Page 61 of Single Chance

A mom would be different, I guessed.

“Maybe you could spend time with Sam…” I let my words trail off and shook my head, instantly regretting what I’d said.

“I’d love to get to know your daughter.”

“Getting to know her is fine, but I can’t ask you to do more than that. I can’t really even ask you to get to know her.”

“Sure you can. You’ve gone out of your way for me by giving me an affordable place to live.”

“I told you that wasn’t selfless.”

“Hanging out with Sam wouldn’t be selfless either. I happen to like teenagers. Connecting with one is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world for a teacher.”

“This isn’t a teacher-student relationship we’re talking about here.”

“No, and it’s not mother-daughter either. Maybe friendship. Maybe a female confidante. Maybe just another pesky adult in her space. Who knows how she’ll react? I’m not her mom, and I would never try to be, but I’d be happy to spend time with her if she’ll go for it.”

It was my turn to study her face, to see if I could discern any doubts or hesitation.

“You’d really be okay with that?”

She smiled genuinely. “Whatever Sam will go for, I’m up for it.”

I blew out a big breath. “I don’t know how to thank you for that.”

“Kind of like I don’t know how to thank you for letting me live almost rent-free. Let’s just call it even. You’re helping me. I’m helping you—potentially, if Sam will give it a chance.”

“If Sam will give it a chance, I’ll owe you everything.”

“You’ll owe me nothing, Chance. Even stephen. No arguing.”

I looked one more time for any sign of trepidation on her face, but there was none. “Okay. Thank you.”

As we finished our meal, we both became silent, lost in our thoughts. On the one hand, I was grateful and relieved she was taking an interest in my daughter. Maybe a female role model or friend was what Sam needed.

On the other hand, I couldn’t help thinking that, if Sam was receptive, this would intertwine our lives even more deeply, and that made me nervous as hell.

Chapter Twenty

Rowan

I’d lived with Chance for two weeks now.

My feelings for him were deepening every day, even if I tried not to acknowledge them. We ate dinner together each evening and, more times than not, hung out in the family room afterwards, whether we had the TV on or got carried away with a conversation or even just sat quietly reading our own things.

Spending time with him was more than just comfortable. I found myself looking forward to our evenings together. Even if they did result in wild dreams starring him as more than just a friend or roommate.

I was slowly getting to know his daughter better too. I got the sense she longed for the female companionship, and I thrived on our connection too.

Maybe it was dumb or overstepping, but I’d picked up a Valentine’s gift for Sam.

It was after eleven p.m. when I spotted the hair clips and box of candy I’d spontaneously grabbed at the Country Market, sitting on the dresser in my room. Tomorrow was V Day, and I wanted her to start her day with a present. I remembered alltoo well how it felt to go through February fourteenth with no boyfriend and no valentines.

Chance drove Sam to school each morning, and they usually left before I made it downstairs, so I picked up the items plus a cute card and gift bag for the clips and crept out of my room in my leggings and a long-sleeve pajama tee. Chance’s bedroom door was closed, and I suspected he was watching TV from the faint light under the door. He’d admitted he often fell asleep with it on, just like I had so many nights in my Gram’s last months.

The rest of the house was dark, so I lit the way with my phone.

It’d been a week since my ultrasound and my promise to Chance to get to know his daughter. The promise wasn’t necessary, as I had every intention of it anyway. From our first meeting, Sam hadn’t been what I’d expected from Chance’s few comments about her.

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