Page 36 of Chasing Forever
He sighs and hands Wren her backpack. “Go wait on the porch. Give me a minute with Aunt Lottie.”
“Can I try to find a rock to paint?” Wren asks.
Bennett seems hesitant, but Heidi from reception pops out from behind the desk. “I’ll go with her.”
“Thanks,” Bennett says.
Heidi’s smile is a little too wide and too toothy. She’s way too young for Bennett.
I close the distance since I know he’ll want to stay close enough to keep Wren in sight. He’s such a good dad. And he’d be a great husband. But he’s right—if I don’t want people in my business, I shouldn’t be all up in his.
“I’m sorry. I’m an asshole.”
“You are.” He crosses his arms. “But you’re not wrong. I don’t want to be alone forever. So maybe I shouldn’t keep eating Wren’s pancakes just so we don’t waste food.”
“Still. It was insensitive. And point made about the whole Brooks thing.”
He nods. Thank God Bennett doesn’t hold grudges. “You can take Wren tonight, but if Brooks asks, you have to say you kidnapped her. I don’t want him thinking I helped you cockblock him.”
“Thank you!” I throw my arms around his neck. “You’re the best brother a girl could have.”
Bennett nudges me off him as though I’m contagious. “I want her home by ten.”
“Done.” I deliver a quick kiss to his cheek.
He checks his watch. “We’re gonna be late.” He runs into Heidi on the way out.
I watch them for a second before he jogs down the front steps.
Heidi walks back in. “Your brother is so nice. Is he dating anyone?”
I smile tightly. Nope. Not my love life to manage. “I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask him.”
She rounds the reception desk. “I think I will.”
I head back into the dining room to find Mom still there. She’s put her phone down but is still watching me like a hawk.
“I take it that smile means you got your way?” she asks.
“He’s letting me take Wren tonight.”
She leans back in her chair, arms crossed, studying me. “Is that your plan? To sabotage each and every date?”
“The ones I’m in charge of, yes.” I shrug.
“Hmm.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
I cross my arms. “It’s clearly something. Just say it.”
She stands, brushes her hand along my shoulder, then down my hair. “I don’t have to say anything you don’t already know. Have fun at the fair. Love you.”
Then she walks away, stopping at another table to check if they’re enjoying their breakfast as if she’s not casually giving me that mother-knows-best vibe.
Whatever. My plan is perfect.
