Page 37 of Surprised By Love

“Yeah, unless you count the excitement at the diner this morning.” Lucas laughs.

I grunt and shove another forkful of potatoes into my mouth.

“Oh? What happened today?” Mom asks.

“Nothing happened.” I glare over at Lucas.

He bursts out laughing. “Ha, he was jealous. I was talking to Samantha, and she was laughing. He entered the diner and stormed over to us, like I was about to kiss her or something. I could tell he was jealous, but he tried to act cool. He couldn’t take his eyes off her while we ate. It was so funny.”

“Shut up,” I bark. Ethan chokes, trying to hold in a laugh.

“Hey, none of that.” Mom looks between us. “But it’s a very interesting turn of events, though. Don’t you think?”

“It would be awesome,” Emily says.

I look over at my daughter. Her smile cuts me like a knife. I know it’s been hard on her without a mother. I would give anything to have her know what it’s like to have a mother’s love. For a woman to help guide her and mold her into a strong, independent woman someday.

I glance over at Jake, sitting there like a big boy eating his chicken, and my heart breaks for him. He never knew his mom. I hate he’s never known what it was like to have a mother hug you like you are the only person in the world.

I hug my kids like that every chance I get, but it’s different when a mother does it. My mom does her best, but it’s not the same. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that yet. From what I can see, Sam is a wonderful mother to Amelia, and she makes me question my plans on dating.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Dad says in between bites. “Those Miller girls are one in a million. They are a strong, independent and caring family, not to mention how beautiful they are. Any guy who catches the eye of one of them will be a lucky guy for sure.”

“I agree with Pops.” Ethan looks up from his plate. “The Millers are a well loved family in the town. Sam, being new to town, she is going to catch the eye of more than one guy, I’m sure.”

“If you don’t make your move soon, bro, some other guy is going to sweep her right out from under you. And I can see when the two of you talk there is something brewing between ya. Don’t be stupid. Don’t wait too long.” Lucas agrees.

I swallow hard and take a sip of my soda. “Someone like who? You baby bro?”

“Na, I was just bugging you today. She’s hot, but you know I prefer blondes.” He grins his stupid, charming grin. Some days, I want to punch the grin right off his face.

“Okay boys.” Mom interrupts. “Let Josh be. He will decide when he is ready.”

“Thanks Ma. I—”

“It doesn’t mean I don’t agree with them, but you need to make up your own mind and not pressured by your brothers or your father. And… you might want to know your Gram was talking to Ethel Brooks today, and it turns out Miles has a date with Sam sometime this week.”

“What?” I shout and Ma gives glares at me. “Sorry. Do you know when?”

She can’t go on a date with Miles. He may not be a player, but he knows how to charm a woman. You should see all the women go to the hardware store when they don’t even need anything. Just so they can flirt with Miles.

I can’t let her go out on a date with him, not when… Dammit. They are right. I want to be the one to take her on a date. I want to see if her lips are as soft as they look. She has turned my world upside down and she’s only been here for two weeks.

“No, I don’t.” Mom shakes her head, giving me a look that tells me not to be an idiot and do something about it.

I stand from the table and collect my dishes. “Do you mind watching the kids for a bit? I need to take Max out for a walk and clear my head.”

“Sure sweetie.” Mom nods at me and smiles. “Take your time.”

As I’m getting my boots and coat on, I can hear the conversation from the kitchen.

“He’s got it bad.” Lucas laughs.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen him get so worked up over a woman from town. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen him this worked up over a woman period,” Ethan says.

“Now boys, maybe we can see it in your brother, but he needs to figure out this on his own. You know how hard it’s been for him. When he asks me to watch the kids for the night, I know he’s not at home watching tv. I hope he sees what’s in front of him before it’s too late.”

I step outside and shiver as a gust of wind whips across my face.

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