Page 54 of After the Vows

No problem!

I leave my bike atFive Fathoms Brewingand walk over to the camp. When I arrive, the kids are just finishing up. I lean against the fence and wait for Natalia. She comes rushing out holding another girl’s hand.

“Chloe! You’re here!”

I hug her in greeting. “Your dad got caught up at work.”

“I could have walked home on my own.”

I agree but Lucas is a bit overprotective. I assume once he gets used to Smuggler’s Hideaway he’ll loosen the reins a bit. In the meantime, it’s my job to stand united with him.

I tweak her nose. “Maybe next time.”

She rolls her eyes. “Maybe means no.”

“I didn’t say no.”

“Parents always say maybe when they mean no.”

Parents? Does she consider me one of her parents? I’d love to be her parent.

Slow your mermaid loving heart, Chloe. Natalia is not your child. You are not a step-mom. This marriage is not real. No matter how much you may wish it was.

“I’ll speak to your dad about it. It’s the best offer I’ve got.” I hold out my hand and we shake on it.

She giggles. “You’re silly.”

“Ask her,” the girl with Natalia whispers in a loud voice.

I smile at her. “I’m Chloe.”

“This is Piper,” Natalia introduces. “She’s my friend.”

“Nice to meet you, Piper. What is Natalia supposed to ask me?”

Natalia clears her throat. “Can I have a sleepover at Piper’s house? Please. Please. Please. I used to have sleepovers all the time back home.”

Shoot. What do I do? Do I need to check with Lucas? I probably should.

“Let me check with your dad.” I dial Lucas’s number but he doesn’t pick up. Darn it. What now?

A woman who appears slightly familiar joins us. “Chloe?”

“August?” I guess.

“I didn’t know if you’d remember me. I was several classes ahead of you.”

“Smuggler’s Hideaway,” I murmur as if naming the island is an answer for everything.

“I heard you married Natalia’s dad.” She grins. “You snatched up the hottie police officer awful quick.”

My brow furrows. “Aren’t you married?”

“Yep. Married my high school sweetheart when I got pregnant with this one.” She wraps an arm around Piper. “Been married ever since. But I can still look.” She winks. “And the whole island is devastated you snatched Lucas up before anyone else got a chance to play with him.”

She has no idea. There’s no playing happening between me and Lucas.

“Mom.” Piper tugs on August’s arm. “Ask her.”

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