball just fine.” I’d played center fielder in high school. “Is Ellie up to entertaining?”

Not many people had been told of Ellie’s pregnancy yet, but I’d guessed it before she’d confirmed it. Mainly because I’d heard her throwing up several mornings in a row as I was leaving Brad’s apartment. “Should I bring anything?”

“Ketchup chips or pretzels are always welcome. Or maybe one of your famous nacho and queso dishes?”

I couldn’t stop my laugh at his request. Ellie had often commented on Malcolm’s penchant for nachos and cheese. “You got it.”

“Ah, man, Brad’s so lucky you put up with him. So you two will come?”

“I can’t say for sure yet. I’ll have to check with Brad.”

Malcolm laughed. “It’s tough to coordinate schedules with that dude.”

He glanced past me as my phone rang in our upstairs apartment. “I’ll let you go grab that. Once you have an answer from him, let me know with our usual signal.”

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