Page 11 of Never Quiet

Glancing across the kitchen, she smiled. “Now, he’s my husband and I have two daughters who fill every day with love and joy. Sometimes, I think back to the first time your father asked me for coffee, before I knew he was your dad, and I remember how much self-doubt I felt.”

Meeting Mandy’s eyes, she said softly, “Follow your instincts, honey. You have one of the strongest and most mature minds and spirits I’ve ever known. You aren’t silly or impulsive. I trust your judgment. If you think this young man is a spectacular human being, I believe you know what you’re talking about.”

Swallowing hard, Mandy whispered, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I can’t wait to meet him one day. To meet all your friends there. They sound amazing.”

“They are. They’ll love you.” Turning to the counter, she asked, “What can I help with?”

“I’m pretty much done. Want to start the pasta water for me?” She glanced at her watch. “The cacciatore will be done in less than half an hour. Nate will be home soon.”

Mandy asked with a frown, “Where are Jan and Terrance?”

Pressing her lips together, Zoe glanced at the back door to make sure they were alone. “Jan is brushing down the horses. Terrance offered to keep her company.”

Her mouth dropped a bit in surprise. “Do you think…?”

“I’m not jinxing it but Caroline thinks they’d be lovely together. She’s known Terrance for years and Noel speaks so highly of Jan. Let’s see what happens.”

“I’m keeping an eye on this.”

“If you hear anything interesting, pass it along.”

“Of course. We’ll have to discuss it in detail, Mom. That’s how it works.” Grinning, she filled a big pot and put it on the stove to boil. “I’m going to shut down my laptop before Maximus curls up on it again. He loves the warmth.”

“The naughty darling.”

“I’ll be right back.” Racing upstairs, she grinned at the cat who was poised on her chair to make the leap to her desk. “No you don’t, silly boy.” She lifted him, kissed his face, and set him on the fluffy throw blanket she left at the end of her bed for him. “This warmth will have to do.”

Turning back to her laptop, her eyes widened at another message from Erick. It was short and simple.

You don’t cramp my style, Mandy.

Sharply controlling her desire to sit down and respond to him immediately, she put her laptop to sleep and closed it.

Had she given in to the urge with the way she was feeling, she probably would have said too much. Like every other teenage girl with feelings for a boy. She refused to be a stereotype.

Mandy wasn’t a stupid girl.

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