Page 14 of Wild Dreams

I continued walking down the street, lined with families and couples sampling the wares and making holiday gift purchases, but I wasn't really seeing anything.

My chest felt tight at the thought of her dating someone who was more settled. Someone like Oliver Wilde, who was a single dad who owned a home and wasn't into the bar scene. He was the perfect choice for Marigold.

Worrying about it didn't make sense when I didn't want a relationship. There was no point in longing for something I didn't want and couldn't have.

Marigold deserved everything she'd ever wanted. Her parents had essentially ignored her. She had a house and food, but she'd had to take care of herself. She was forced to be responsible at a young age. That's why my parents never said no when Scarlett wanted her to stay over.

My parents enjoyed taking care of her, and now I could see that she needed them in her life. Just like she needed a man to share her life with. If I couldn't step up to be that person, I needed to stay away from her.

I stopped at the Wilde Ski Resort table. Xander stood in front, talking to a couple of women. As I moved closer, I overheard him talking about ski lessons. I wondered if they were genuinely interested or they just wanted to flirt with Xan. He easily attracted ladies and enjoyed their attention.

Oliver sat in one of the chairs behind the table, his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms crossed over his chest.

Joey tugged on his hand. "Daddy, can we walk around? Please."

Oliver shook his head. "We're working the table in shifts. I have another hour yet."

"I can take him if you want. We can check out the puppies and get some lunch." I enjoyed spending time with the boy, especially since I didn't expect to have kids of my own.

"Aren't you supposed to be working?" Oliver eyed my uniform.

"I'm not officially on duty. Just keeping an eye out and making my presence known."

Oliver nodded. "If you're sure it's okay. I'd appreciate it."

"Of course." Then I said to Joey," Come on, little man. We have places to go."

Joey squealed, then crawled under the table.

When Joey popped up on the other side, Eli asked, "Is there a reason why you went under and not around?"

Joey gave him a look. "It was quicker."

I took Joey's hand. "I'll see you in an hour."

"No rush to get back. I think we're going to be busy for a while."

"Can you tell me about the new cabins you're putting in? When will you be accepting reservations?" a woman asked as I led Joey away.

He skipped next to me. "What are we doing first?"

"You want to see some puppies?" I asked, eager to see Marigold again.

"Yes!" Joey pumped his free hand in the air.

"I met one earlier I think you'll like."

Joey blinked up at me. "Can I get a puppy?”

"That's not up to me." Now I was wondering if this was a good idea. But we'd already arrived at the rescue table.

It wasn't as crowded as before. Most people were making their way to the food trucks for lunch.

"You're back," Marigold said as she smiled at me, then Joey.

I lifted Joey's hand. "I was hoping he could meet Oakley."

"Oakley would love that."

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