Page 31 of Worthy of Sunsets and Second Chances

Shifting uncomfortably, Kendra tucks a wild, pink strand of hair back into her messy bun and says, “Sure, I can do that.”

I pass Wren over to Kendra with the bottle and burp cloth. I see kindness, affection, maybe even love for my daughter in the way she looks at her—but I also don’t miss the shadow of hurt that flickers before she snaps down her softer mask, smiling down at the tiny girl in her arms. I lost Kendra’s trust a long time ago, and there is no way that she would let me in if I asked her why holding my daughter winds up so many emotions for her. All I can do is be thankful that she was willing to sit here with us at all.

Making our coffee the way we each prefer and placing them on a tray, I linger and watch Kendra and Wren through the open kitchen window. Wanting to keep her around as long as possible, I decide to put some fruit I had chopped up in the fridge on the tray as well and lemon poppyseed muffins my mom dropped off yesterday.

As I finish arranging everything I hear Kendra’s grumbling to Wren as she pats her back, gently trying to get a burp out of her. Her back is to the window, so she has no idea I can hear her.

“And why does he still have to wear that stupid shirt, hmm?” she asks Wren.

I look down at myself, unaware as to what I had even tossed on today in my sleepy haze to get to Wren as fast as I could. Huh . . . It was one of my old college T-shirts with the arms cut off, leaving most of my sides exposed. Kendra always did like it when I wore these—that summer. It made my cock and my heart ache thinking of how many memories were twisted up and lost to time.

I scoop up the tray quickly, careful not to slosh the hot coffee from the mugs, and make my way back out to the deck. Kendra looks up at me with narrowed eyes, like she’s trying not to let herself enjoy the sight of me towering over her. I set the caffeine and breakfast offerings down in front of her and then stretch my arms up over my head, my shirt lifting up, exposing the waistline of my grey sweats, lower abs, and hint of happy trail. It was too easy of an opportunity to pass up torturing her a little bit, and since Kendra is holding my daughter it isn’t like she could run away.

Picking up my coffee, I sit down right next to her, abandoning my former seat, and she lets out a frustrated sigh. “Do you have to sit right there? You have six other chairs.”

“True, but I wanna be right by my girl.” I reach out and stroke my hand across Wren’s soft, dark hair.

Kendra’s eyes are locked on me, her expression stony and sad all at once. She adjusts Wren in her arms and takes a sip of her coffee.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“You’re welcome. Brought some food too, figured you probably haven’t fed yourself much before you got to work out there this morning.” I nod to her garage.

She lets out a snort. “Correct. I’m in crunch time.”

“What for?”

“My secret project, remember? You promised not to tell.”

“I think I am pretty good at keeping your secrets,” I say evenly, not sure that it was the best idea to try and dip into our past.

“Yeah . . . Rem asked me to make Lainey that stuff, and then I went a bit overboard adding to it so I could surprise both of them. Now I’m feeling like I won’t get it done on time. I just want them to love it.” Kendra pops a strawberry in her mouth, licks off the juice from her fingertip, and my dick pulses painfully.

“I saw what you were painting the other day, and it was incredible. Rem and Lainey are going to be fucking floored.” I grin at her.

A genuine laugh falls from her berry-stained lips. “Thank you, and shouldn’t you not swear in front of her?” She peers down at Wren. “I mean, I have a hard time stopping myself in front of Kins and she’s one, and I’m not around her twenty-four seven.”

“I definitely should not be swearing in front of her, but it’s still kind of new. Some things just slip out. She is stuck with me and the mess that I am.” I frown.

“You aren’t a mess, Eli. She is so lucky to have you. That you’ve stepped up in the way you have.” Kendra shakes her head. “Not everyone would do that.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand. It only lasts for a brief moment but sends a ripple right to my heart.

Clearing my throat, I push past my emotions. “Besides that time crunching, are you ready for the wedding?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood, picking up a muffin and eating a big bite, crumbs tumbling onto my shirt.

I dust them off as Kendra says, “Yes, everything is planned to perfection. Renee has her yard looking extra nice for the ceremony, the reception at Gino’s is exactly what they want, not overly fancy and relaxed. But of course Renee is making sure it’s still special for them.”

“Well, I can’t wait,” I say enthusiastically. “I’m going to have the most beautiful date there, even prettier than the bride—but don’t tell Rem I said that!” I smile at Kendra, but she is just looking down at Wren.

“Sure. Thanks for the coffee and breakfast. I have to go get ready for work. Full day of clients at Dip and Dye.” Kendra gives Wren a snuggle before passing her back to me and crossing over to her own space. She doesn’t go back into the house though; she goes to the garage, shuts the door, cranks up loud music, and stays in there the rest of the day even though she said she had to go into the salon.

Once again, showing me I somehow put my foot in my mouth, and she couldn’t wait to get away from me.

25

Kendra

My cabin was turned into wedding central for the girls to get ready. Lainey, Rem and Sutton’s mom Renee, Sutton, and Jess arrived by ten to start all the preparations. Since the actual ceremony was happening in Rem’s parents’ backyard, we didn’t want to get ready at their house. Lainey wanted a more private, calm space away from there before stepping into the chaos.

I went out early to the Sugar Cube and picked up a big spread of preordered pastries, their famous sugar cookies, and coffee. Then I made a fast stop by the grocery store to get fruit. Of course it made me think of Eli, even though I tried to shove him from my mind. He was glitter . . . no amount of cleaning or sweeping could truly make it all disappear.