Page 89 of Headed for Home

“The whole package,” I agree. “And mine.”

She laughs. “If we weren’t besties, I’d hate you a little bit. That guy is going to worship the ground you walk on for the rest of your life. He’ll never dull your shine.”

“Only enhance it.” My lips curl as I watch him treat my kids like his own.

Paisley’s attention shifts to me. “You’re different.”

I straighten my spine. “Is that bad?”

“Relax.” She swats me. “He’s bringing out a calm side of you that I haven’t seen in too long.”

It’s a change I’ve sensed in myself. I allow my smile to spread, that lightness giving me renewed energy. The man responsible definitely deserves to be rubbed down the right way.

“Is this real?” It’s been almost two months at this point and the whirlwind romance vibe continues to gain momentum.

Her brows dip. “Are you still questioning him?”

“No, not at all. It just feels too good to be true.” And I’ve told Drake that much.

“That’s how love is, or so I’ve heard.” Paisley exhales a lungful of impatience.

Meanwhile, my breath hitches on the concept. “We’re not there yet.”

Her nod is just for show. “Has he met Shawn?”

“Not yet.”

“On purpose?”

“No, it just hasn’t happened naturally. There aren’t requirements for that sort of thing. I didn’t meet Pam for months after they started dating and that was just fine. Shawn trusts my judgment in return. We invited him to Charlie’s T-ball game in two weeks. His schedule hasn’t allowed him to attend any of the others.” I glance at the calendar packed with tasks to complete in the meantime.

“Is the team ready for that? I went to one practice and… yikes.”

My eyes roll. “There was a game yesterday.”

She cringes. “How did that go?”

“Better than expected. They’re young children,” I laugh. “You can’t assume they’ll become professional athletes overnight. It’s a miracle the sport holds their concentration for thirty minutes.”

Kenzie and Charlie complete their artwork, racing off to find the next project. Drake rises from the couch. The hem of his shirt is askew, but not bunched enough. As if listening to my silent demand, he stretches and exposes a mouthwatering slice of sculpted abs. I swallow a sip of iced tea, suddenly parched. Paisley fans my face before doing the same to hers.

“Their coach, though.” She hums when he turns in our direction, which earns her a harsh jab to the ribs.

“I’m gonna have to ask you to leave soon,” I snark.

“It’s just innocent ogling. He should be on the cover of romance novels. I’d like to display him on my shelf.”

“No way,” I blurt. “Not unless I own the only copy for my private collection.”

She sticks out her tongue. “It’s fair to share.”

“Get your own book boyfriend brought to life.”

“Trying and failing, thanks for the reminder.” Paisley flips a section of hair over her shoulder.

“If a certain someone would just forget about the grump.” I pat her head. “The grass is much nicer on this side of the fence.”

“Yeah, yeah. Here’s comes your paradise in the flesh.”

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