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MARLOW
As I get ready for my night at The Gnarly Vine, thoughts about Wyatt sneak in.
I don’t know why he’s invaded my brain—I guess our tumultuous start probably has something to do with it. And possibly because when I got to work this morning, there was one of those fabulous blueberry streusel muffins waiting for me on my desk.
Being around him feels like going on the Tilt-A-Whirl at the State Fair. I like the ride, but it makes me dizzy.
And that’s confusing.
Why does he affect me at all?
At first I disliked him so much, but since I’ve gotten to know him a little better, I’m starting to see why everyone thinks he’s so great.
I just don’t trust my feelings much anymore. And it’s not just the number Cash did on me. I have sky-high mother issues on top of that, and for a long time, Sofie was really the only one I trusted.
But it’s been easier than I expected to let my guard down here. I’ve always been friendly, working at temp jobs all the time, it’s part of it, but I’ve had a hard time letting people in. Being around the Landmark family and working at the hospital, I often find myself watching the way everyone interacts so comfortably with one another, and I think maybe…I’m ready to want that too.
At work, Dr. Wyatt is the favorite…ofeveryone. People like Dr. Emma and Dr. James too, but when they see Dr. Wyatt, they light up, stand a little taller, and try to gain his attention. And it’s impressive how he treats everyone with such kindness and is generous with his time.
The few times I’ve seen him with Dakota, something shifts inside of me. He’s gentle and attentive with her, and she eats it up. She loves being around the Landmark family, and since Sofie and Theo’s wedding is coming up, we’re going to be around them a lot more.
I put on a dress that I got at the lodge boutique. Holly works there and Sofie and I have gone in to see her a few times. She’s funny and easy to be around, and so is April. I thought I might feel like the odd one out for a while, but they’ve welcomed me right in.
I should probably save this dress for another occasion since I don’t have many clothes, but I feel like wearing something pretty. It’s a short, flirty, colorful dress and when I turn to see the back, Dakota walks into the room.
“Ooo, pretty Mama,” she says.
“Thank you, Kota. Are you ready to go to Grinny’s house?”
“Yes!” she says. “I’m ready!”
She’s been talking of nothing else since Grinny offered to watch her and Owen tonight while I meet Sofie and everyone else for this planning get-together.
“All right. Make sure you have a toy or two and let’s go.”
“I hope Owen brings that Hermioneep.”
I smile. “If he doesn’t, he’ll probably have something else fun.”
“Yeah,” she says, sighing wistfully. “Prolly so.”
We get to Grinny’s and Owen is running around in the front. He waves when he sees Dakota, and she runs to catch up with him. Grinny’s sitting in a chair on the grass, and she smiles when she sees me sigh.
“She won’t forget you,” she says. “These two have just hit it off fast as can be.”
“I’m so happy that she already has a friend. She looks forward to seeing him more than going to preschool, I think. Owen is sweet to be so patient with her.”
“I like the way she makes him slow down a bit,” Grinny says, laughing. “It’s nice for him to have a friend in the family to play with. It’s been him and the grown-ups since he was born.” She shakes her head and we watch the two of them sneaking up on a bird.
I’m so touched that she’s scooped me into the family already, I stand there for a moment, soaking it in.
“Well, I better run so I get there on time. Bye, Dakota. I love you.”
“Love you, Mama,” she yells, running over to give me a quick hug.
Grinny smiles as she watches us. “My, you sure look pretty,” she says. “Enjoy your night and don’t let anyone give you any sass.” She winks and I flush, wondering if she means Wyatt.
I pull into the lot at The Gnarly Vine and wave when I see Sutton walking in.
