Page 75 of Single Mom's Mountain Men
“Uh oh. I know that look. You’re head over heels for one of them, aren't you? Which one is it? I put my money on Wes. That man could charm the panties off a nun, and he’s got a good heart to boot. Always eager to help me with repairs around my house.”
I blush even more, recalling just how many times Wes charmed my panties off. And Mrs. Weatherby is right. As playful as he is, there’s a sweet and dependable side to Wes, always ready to help me solve any problem.
“Or is it Charlie, the big teddy bear?” Mrs. Weatherby continues, rubbing her chin. “I saw the way he looked at youthe last time the two of you dropped the girls off. That man is a goner for you.”
I cough to hide my reaction, because I know exactly what she’s talking about. I see it too, Charlie’s looks. Although I don’t necessarily think they signify love, they make me feel so many pure, innocent emotions, that I start craving things like hand-holding and butterfly kisses and the kind of courtship that I thought only existed in romance novels and hallmark movies.
“Although, I won’t write off Mitch either.” She keeps going. “I know some women like the strong brooding type. I was never as close to him as the other two, but I see the appeal.”
Of course. Anyone with a pulse could see Mitch’s appeal. And Mitch is more than just strong and brooding. He also has his own boyish charm and a funny side too.
“So which one is it?”
All of them.
“None,” I say coughing again. “I like the men and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me but I’m not looking to date. I’m just grateful for all their help.”
“Uh huh.” Mrs Weatherby doesn’t look like she buys it with the secretive smirk still sitting on her lips. She even winks at me on the way out.
Later that evening, after Charlie takes the girls on a walk with Wiley, and I put the finishing touches to dinner, I half think about her words, while paying attention to the heated argument that’s going on between the three brothers.
Later that evening, as I put the finishing touches to dinner, I half think about her words, while paying attention to the heated argument that’s going on between the three brothers.
"No way," Wes scoffs. "You can't think Warton Prep is better than Sheffield Elementary."
"It's a private school," Mitch points out. He seems much better this evening and I'm glad he no longer seems mad at his two younger brothers, although he pointedly refuses to discuss the topic of our relationship. "They have better teachers and get buckets more funding each year for books, equipment, school trips - everything."
"Yes, but they're an all-girls school. And there's too much focus on study. Where's the fun in that?"
"It doesn't have to be fun. Katie wants to be a writer. I think Sheffield will be a good school."
"They do have links to a college with a good writing program."
All of us pause to look at Charlie.
"I checked online yesterday," he says.
"Of course you did," Wes rolls his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you, online and real life are two different things."
I hide my smile as I turn back to the stove. This morning, I asked the men about their thoughts on schools for my daughter and since then, they've been in heated discussions about it.
It warms my heart that they've gone to such lengths to do their research about what schools my older daughter can go to in the area. It shows they truly care about her.
"She won't be happy at some snooty, rich people's school," Wes says loudly. "Right Katie? You want a school with nice normal kids, right?"
"Right," Katie, who is with Maddy, petting the dog, agrees, much to my relief.
"That's good," I say, turning to place the plates on the table. "Because I don't think I can afford private school fees right now."
All three men blink at me, astounded. "Who said you would be paying for it?"
I chuckle right back at them, waiting for the joke to land but none of them smile or even seem to be remotely joking.
"Are you serious?" I blurt out. "Why would you pay for my daughter’s school?"
They look amongst themselves, each person waiting for another to answer the question.
"I mean," Wes finally speaks up. "Why not? We have the money, and we’re not spending it on anything except new tools for Mitch to tinker with. And we love the girls and want them to go to a good school."
