Page 30 of Born to Make You Smile

TEN

The following Saturday evening,I was watching Charlotte and Mackenzie. I cuddled up with the girls on the couch as we watched TV. Eventually, Mackenzie fell asleep with her head on my lap.

“Grace,” whispered Charlotte. “What do you think of my dad’s girlfriend, Michelle?”

I shrugged with a smile. “She’s very nice. And her son Hunter is sweet.”

“Do you think she’ll end up marrying my dad?”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to be sure to say the right thing despite how much that thought pained me. I didn’t think Gavin marrying Michelle was even a possibility. Perhaps Charlotte caught a whiff of a seriousness brewing between them. “I’m not sure. How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know,” she said quietly. “She’s okay, I guess, but I don’t know if I want her to be my new mom. She can’t really cook or sing. Like you. And she kind of ignores us when we’re around. I can’t explain it.”

“Well, she’s still getting to know you and your sister. It can take time.”

“Maybe. Grace, you’ll be an awesome mom someday. I wish there was a way…” She tilted her head side to side with hesitation. “Thatyoucould be our—”

Mackenzie woke up with a groan, saying she wanted to go to bed. It was obvious what Charlotte was about to say, and it simultaneously filled my heart and broke it.

After tucking Charlotte and Mackenzie into bed, I went to clean the kitchen. The girls and I had made a macaroni and cheese bake with broccoli and chicken. They were becoming such great chefs. I figured having them more involved would push them to start doing things on their own, just like my mother taught me. However, with three cooks in the kitchen, we’d left behind a huge mess. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Charlotte had said about me being a mom. Perhaps their mom. Sometimes I felt like I could stand in and be that figure. Help fill that void for them. But obviously, that could never happen. An impossibility.

Shaking the thoughts away, I put on my apron, placed my earbuds in, then started to do the dishes.

Earth, Wind & Fire’s "Boogie Wonderland" came on.

What a great tune.

It was so catchy and full of energy; I couldn't help but move my body around. I wiggled my bum and swayed my hips. Tilting my head back, I completely lost myself in the music.

Suddenly, the pressure of a hand caused me to jump with a gasp, sending the wet sponge flying into the sink and splashing water all over me. I turned abruptly, and my body slammed intoa delicious-smelling mass of white, which I quickly realized was Gavin’s firm chest.

“Whoa,” he said, placing one hand on my waist and the other on my arm.

My heartbeat quickened, and my whole body started to tremble. He smelled intoxicating, so without thinking, instead of moving back, I moved flush against him as if I was no longer in control of my body. My nipples firmed in response, and my lower body tingled. Oh God.Bad idea.

Backing away, I yanked my earbuds out and set them on the counter. My heart continued to pound. “Gavin. How long have you been here?”

Wiping my hands on my apron, I panted and blinked profusely.

He laughed. “Long enough to see your dance moves. Either that or you were being electrocuted. I wasn’t quite sure.”

My cheeks flushed, and I swatted a hand at him.

“You must have been listening to something good,” he said.

“‘Boogie Wonderland,’” I muttered, removing my wet apron.

Gavin chuckled. “Ahh yes, I can’t blame you for grooving out. That’s a good one.”

I looked him over and realized his white dress shirt was soaked. “Gavin. You’re all wet…”

He glanced down at himself. “Not to worry. A touch of water never hurt anyone.”

I watched as he undid the buttons and removed his dress shirt. My breath hitched. He remained in a white T-shirt. Avery fittedwhite T-shirt. Leaving the outline of his chest and strong arms on display.

I quickly turned my reddened face away. My eyes focused on the clock on the oven. It was only five after ten.

“You know, you’re home early,” I said. “I wasn't expecting you so soon.”

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