Page 37 of Headed for Home

Paisley snorts. “She won’t.”

“How do you know?”

“We’re family, but she’s also my best friend. Honestly, just this morning is a huge sign. I’ve never seen her act the way she does around you. She’s flirty and funny and just… herself. It’s refreshing.”

That’s a term I’m well versed with when it comes to Cassidy Brooks. She isn’t a blip on an overgrown path I once traveled. She’s the permanent mark where I’m meant to plant roots.

Whatever expression I’m wearing has the blonde smiling. “There we go. You’re listening. Now, don’t fuck it up. Let her come to you.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Paisley’s focus returns to Cassidy, her grin spreading. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Mommy, Mommy!” Charlie tugs on the hem of my shirt and points at a nearby food truck. “They got cotton candy. I want some. You said I could.”

“Yep, that’s great.” My eyes sweep the festival crowd again.

Kenzie tries to yank me in the opposite direction. “The face painting lady is over there. We’re doing that first.”

“Nuh-uh, my tummy is hungry. I need the cotton candy.”

“But I want my face painted,” Kenzie demands.

“We can do both,” I mumble absently.

“M’kay,” Charlie chirps. “Me first.”

“No, me! I go first.” Kenzie stomps her foot.

My son shakes his head of shaggy hair. “I’m the oldest. I get to choose.”

“That’s not fair,” my little girl whines.

“Please don’t argue.” But the request lacks authority as my attention wanders across the sea of people clogging Main Street.

Kids and their parents have flooded Knox Creek to attend the annual Daze & Knights carnival. Most of the attractions are meant for children, but adults are encouraged to join in the fun. My knees and bladder are already preparing for the bouncy houses. The inflatables portion is in the park, which requires us to wade past rows of vendor booths along the way.

Tents and stands from dozens of small businesses line the road. A familiar brick building is ahead on the left. The logo makes my belly flip, and I avert my gaze.

I’m most definitely not searching for Drake. There’s not a chance his cock den is included at a family-friendly event. It doesn’t bother me in the least that I haven’t heard from him since last weekend. The fact that it’s Saturday and I’ve seen him the past two didn’t register. Nope. We had a quick—but very passionate—fling and it’s over. That’s exactly what I predicted.

The pang in my chest calls me a liar. Dammit. This is the part I planned to avoid.

A harsh jostle to my arm whips me from the melancholy. “Mommy? Are you listening?”

“Mhmm,” I answer.

Kenzie parks a fist on her cocked hip, not buying my noncommittal response. “Then why’d we stop walking?”

“We did?” I realize my sandals are firmly planted on the pavement.

Charlie gasps. “Oh, oh! We know that guy.”

I glance at my son and try to follow where he’s pointing. “Who, monkey moo?”

“That’s your boyfriend!” Charlie stabs at a very specific spot and begins hopping higher than a bunny.

My cheeks blaze like I have a fever. I already know who he’s referring to without seeing the proof. “Um, weren’t we getting a snack somewhere?”

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