Page 35 of More Than a Helping Hand

I take a deep breath, then another sip of cocoa. “His name is Anderson. I’m not sure where Bailey came up with DeeDee, but he doesn’t seem bothered that she calls him that. He works in the barn with Parker. We haven’t exchanged life stories, so I don’t know much about his background. Only that he’s afraid of heights.”

Mom nods. “It’s so good to see her like this, like I remember her.”

“Yeah. And I feel like I should also mention that Anderson asked me out before he knew I had a daughter or rather before he knew Bailey was mine. We met him separately.”

A grin spreads across her face. “Like it was meant to be.”

“No. I don’t believe in fairy tales. We’ll just see how long he can tolerate me. But I don’t want Bailey getting hurt in the process, so she can’t catch even a hint that there’s anything happening. Because it might not last.”

“What then?”

“He told me that he wouldn’t let our relationship interfere with how he treats Bailey.”

Mom pulls the blanket off the back of her chair and drapes it over her legs. “He sounds very grown up.”

“He’s about my age. But yeah. It seems weird to say that he’s mature for a guy in his late twenties.”

“I can’t wait to meet him, and what a bonus that he’s Parker’s coworker and friend. It gives me an excuse to invite him around without it being weird.” She cradles her cup, delight twinkling in her eyes.

“I’m just trying to take things slow. Trying to keep it a secret might be hard, but if he’s willing, I’ll give him a chance.”

“If he’s the one, that’s all he needs. A chance.” Mom tosses the blanket aside, then stretches. “If I don’t hurry to bed, I won’t get to sleep before your dad starts snoring.”

“Love you, Mom.”

She wraps me in a hug. “I love you too, and while I’m happy you found a place you like, I will miss having y’all here. Good night.”

I set our cups in the sink, then wander back to my room. There is a message waiting.

Anderson:I’m excited to see you tomorrow.

So far, our texts have been innocuous. But as we continue to date, I’m not sure I want Bailey reading the messages he sends or at least, I don’t want her knowing they are from Anderson. So I open his contact to change the name. Prince Charming sounds too much like a fairy tale. Cowboy is much too obvious.

I tap out a quick reply.

Me:Mom and Paisley know, but they promised to keep it quiet.

Anderson:I didn’t tell them. I promise.

Me:That was information, not an accusation. I didn’t think that you’d stalked my mom to tell her you wanted to date me.

Anderson:I do want to date you.

Me:What’s your middle name?

Anderson:I’ll tell you, but only because you used the word date.

Anderson:Clarence

I like his message and change his contact to Clarence.

After plugging the phone into the charger, I crawl in bed. Then my phone lights up with another message.

Clarence:Still want to go out with me?

Me:Yes.

That might be the most honest text I’ve ever sent. And I hope I don’t regret it.

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