Page 30 of Second Down Scrooge

I glance down at my desk as I think over her question. I think about how hot last night was, but I think about before that, when he came over after his game because he seemed to want to celebrate the victory withme.

Nowthatis the kind of energy I’m looking for in a long-term relationship.

It’s confusing since we have a baby together, and I want to make sure I’m separating what I want as a mom from what I want as a woman.

Still, I think the answer is the same either way.

I want Austin Graham.

“Yeah, I think I do.”

“Then do it. And also, get started on those wreaths.”

I think through the task list she just assigned to me. It’s a lot to accomplish this week on top of caring for Mia, who’s already starting to fuss in the corner. And with the holidays approaching, it feels like everything just got ten times busier. So when the hell am I supposed to make these wreaths?

I’m committed, though. Ava already charged six people for them, and they don’t want to wait forever.

I guess if I pull late nights, I can get it done. It’s notworkwhen it’s a hobby that I’m getting paid to do, but I can’t just invent hours out of thin air to get it all done.

I’m starting to feel like I need some help, but I don’t know where to turn. Maybe it’s time to take Austin up on his offer to pay for a nanny.

Jenny appears in the doorway. “Ava, we need you in the kitchen.”

“Be right there,” Ava says, smiling at her.

“I have to go, but I say go for it. All of it. The wreaths, Austin, the move. You only live once.”

“You’re right,” I admit. “But with everything going on right now, I think I should wait until after the holidays to move. I think I want to do it, though.”

“Atta girl,” she says with a triumphant grin.

“And if you know of anyone who could help out with Mia a few hours a day so I could get moving on the wreaths, let me know.”

“Are you kidding?” she asks, waving a hand in the air. “I know tons of people. We’ll get you the best of the best. Promise.” She knows how hesitant I’ve been to let anyone else care for my little one, but I have to face facts. I’ve had an entire year with her, and her schedule is changing as she grows.

I’ve never been very good at asking for help, but it’s time. “You’re the best, Ava. Love you forever.”

“Right back at you.”

She walks out of my office, and I can’t help but feel like a good chat with my best friend almost always solves my problems.

Chapter 15: Austin Graham

The Least I Can Do

A Week and a Half Until Christmas

Workouts fly by, and before I know it, I’m knocking on Kelly’s door with a box of food. I texted her to let her know I was bringing dinner over. After last night and this morning, it just felt like the right thing to do. Like I’m goinghomeeven though I just invited her to move in with me.

My own home doesn’t feel veryhomey—at least not in the way hers does. I stopped by to change for workouts this morning, and it’s missing the warmth Kelly’s place has. It’s missing the laughter, the smiles, the smell of pine. The decorations, the lights, the tree…the wreaths.

It’s missing Kelly and Mia, the two most important people in my life.

I looked around the bare walls, the sparse furniture, the half-empty rooms, and I realized that what it needs are the two of them.

It feels like everything is finally coming together for me, and now I just need an answer to the question I asked this morning. And as I lower my hand after knocking, I draw in a deep breath as I brace myself for whatever her answer may be.

She’s smiling when she answers the door, and she bypasses the box in my arms, steps onto her tiptoes, and presses a kiss to my mouth. She drops back down to flat feet as her eyes meet mine. “Hi.”

---