Page 91 of Knot a Good Idea

So, I respond to our group message with my plan.

I’m going to ask her to move in with us for a few weeks.

Logically, it makes sense.

The next events are a party at the pack house, another gala, then the wedding.

It doesn’t make sense to bring her back and forth to Isleton when she could just be staying with us.

It’s practical.

And after having her to myself this afternoon, I’m reluctant to let her go.

Kyle’s mom smiles at me as we clean up the warehouse and the children begin to leave. “I’m so glad to see you happy, Donovan,” she says kindly. “You’re so special to these kids. You deserve someone special.”

I almost snort at the ridiculousness of her words, but nod instead. “I appreciate the sentiment, Jackie.”

April stands next to me, having an in-depth conversation with Kyle, who insists on showing her his paintings.

“Don’t lose this one,” Jackie adds.

April stiffens next to me, her scent slightly souring.

“I’m not planning on it.”

The sour note dissipates, and all is right in the world.

It’s embarrassing how much this woman affects me.

There are supposed to be no feelings involved, at least for me.

We’re simplybusiness partnerswith a set project completion date.

After the wedding, the contract expires, and she’ll no longer be in our lives.

But just sitting with April on the concrete floor painting shitty flowers has made me happier than the last ten years of my life combined.

Better than when Axton became a public company.

Better than when I paid off my mother’s house, and she sobbed in my arms.

Better than the first day of our art program.

April’s presence brings me peace.

At the very least, I can not be a grumpy prick to her at all times.

“Dinner?” I ask her as we exit the warehouse. The rest of the kids and parents have left, so it’s just us standing outside the building.

She frowns and looks down at her clothes. “Like this?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Why not?”

Her eyes widen. “Uh, because if I sit down at a fancy restaurant like this, someone will call the cops on me?”

“Not if the restaurant is already rented out and waiting for us.”

“What?” she laughs, looking at me incredulously. “What do you mean?”

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