Page 33 of Rowdy & Kat

“Then, why do you still seem nervous?”

“Because this is a date, and I want you to like me at the end of it.”

“I messaged you for months, even after you ghosted me. That was some humiliating shit, but I did it because I liked you so much.”

“But things have changed. You know I lied to you and kept secrets. I’m not the sexy, fun woman from the clubhouse. I’m a blotchy, flabby mom of two.”

“Am I going to claim you’re at your sexiest right now? No, but you do win sexy points for giving birth to my boys yesterday. Plus, I don’t always look this great. I get crazy bed head. I regularly eat risky foods and puke,” I said, making a gloomy Kat grin. “And I take after my dad in a lot of ways. You saw how flat his ass looks now that he’s a middle-aged man. That’ll be my ass one day. Knowing all that, do you still want a piece of this?” I asked and gestured at my body.

“I will miss your ass once it’s gone, but I think that magic idea means you’ll always be the sexiest guy to me. I can’t see anyone else.”

“The magic goes both ways,” I reminded her. “That’s why I was never interested in Maria. It’s always been you.”

Kat watched me in a weird way as if she were recalling everything I’d ever said to her. I saw the memories playing out across her beautiful face. While I ate my pot pie and drank the boba, Kat caught up to the fact that I wasn’t going anywhere.

KAT

My first real date with Rowdy was both stressful and romantic. He shared his feelings and dared me to do the same. His story about his parents made me wonder if magic was real. I’d never witnessed such romance in any of my families. They all started happy before growing bored and breaking up.

Pax didn’t seem like a particularly romantic man, but he was clearly crazy about Bebe. They shared a casual heat after decades together. I wanted to believe I could defy my past and be more like the Reed family.

By the time Rowdy left for the evening and Maria returned, I was convinced Rowdy and I could work. After we talked at dinner, his life no longer seemed as scary and overwhelming.

Before leaving, Rowdy tucked me into bed and kissed me. I imagined myself taking care of him in the same way after he had one of his many “risky” meals. I was curious about how whiny Rowdy might get when his stomach was upset.

“I found myself checking apartments in Little Memphis,” Maria admitted later as she held Colson and I snuggled with Cavan. “It’ll be so strange not living with you.”

“I don’t like that part,” I said, unable to hide how the move was a done deal. “I know it’s selfish, but I want to have you and Rowdy. I want to keep our life here and start a new one in Little Memphis. I want a big family like Rowdy has, but I also want to keep our quiet twin lifestyle.”

“You’ve always been the softer twin,” Maria teased. “You avoid conflict. You’d rather dream than face something painful.”

“Do you think I’m too weak to be with Rowdy?”

Maria smiled softly. “I don’t think Rowdy needs a tough woman. He’s plenty tough himself. I think he requires a patient woman who finds him charming rather than scary.”

“Do you find him charming?”

“No,” Maria said instantly. “I find him scary, but I am impressed by how sweet he is toward you and the boys. I also noticed how he calmed Bebe when she got rattled. Rowdy seems, well, rowdy. He has a chaotic energy, but he’s also very aware of the mood of other people.”

Admiring my sons, I rested my head against Maria’s shoulder. “I want to be fearless and let Rowdy get his way. But I’m afraid to have my heart broken.”

“You’ve broken your heart at least twice with Rowdy already. You didn’t trust him in high school, which was smart since teenage boys are the worst. However, after you got pregnant, you cut him off rather than tell him the truth.”

“Self-sabotage is my biggest flaw.”

“Well, you also over-season meat. I think that might be worse.”

Snickering, I nuzzled her shoulder. “Will you help me be brave by giving up your life in Little Rock and following me to my biker baby daddy’s hometown?”

Maria humored me by offering the same promise she had given me since Rowdy showed up at the hospital.

My sister was as patient the next night when Rowdy was on his way back to Little Memphis. I knew he needed to pack up clothes and supplies before returning tomorrow morning. There was no reason to be sad, but I still cried when I thought of him leaving.

Returning just like he promised, Rowdy strutted into the hospital room after I was dressed and ready to be discharged. I had my belly wrap on, making me feel slimmer than I had in six months. My hair was up in a ponytail. Despite looking better, I moved like an old lady with back problems.

“I’m not sleeping on the couch,” Rowdy announced after the twins were strapped into their seats in my minivan. Maria sat behind the wheel. Before I shut my door, Rowdy kissed me and repeated, “I’m not sleeping on the couch, please?”

“There’s space in our arts and crafts room,” Maria offered and laughed.