Page 8

Hattie interrupts our tense moment when she brings him a dark, piping hot coffee. It may not have cream, but I know it’s drowning in sugar. Upton’s always had a bit of a sweet tooth.

“Should I bring anything for dinner tonight?” he asks, doing the Upton thing he does when he wants to soothe my nerves. He steers the conversation to a place I can control.

“No,” I say quickly, flicking my wrist at him. “You’re my guest. I’ll have dinner covered.”

My mind reels with apprehension, though. This will be the first official meet between him and Nora. They’ve been texting and have even spoken on the phone a few times, but now they’ll know each other in the flesh.

“I’m having a hard time,” I admit in a whisper. My hand shakes so hard I am forced to set my mug down on the table. “I just want it to go well.”

I’m seconds from admitting how I feel like a monster for keeping them from each other, but I bite it back. Upton, not one to miss anything, sears his gaze into mine before reaching over to take my trembling hand.

“Breathe, sweet Sandy.”

As if he’s stabbed an ice pick in the center of my chest and made an airway for me, I hiss in a breath. The teddy bear chaotic Christmas scene around me blurs as tears flood my eyes. I knew this would be difficult. His hand squeezes mine. There’s always been a steadiness about Upton Asbury that I was drawn to. Apparently, I still am.

“I really am sorry,” I choke out. “For doing all this. I was just…”

Terrified of being second to another person I loved more than anything.

Mom was always focused on finding Dad. She dedicated her life to waiting for him to come home to her. Because of it, I was pushed aside. When Upton went to college and then started his own company, I could see the writing on the wall. For him to grow his business to what his family expected him to, it meant dedication. I didn’t want to be second place again, and I certainly didn’t want that for Nora.

I’ve spent Nora’s whole life making her my number one.

Just once, I wanted that for myself.

“Things happen the way they happen for reasons we don’t understand,” Upton says softly, his thumb gently stroking over my hand. “And sometimes, they circle back around. You get the chance to have what you always wanted. Look at your dad. He’s here now and you’re cherishing every second. Am I right?”

I think about breakfast this morning as me and Dad sat by the window. My new budgie that I named Claudette was at peace in her new home. Everything felt so “in place” and right for the first time in my entire life.

“You’re right.” I peek up at him beneath my lashes, secretly drinking up his undivided attention. He’s the only man to ever make me feel this way. “Thank you for being so kind.”

“With you, it’s easy.”

His words make my heart topple over itself. I try to name one instance where my ex, Ron, made me feel anything other than simple companionship when I was lonely.

He didn’t. Couldn’t. Maybe it was always unfair because I had Upton to compare everyone to. No one ever measured up.

“How’s your family?” I ask, needing to get out of my head and back into conversation.

His gentle smile drops and his features tighten. “Well. You know how they are. To be honest, I’ve kind of been avoiding them.”

“Does Caroline know about Nora being your daughter yet?”

He sighs heavily. “No. I want to tell her but…”

I know it’s not because he’s embarrassed of her or his past mistakes. It has everything to do with the fact his mother is a chilly, judgmental Grinch.

“Will you tell her before the reception?” I note that our hands are still conjoined and it sends a thrill down my spine. “Despite their differences, Nora is fine with her coming.”

Upton nods and rubs at his temple with his other hand. “Nora told me so over text. I’m just worried. My mother can be brutal if things don’t go exactly her way.”

“It’s what always bonded us,” I say lightly. “Our mommy issues.”

He snorts out a laugh and then the conversation eases off all the heavy stuff. I fill him in on everything me and Nora did while in New York. Then, he tells me all about his business adventures back in Seattle, and ultimately, here in Budgie Bay. The man has accomplished so much. I wonder where his life would have gone had I trusted in us as a couple.

“Why don’t we get out of here and check out Wild Petal?” I say after finishing off my latte. “I could show you the flowers me and Nora picked out to decorate The Icehouse with.”

His smile stretches across his face and lights up all the kitschy decor at Baked & Brewed. “Absolutely.”