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“Yeah, but he didn’t. I’m a single mom. He’s young and one of the most eligible bachelors in this city. Why would he settle for a woman with baggage who can’t even afford a cell phone other than prepaid minutes?”
Carrie wags her eyebrows. “Fate.”
“You’re sleep-deprived,” I say, making her laugh.
“I’m that too. But in all seriousness, don’t let his ‘most eligible bachelor’ status or his bank account keep you from pursuing him if that’s what you want.”
“Whoa, hold up, sister. No one said anything about pursuing anyone.”
“He’s bringing you back to life. Remind me to thank him.”
“What the hell are you going on about?”
“Shh, language around my niece.” I give her a “really” look, and she just grins. “Your eyes are brighter, and you’ve talked more to me today than you have since losing Travis. I don’t know if it’s Marshall or his group of women who’s doing this for you, but whatever the reason, I’m glad to have my Wren back.”
“I’ve always been here.”
“In body, but not in mind. You’ve been hiding away, thinking that you have to give everything to Madeline, and I get that, I do. However, what would it have hurt to keep your bed and share a room with her? You’re making sacrifices you didn’t have to make. Not with an infant.”
“I only want what’s best for her. Travis would have wanted what’s best for her.”
“Sharing a room with her mother as an infant when she will never remember would have been what was best for her. Travis would want you to take care of you as well. Besides, have you ever considered that maybe, just maybe, Travis has something to do with the handsome stranger who just happened to appear into your life?”
“Now you’re just talking crazy.”
“Hear me out. What are the odds, that a sweet, caring, hot-as-hell man like Marshall Riggins would have been behind you in line that day? When the pharmacy was getting ready to close and you needed this little one’s medication.”
“How do you know he’s sweet and caring?” I challenge.
“My niece loves him already. She’s a good judge of character, all babies are. There’s something about him that soothes her. That’s good enough for me.”
“You know that sounds ridiculous?”
She shrugs. “I don’t care how it sounds. It’s the truth.”
“I think you need to have Dr. Danning check you out,” I tease. It’s easier than to let myself consider her reasoning.
“Oh, he’s going to check me out, all right.” She wags her eyebrows.
“Really, Care?” I laugh. “I thought you were taking it slow?”
“We are. However, I feel as though I’ve learned a lot about me and about others during this time of healing, and I think Dr. Danning is one of the good ones too. Oh! We should double date!”
“I’m not dating Marshall.”
“Not yet.” She stands from the couch and kisses Madeline all over her face, making her laugh. “I need to go home and get some sleep. I’m back on tonight for another twelve-hour shift. Think about what I said and text me with any new developments. Hell, send a carrier pigeon, don’t leave a girl hanging.”
“I’ll see what I can do. Thank you for breakfast,” I say, even though neither of us touched a bite of it. We were too busy catching up. “Make sure you take yours with you.”
“Nah, I’m all set. Put it in the fridge and warm it up later.” She pulls me into a hug. “I love ya, girl, and I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you too. Call me or stop by after your next date.”
“You got it. Bye, Madeline.” She waves, and my daughter just coos at her.
Once the door is closed behind her, I set Madeline up on her play mat for some tummy time while I dig into my breakfast sandwich. All the while I can’t stop thinking about our conversation, and whether or not I believe in fate.
Chapter 13
Marshall
“Thanks for dinner, Mom.” I snake my arm around her shoulders and press a kiss to her cheek.
“You’re welcome. This is for you.” She hands me a container filled to the brim with leftover meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn.
“You spoil me.”
“I spoil all my sons.”
“Yeah, but Marsh is the baby,” Conrad says. “He needs more love than the rest of us.”
I discreetly flip him off behind Mom's back, making him laugh. “Don’t be jealous, Con. Just because I’m the favorite.”
“You know she tells each of you that you’re her favorite, right?” Dad asks, stepping into the kitchen.
“Stanley!” Mom scolds.
We all laugh. He’s not wrong. She knows that we know it, but it doesn’t bother us. Our mother loves us unconditionally. “We’re heading out,” Royce says, with a sleeping Roan in his arms.
“You tired, little man?” I ask my nephew. I lean in and kiss the top of his head. “Love you, buddy,” I whisper. Seeing him makes me think of Madeline and Wren. I wonder what they’re up to tonight.
