“I’m so glad you’re here. Caleb’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time,” Chloe says.
I bite my bottom lip. “I was so worried that he’d be angry.”
“Oh, I think he was.”
My eyebrows rise.
Chloe smiles. “He didn’t give me details, but he said you’d had a rough time. Caleb’s not the type of man to make a situation worse. Besides, I think he sees a possible future with you and he’s not about to trash that—not when you’re the mother of his child.”
Tears prick my eyes.
“I’d really like us to be friends. I know you used to live here, but I can imagine you don’t know many people. Let’s change that.”
I meet her gaze, and her blue eyes are so kind and gentle.
“I don’t know anyone here. Caleb and I were so lost in each other when we were in high school, and I didn’t … couldn’t keep in touch with anyone.”
She nods. “That’s what I figured. I was lucky when I moved back. It was around the same time as the school reunion, and I met up with someone I went to school with. When you’re ready, I’ll introduce you.”
“Thank you.”
She touches my forearm. “It’s no problem at all.”
“No, I mean for being patient. I’m still adjusting to the freedom I have in this life. And you’re not pushing me.”
Her eyes widen. “Was it that bad?”
“My late husband was very … controlling. I didn’t get an opportunity to have any friends outside of the house.”
“Oh, Emma. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s over now. And I’m here. Your family couldn’t be more welcoming.”
She gives me such a gentle smile. “I’m so happy you feel that way. I think when we were younger five years was such a big gap between us, but now it’s hardly anything. Regardless of what happens between you and my brother, I’d love to be friends with you.”
I smile back. “That sounds good.” Shifting my gaze to the pool, I chuckle. “I’m not sure my children will want to give up your pool that easily anyway.”
She laughs. “It’s one of the reasons Scott and I loved this house so much.”
“Scott?”
Her cheeks go pink. “He was the reason I bought this house. We used to love it when we were younger. He told me once he was going to buy it and we’d live happily ever after in it.”
“I’m so sorry you lost him.”
It’s her turn to well up. “So am I. But Hunter and I have a beautiful family of our own now, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“You really do. Caleb showed me a photo and your girls are gorgeous, but I might have to keep an eye on my girls hanging out with your boys.”
Chloe laughs. “Braden has a girlfriend, and I’m not sure Xander would be interested in anyone still in high school now he’s at university.”
“Whew.” I swipe my hand across my forehead. “But seriously, it is so good that your boys aren’t that much older than my girls. They need to make friends too.”
“Now we just need to find some children around Jason’s age. A couple of the women in my friend group do. We’ll get there.”
I grin. “We will.”
“Mum, Hannah’s woken up.” One of the twins exits the house and calls to Chloe.
