AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you serious?”
“She’s single. Why not?”
“You said yourself she’s not ready. She just got divorced.” I didn’t know the time line on that, but it had to be somewhat recent.
“But she’s ready for you in her life?”
“As a friend.”
Sam was quiet for a few minutes as I pulled into the driveway and shut the truck off. “I don’t want you to get hurt either.”
“How would I get hurt?” I asked, already knowing what he’d say. My family had been concerned about me after the last breakup because I’d sworn off relationships. It was so unlike me, but it was necessary if I wanted to protect my heart.
“There was a time when you wouldn’t have hesitated to ask Natalie out. Those two are perfect for you.”
I shook my head, even though he couldn’t see me over the phone. “Not after what happened last time. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Rae went back to her ex,” Sam said.
“That’s right.” I was a diversion. I’d swooped in and tried to save someone who didn’t want or need to be saved.
“You fell in love with her kid too.”
I rubbed the all-too-familiar ache over my chest. “That won’t happen this time.”
“Kids are easy to love. I think Alice fell in love with Maggie before me.” His tone was filled with affection.
“Of course, she did. I still don’t know what she’s doing with you.”
“Shut up. We’re talking about your situation.”
“I don’t want Delaney going to that dance alone. Besides, I already agreed to go. I’m not backing out now.”
“Of course not. I just want you to be careful. You have a big heart.”
“I used to have a big heart.” Now it was wrapped up in barbed wire, or at least that’s what I liked to think.
“I don’t think anyone changes that much. You’ve always wanted a family.”
“I’ll get the dog. That’ll satisfy my need to care for others.”
“You know that’s not enough.”
“Are you done? I promised someone a date.”
“Just be careful. I love you.”
“Love you too.” Warmth flooded my chest because we rarely said we loved each other. My parents said it freely, but my brothers and I liked to pretend we hated each other. It was a good reminder that I already had an amazing family; I didn’t need to build one for myself. I’d be fine as the perennial bachelor with the house and a dog but no wife or kids. I’d be the best damn uncle and friend there was. That had to be enough. Because there wasn’t another option for me.
CHAPTER9
NATALIE
Delaney insisted on changing her outfit to a dress over leggings, and I took extra care with my appearance. I felt flutters in my stomach as we got ready. I never felt like this when I went out with Carter during our marriage, but maybe that was normal in a long-term relationship.
Delaney wanted to go to the brick-oven pizza place, which was fine with me. This was a good way for Mac to get to know Delaney better.
As we waited for Mac to return, I couldn’t help but think that he’d be an amazing father. He was a great uncle, and he was amazing with Delaney. He was sweet and conscientious. The day I found him soothing Delaney, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest.
