Page 89 of The Single Dad Project

“Definitely.” And on an impulse that she might or might not regret later, she added, “Since you’re already staying at the inn, you should join me, my mom, sisters and friends for a girls’ night. Great drinks, better food and the best gossip.”

Jennifer slowly nodded, her eyes thoughtful.

“You know what? I just might. Thank you.”

Then, with a final wave, she turned and strode toward the house. Quiet fell between Flo and Adam as they watched her climb the steps and disappear inside.

“What the hell just happened?” Adam asked, still staring at the house. “Did she just call me a great father? And did you two just make a date?”

“Yup. I believe that did just happen.”

“Flo,” he said, turning back to look at her. “I repeat, what the hell just happened?”

She shrugged. “Your ex-wife and I just either formed a truce or we’re now besties.”

Another beat of silence, then Adam exhaled a long, audible breath. “I think you might be a miracle worker.”

“Meh.” She waved her hand at him, dismissing his compliment. “I’ve already walked on water this morning. This was nothing.”

“Funny.” He grunted. Then, in the next instant, she was yanked into his arms and pressed against him. Held tight. “Thank you,” he rasped in her ear after several moments. “Thank you, Flo.”

She closed her eyes, inhaled his earth-and-wood scent, committed the tactile sensation of his big frame pressed against hers to memory. Savored the feel of his embrace, his voice vibrating against her chest, his thighs bracketing hers.

Treasuredhim.

Because while she loved being in the shelter of his body—loved...him—she couldn’t shake the ominous tick of the clock in her head.

His time here in Rose Bend was coming to an end.

And so were they.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

FLOCLIMBEDTHEporch of Kinsale Inn, and for the first time in weeks, dread didn’t permeate her lungs, heart, body. And she welcomed the relief that flowed through her like a cooling balm. This place that had been her home for so many years shouldn’t stir unease and trepidation. That had been anathema to her.

But now, as she opened the front door and entered, the familiar and delicious aromas of fresh brewing coffee, even in the afternoon, whatever baked goods Moe had whipped up for the day andhomegreeted her. She smiled as Moe came bustling down the hallway from the direction of the kitchen, balancing a tray of muffins and cookies. Her mother drew up short on seeing Flo, a grin blooming across her lovely face, surprise tingeing her blue eyes.

“Well, this is a wonderful surprise. And gift,” Moe said, then narrowed her eyes. “I’m going to ignore the coincidence of you showing up right about the time I’m setting out food.”

“Purely a coincidence. But a good one.” Flo moved forward and removed the platter from Moe, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Already knowing where the afternoon snacks went, she placed them on the banquet table running along the back of the common room.

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Moe said. “What brings you by? Not that I’m complaining.”

Flo turned, sliding her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “I came to see...Noah.” Eventually, she would stop pausing before saying his name.

“Oh.” Moe went still, her eyes searching her face. “Okay.” She crossed the space separating them and took both of Flo’s hands in hers. “Sweetheart, are you sure? You don’t have to do anything...”

Flo shook her head. “No, I want to, Moe. I think it’s past time. And I can’t keep running from it.”

Her gaze roamed Flo’s face again, and whatever she saw there must’ve reassured her because she nodded and squeezed her hands one last time before letting them go.

“If you need me, I’ll be right here, okay?”

“I always know that,” Flo said.

Moe cupped her cheek, then pulled her into a quick embrace. And Flo clung to her, absorbing some of that beautiful, dependable strength.

When she stepped back, Moe said, “Last time I saw Noah, he was out on the back porch reading.”

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