Page 156 of It Should Have Been You

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Those girls are miracle workers.

They left five minutes ago, and I feel like one of Molly’s wedding cakes after she’s done decorating it. She hugged me and wished me luck. Eden slapped my ass and told me I looked hot.

I’ll take hot.

We couldn’t find a straight jacket in my wardrobe, but at least I have dark blue jeans. Eden handed me a pair of high heels and I threw them back at her.

I’m not falling tonight.

Hannah joined my rescue mission at some stage and picked out the cream camisole I’m wearing under my brown leather jacket. The heeled ankle boots are gorgeous, but comfortable.

Molly sprayed something in my hair, then Eden took over and I thanked the heavens I have a hair stylist as a best friend because with some magic, my hair isn’t poking out in all directions. Instead, loose curls fall over my shoulders.

With smoky eyes and glossed lips, I’m a put together, hyperventilating mess.

“You look beautiful, Mom.”

Hannah lies on the bed, her feet kicked up behind her.

“Thanks, baby.”

“Are you and Logan dating now?” she asks, and I swear I see the shimmer of hope in her eyes.

“No.”

“But you’re going on a date.”

“As friends.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or remind myself.

“It would be cool if you did. I love Logan. He’s the best.”

My heart expands in my chest.

I take a seat beside her at the edge of the bed. Her head falls onto my lap as I stroke my fingers through her hair.

“Thanks, I guess,” I say slowly. “But you and Isabel are all I need.”

She squints and her brows pull together. It’s that look she gets when she morphs into an old woman with wisdom far beyond her years.

“You know someday I’m going to be a librarian and Isabel will run away to join the circus.” I can’t help the laugh because that might not be far from the truth. “But we’re going to grow up, Mom. Someday we won’t live here, and you’ll need someone to cook for.”

Tears burn the back of my eyes. No matter what, I will always need my girls, and even when they don’t like hearing it, they will always need their mom. Part of me can’t wait for the future she has planned and another part of me dreads it.

“How are you only eight?”

“Nine next month,” she reminds me.

“Right.” I kiss the top of her head. “I promise if I’m ever going to date someone, you’ll be the first to know.”

Her nose scrunches up like she’s smelling something foul. “I didn’t say anyone. Just Logan.”

Hannah is team Logan.

Noted.

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

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