Page 53 of Hard Hat Hottie

“No. They’re good about putting away their things, but I can guarantee youthatwasn’t them,” I say, pointing to the floor.

We both peer at each other with matching concern and stand from where we’re seated, turning toward the kitchen, and freeze.

Both boys are seated at the kitchen island. Their backs are to us, yet based on their posture, it looks as if they’re each spooning cereal into their mouths. But the shocking part is that Carolyn is standing beside Justin, spreading Nutella onto toast. Alec has a plate with his beside him.

“Did she…?”

Harrison looks on, bewilderment etched all over his face as his mother places the toast next to Justin and lovingly runs a hand down his back.

“Matt, want some juice?”

A barely disguised gasp escapes Harrison as he continues to take in the scene.

“I’m Alec,” my sweet boy corrects. “Yes. Do you have apple juice?”

Oh…my hand flies to my mouth.

Carolyn walks to the refrigerator and opens it wide, appearing to take in the contents.

Gently placing my hand on Harrison’s forearm, I brace myself for the torrent of emotion he must be feeling.

“I haven’t heard her speak in so long.”

Blinking back tears, I turn back to the kitchen. I’m sure she feels right at home. Like she’s been able to turn back the hands of time over twenty years.

Harrison looks at me, his eyes shining. I’m certain he sees it too.

Wrapping my arm around him, I give him a reassuring squeeze.

I’d say our baggage looks pretty good together.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

HARRISON

“Justin, run back to that piece of driftwood.” Tossing the baseball isn’t easy with my left hand, but he manages to catch it in his mitt before falling into the sand. This, of course, garners howls from his little brother. “Oh yeah, hot shot. It’s your turn.”

It’s a gorgeous day. The breeze off of the water is perfect, and the humidity is low. But it’s far more than the weather that has me standing tall, and I know it.

I’ve loved every second of having Harlow and the boys here. I know it’s too much too soon, but I’m in no hurry to see them leave. While my mother clearly acts as if she’s gone back in time, I’ll take it, if only to see her this full of life. And it’s more than just her. This house is full of a carefree joy that hasn’t lived here in years.

“Justin, you’re up.” I know I need to slow down. We could both get hurt if we start acting like a happy family after one date. Yet Harlow’s right. This could’ve gone all kinds of sideways. But it didn’t.

“You trying to wear them out again?” Harlow laughs from behind me.

“Nah. They said baseball was starting up soon, so I thought we could toss the ball around a little.”

“You’re such a good man, Harrison.”

Glancing over at her, her hair is dancing in the breeze. She’s so fucking beautiful it makes my chest squeeze. “Because I’m throwing a ball?”

“You don’t get it. They never have this. The men in their lives are so self-centered. They’d never put their phones down long enough to interact with their kids like this.”

Hell. That’s a damn shame. Her boys are great. “They’re the ones missing out, Harlow.”

“I know. But the boys are too.”

Suddenly, a thought hits me. “They’re safe with them. Right?”

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