Page 48 of Call it Fate

I groaned. “That’s always everyone’s answer. That costs money, you know.”

“But surely The Dogtrot is doing well now. It’s always busy. Maybe you could go back to school. Maybe Zach would help pay. After all, doesn’t he owe you child support?”

I held up my hand. “Whoa. I’m not holding him responsible for something he knew nothing about, and I’m not having him pay for my schooling evenifI went back. Besides, this is putting the cart before the horse. We have time to figure things out.”

She shook her head. “Famous last words.” She must have seen the frustration that wrinkled my brow because she let it drop. But, her next words weren’t much better. “Fair enough.” Her grin grew bigger. “But now that Chase is out of the room, be honest with me. How are things between you and Zach now that you’ve unraveled what really happened?”

She must have seen the warmth that crept up from my neck to my cheeks.

“What? Has something happened between you two?” Cam’s eyes popped out of her head.

“No,” I answered quickly. “Nothing’s happened.” I caught myself biting my lower lip.Damn it.

“Ha! But it almost did, didn’t it?”

I plonked my head on the table, unable to look her in the eyes, especially not knowing how I felt about what happened. “We had a brief moment last night. Just a simple kiss. He said it wasn’t only Iain he wanted.”

“Oh!” she squealed. “Maybe this really will all work out. Fate brought you together for a second chance.”

But I was already shaking my head, causing her expression to dim. “Why not?”

“Because,” I sighed, “we’re not the same people we were back then. We both have bigger responsibilities. It would be foolish to jump into a relationship now.”

“But,” she grinned like the Cheshire cat, “wouldn’t it be great to see if it was as good as the first time around? Maybe it will be even better.”

“Wait a minute. Weren’t you just againstTeam Zachlast night?”

“That was before I knew he wanted you back, too. Now, I think it’s kind of romantic. I refuse to believe you two found each other after all this time just to nod at each other while you pass Iain off between you. Maybe you guys will get back together, have more babies, and live happily ever after.”

I took a page from my son’s book and rolled my eyes. “It’s not a Hallmark movie, Cam.”

She grinned. “That’s what will make it even better when it happens for real.” She drilled her fingers on the table. “I’ve decided.”

I snorted. “Decided what?”

“I’m onTeam Fate, and that means you better get out your moving boxes.”

CHAPTER22

Emalee

Zach: Meet me for lunch?

I felt little bubbles of excitement fizz throughout my lower region as I read Zach’s text. I tried to caution myself that maybe he just wanted to meet to talk about Iain, but between what he told me a couple of days ago and Cam’s talk of fate and second chances, it was hard to ignore a feeling of excitement at the idea of spending time together.

He was still the good guy I’d once known. He’d slipped easily into our world without once trying to change it or take over, and for that, I was incredibly grateful. Nor was there any denying that I still felt the attraction that had drawn us together the very first time.

But it was all temporary. Zach was only here until Doc Claypool was well enough to take back over his clinic. Then Zach would return to Charlotte. I wasn’t ready for that. It would be hard enough to navigate those rough waters concerning Iain. If I allowed myself to fall back into those feelings, it would only muddy the waters.

I couldn’t leave Sterling Mill. I had responsibilities for The Dogtrot. Yes, we were doing better financially, but our heads were just now above water. I didn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize that. Besides, I loved my work.

I knew that didn’t mean history was destined to repeat itself, but it would mean making some really hard decisions, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. And I had no idea where that left us.

The phone rang in my hand.

“Hello?”

“Good morning, sunshine.” Zach’s rich voice came through the line, sending a little shiver through me.

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