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“I know. You have Addy, and we don’t want to move too fast.” I wanted to. It scared me because my feelings were so different than they’d ever been before. I wasn’t sure if she’d come into my life when I was ready to make a change or if it was just her.
“Last night was fun, and this morning…” She trailed off.
“What about this morning?” I asked as I cocked a hip against the cupboard.
“It’s everything I thought about when I dreamed of having a family. I didn’t think it would ever happen for me. I wasn’t open to letting anyone in, either. This is kind of a surprise for me.”
“It is for me, too.” I crossed my arms over my chest, watching while she removed the pancakes from the griddle and stacked them on the waiting plate.
I grabbed the syrup and butter and placed them on the table. I almost never ate at the table, but it had an incredible view of the forest.
“I’d suggest we eat on the deck, but it’s too cold for Addy.”
“Maybe she’d like to do it at night. We can make hot chocolate, and I can bring out a bunch of blankets.”
Sarah flashed me a smile. “That sounds amazing. Addy, breakfast is ready.”
“Yay! Pancakes!” Addy said as she skidded into the kitchen.
I needed to make a call about the horse carriage for tonight. I had a feeling they’d love it. I helped Addy get her pancakes as Sarah cooked up another batch, and then I sat across from them and ate a stack.
Sarah raised a brow. “I didn’t realize how much you eat.”
“It’s a good thing you made a ton.”
“I was thinking you’d have leftovers for lunch if you came back.”
“I don’t usually, but that was a nice thought.” The pancakes were gone by the time we were done eating.
I helped them clean up, and too soon, I was helping them out the door and standing next to their car.
“Have a good day at work.”
“I’ll see you tonight.” I kissed her cheek, thinking it was an acceptable thing to do in front of her daughter.
Her arms wrapped around my waist, and she pulled me close for a hug. My heart constricted again, and I closed my eyes to revel in the sensation of her warm body pressed against mine. I was ready for another round after what we’d shared last night. But I could be patient and wait until the time was right.
“See you tonight,” I said, pleased we were seeing each other again so soon.
“See you.” With a smile, she climbed into her car.
I backed away with my hands tucked into my pockets. I’d see them again in a few short hours, but I couldn’t mistake the pang in my chest. I’d miss them.
If they lived here, they’d spend the day in my home, maybe join me in the fields or help at the lot. It was a nice picture. My future was looking different than I originally thought. Maybe I’d have kids of my own who would grow up like I had, loving the property and the business. It was a future I hadn’t even realized I wanted.
Chapter 13
Sarah
Today, we were supposed to spend the day with my family, so we went home to shower and change. Then we drove to my parents’ house. They lived in a ranch-style home in an older neighborhood with mature trees. The development was more spread out, but they had a lot of kids who lived nearby and rode their bikes around.
I wasn’t sure if Addy would mention Knox, but I thought it would be a good idea to let them know what was going on in my life.
When we arrived, Dad was already on the porch with a string of lights in his hands.
“You need some help?” I asked him as we approached, and Dad bent down so Addy could hug him. He wore old jeans, work boots, and a worn flannel shirt.
He gave me a look. “I heard you had some help with your porch.”
