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She nodded. “Definitely.”
He blew out a long, slow breath, sliding his hands away from hers. Somehow, he’d gone from being the comforter to the one being comforted. Which was the last thing she needed. “Want a ride to the lawyer’s next week?” he asked before taking a bite.
“That would be great.” Her gaze darted to the kitchen door. “I keep hoping Amber has some long-lost sister or aunt, someone to take Jack. Is that wrong?”
Graham shook his head. “The kids don’t know about Matt’s request?” He couldn’t blame her. How the hell did you have that conversation?
“No.” She sat on the stool next to him, propping herself on her elbow, and whispered, “I’m scared. They’ve had a rough two years. I’ve tried to reassure them they will always come first because, for me, they do. And now… I can’t make them love Jack.” She shook her head.
“But that baby boy… None of this is his fault. He’s just a baby. A baby with no one to love him.” Her green eyes searched his. “I don’t know what to say to make this okay. If I can make this okay. Honestly, I’m not okay with this—any of it. But I’m trying to be.”
“Say that,” Graham said. “They know you love them. They might not take the news well initially, but they’ll understand. They’re good kids.” He hoped like hell he was right. Honor would step up, ready and willing to be Jack’s sister. But Nick? It could go either way.
“Want anything else?” Felicity asked.
He glanced at his plate. “I’m stuffed.”
“You didn’t eat much. I can make some coffee, too, if you like?”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I know, but I don’t mind. And I want some.” She waved off his words, putting dishes away. “Charity mentioned the widows’ group has made you their newest project. I think I know who the widows have picked out for you.”
“Is there a way to kindly refuse Widow Rainey’s services? An unsubscribe or opt-out option?” But now he was curious.
Felicity laughed. “You don’t want to know?”
He shrugged. “Not really. But if you want to tell me…”
She smiled, leaning against the kitchen counter. “My sister. Charity.”
“Huh.” Graham glanced at the kitchen door. Charity? There was no denying she was pretty. But her sister wasn’t on his radar. Did he even have a radar anymore? Outside of his daughter, there were no women in his life. Maybe that was wrong? He was forty, not eighty. In a few years, Diana would be gone, and he’d be older—and still alone. But Charity? No. She wasn’t the settling-down sort, and he wasn’t the carefree, world-traveling type.
“It’s okay for you to live, Graham. You know that, don’t you?” Felicity pulled mugs from the cabinet and filled the coffee pot.
“I guess.” Was there a woman strong enough to take on his broken heart and his damaged daughter? And, if there was, could he love her the way she deserved? “I’m not sure I can.” He looked at her. “I don’t know where I’d start…or if it’s worth it.”
“I get it.” Her sad smile gutted him. “There’s safety in not putting yourself out there—in not being rejected or left. I’m not sure I’d survive having my heart ripped out again.” She forced a smile and shrugged. “But we should try? Shouldn’t we? At least that’s what my mother, my sister, Widow Rainey…everyone keeps telling me.”
Graham chuckled. “You, too, huh?”
“The joys of small-town living.” She poured the coffee. “Cream? Sugar?”
“Black. And thank you.”
“Brave man. I make it super strong; you’ve been warned.” Her green gaze met his. “It’s really nice having you and Di here.”
He was still contemplating her words when her phone started vibrating, ending their conversation.
“Hi, Mom…” She paused. “What? When?” She stared at Graham. “No…no… I’m on my way.”
Graham stood. “What’s wrong?”
“Jack. He’s awake.” She took a deep breath.
“I’ll drive,” he offered.
Chapter Five
