Page 76 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

“Oh yes she does,” I agreed.

“Let’s admit it; we are all being ruled by munchkins,” Ariana laughed.

“This is true.” Dani raised her glass. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Same,” Ariana said. “Though, I’m not going to lie, between Sammy, Whitney, and running the shop, I’m wiped out. I can barely keep up with custom orders, much less run classes, even with Grandma’s help. I’m probably going to have to hire someone to manage the shop until this little guy”—she smoothed Sammy’s cheek—“is in preschool. He’s getting mobile now and having him at the shop is too dangerous.”

I tilted my head, trying to gauge her emotions because I couldn’t tell. “Are you okay with that?”

She looked between me and Dani, biting her lip. “I love my art, but I love this little tyke and Whitney more. I know we’ve been taught that we can and should have it all, but I’m too tired to rule the world.” She laughed. “I’m beginning to think having it all means doing what’s best for you and your family. And right now, taking a step back and a nap seems like the best thing to do. And it’s not like I’m giving up the shop; I’m only pressing pause.”

I gave her a gentle nudge. “Well, I support you, whatever you want to do.”

“Me too.” Dani reached over and squeezed her hand. “As we all know, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. And I can’t think of anyone better to rule this crazy planet than your kiddos. And,” her voice lowered, “I think we, better than anyone, understand the power mothers hold, both good and bad. No doubt you are among the best.”

“I second that. And may I add, you’re right up there.” I pointed at Dani.

Her cheeks pinked as she took a sip of water before setting her glass down. “I’m not so sure,” she whispered. It was so unlike her to be so diffident about herself.

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Are you kidding me? You’re a great mom. Look how happy Gemma is. She adores you.”

“Not as much as you.” Dani smirked.

“Yes, thanks for hopping our kids up on sugar and kittens,” Ariana commented. “Whitney just about has Jonah convinced she needs a cat.”

“Gemma too, even though Brock has been adamantly against it.”

I turned toward Ariana. “Serves you right. Do you know what your daughter said to me?”

“Let me guess, was it about how she thinks she’s figured out how dinosaurs mated?”

“Uh, no. But kind of close. She said to me and Brant, and I quote, ‘My mommy and daddy said you two should just do it and get it over with.’ Then she asked me and Brant what you thought we should do.”

Ariana spit out her water, spraying Dani. Dani began wiping herself off but was giggling.

“What did you tell her?” Ariana asked all innocently.

“I told her you wanted us to bake cookies together.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Ariana chuckled.

I rolled my eyes at her.

“It does make sense now. Whitney was going on about how she was sad that you and Brant hadn’t baked cookies together so you couldn’t be happy yet.”

“I heard Brant had come over.” Dani cleared her throat.

“Yes,” Ariana sang. “Does he come over often?” She wagged her brows.

“No.” I pushed my plate away. Sammy was starting to reach for things now.

“But you still like him?” Ariana pressed.

I bit my lip, unable to lie. “Yes.”

“Are you going to bake cookies with Brant?” Dani asked with great hesitation. She might have turned a shade of puke green.

“I don’t know,” I stuttered. That was a huge step. I mean, I saw us together long term, but baking cookies together shouldn’t be taken lightly. Besides, Brant and I still had some things to discuss. Yet, I couldn’t help but ask my sister, “Should I not?” After all, Dani knew Brant better than almost anyone.

She swallowed hard. “Kinsley, I can’t think of a better man for you than him.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded.

“Are you two finally going to date?” Ariana asked.

I turned my attention toward Ariana, but in my peripheral vision I could see Dani squirm. “Um, yeah.” I couldn’t lie to my sisters. I didn’t want to. I needed them. “We’re going to talk when he gets back from his business trip.” And kiss. Lots of kissing.

“That’s great,” Dani said in a pitch two octaves too high. Yep, she was using her scared voice again.

“It’s about time.” Ariana tugged on a tendril of my hair.

I turned my attention toward Dani and looked into her beautiful, but worried, gray eyes. “Dani, you’re okay with this, right?” I needed her approval. She and I had a special bond that was stronger than blood or last names. Though we were sisters, she had taken on the role of mothering me. And like a mother, she was my fiercest protector and best friend.

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