AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Do you want to?”
“Aren’t you going to say it’s too soon, or try to talk me out of it?”
“Nope, not my place. I’m not surprised by this. He’s completely devoted to you, so if you move in, that’s your business. You’re doing a month-to-month lease anyway since you’re leaving in January.”
I wince, welcoming the glass of wine the waitress offers. “I’m still trying to decide if it’s too soon. Giving up my own space is scary.”
“He seems convinced.”
“Yeah, I think he won’t take no for an answer. He can be persuasive.”
“This conversation just took a turn I never want to talk about.” He squirms uncomfortably.
I give a half-hearted laugh and change the subject. “Okay, let’s talk about Mom and Dad’s visit next week.”
“What’s there to talk about?”
“Maria and Mom arranged for dinner to be delivered after the game on Thursday night. We’re going to the Bennetts’.”
“Sounds good.”
“That was easy.”
“I don’t get involved in those plans. I’m trying to prep for Small Business Saturday and the next display.”
“I’ve got some ideas. Want me to tell you now?”
His head does a small shake as he narrows his eyes. Then his expression quickly changes.
“I have a great group of young artists ready to do a small show. I’m thinking in six weeks, at the end of December. That could lead us into February, where we can do a total reset again with a group that contacted me out of South Carolina. It’s a little different than our normal styles, but what I’ve seen so far is beautiful watercolor acrylic work.”
I’m so amped up about the upcoming events, I miss the way his face goes tight.
“Okay, Grace, put together a plan.” His voice is strained, but I ignore it. Instead, I ramble on about the possibilities.
Then I share with him my invitation to join a Women in Business group, explaining their purpose.
By the time we finish eating, my excitement is at an all-time high.
It’s hard to wipe the smile off my face when surrounded by Bizzy, Shaw, Nick, and Brayden. They all dote on the toddler endlessly, and he loves every second of it. At nine months old, he looks so much like Shaw, I have to wonder if he inherited anything from his mother.
“Come on, buddy, come get me.” Nick squats and puts his arms out as Brayden scoots across the floor until he gets on all fours and crawls as fast as he can to his uncle. When Nick scoops him up, Bizzy cheers loudly, getting in the little boy’s face and smothering him in kisses.
Brayden squeals in delight and wiggles free to do it all over, this time going to Shaw.
“It’s amazing how he’s changed in the last week,” Nick comments, and Shaw growls.
Shaw has made no secret how much he wants full custody of his son, but legally, he has to split fifty-fifty with Brayden’s mom, Sasha.
Bizzy shoots Shaw a sad look, then gently steals Brayden, bringing him to her chest and blowing raspberries all over him. It’s a heartwarming sight, and I hold out my arms, wanting my own turn.
The little boy has no aversion to strangers, coming to me easily, grasping my hair, and drooling as he tries to put it in his mouth. I catch Nick watching me warmly.
“Do we have him for Thanksgiving?” I ask Bizzy, and she nods.
“My mom is going to be in heaven.”
“It’s a fight among the moms, so tell her to get in line. Maria sends evil glares to my mom every second he’s in her arms. Shaw has to intervene often.”
