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Mason
Mason took a bite of the appetizer Pippa had made to buy himself some time to respond to Sandra’s question. He groaned. The food was so good. Flavors burst in his mouth. Pippa could cook.
“Does Saturday morning work for you?” Sandra asked.
The woman hadn’t stopped talking about her ex-husband or her fitness regimen. She’d been hinting at a date for months.
“Not really.”
“Oh, well maybe—“
“Mom, I’m hungry,” Rachel blessedly interrupted them.
Sandra motioned to the food on the kitchen island. David and Brynn were right behind her. The kids dug into the snacks like there was no tomorrow.
“I’m gonna see if Aspen needs anything,” Mason excused himself and headed toward the stairs.
Giggles filtered down to him. He wasn’t used to so many people being in his home. But Aspen had begged to make this an event. And when she’d asked if Pippa could join in, he’d gotten excited about the prospect of her in his house again. When Pippa was around, it was like someone breathed life into a long-forgotten part of him. He’d been struck dumb when he walked into the kitchen at the image of such a gorgeous woman making herself at home in his house. But why would a young, beautiful woman like her settle for a damaged man like him?
“Daddy?”
Mason jerked his attention to the top of the stairs and halted his steps. Shock and awe beat his chest like a battering ram. Aspen stood at the top, her emerald-green dress flowing around her knees and making her look so sophisticated and grown up. Her hair seemed even more red, accented by the color of the dress, and was twisted into some sort of fancy braid with a crown sparkling on her head. She seemed so elegant, and much older than thirteen. When did his baby girl become this . . . stunning young woman?
“I think he likes it,” Pippa teased from behind his daughter.
Mason swiped at the tears in his eyes before they could fall and cleared his throat. “You look beautiful, sweet pea. Breathtaking.” He grinned. “In fact, maybe you should stay home.” He walked the rest of the way upstairs.
“Daaaaad,” Aspen whined.
He chuckled. “Give me a hug.” His eyes caught on the gold necklace he’d purchased. She’d wanted to get a cheap version, but once Aspen had shared it was for her and Pippa, he’d forked over the cash for the real deal.
Aspen walked into his embrace. He leaned down and kissed her forehead before brushing his thumb over the sparkly crown. When had she gotten that?
“Pippa loaned it to me.”
“I need a picture.” He pulled out his phone.
“I want one with you.” Aspen’s big blue eyes looked up at him. He hated being in photos. But he’d do anything for her.
Pippa opened her palm. “Would you like me to take it?”
He handed the camera over and wrapped his arm around his daughter. He smiled, knowing it would come out as more of a grimace with only half his mouth turning up.
“Got it.” Pippa handed it back.
“Now one with all three of us,” Aspen said, pulling Pippa’s hand towards Mason. Her gaze quickly flicked up to him, and then she stood beside his daughter. Mason had no choice but to wrap his arm around her shoulders and hold the phone out to capture all three of their faces. Tingles raced up his limbs as her sweet, fruity scent filled his nose.
“Say cheese,” Mason joked.
He snapped a couple of photos and straightened. He slipped the cell into his back pocket without even looking at the images.
“This is the best night ever!” Aspen exclaimed, hurrying down to meet her friends.
Sandra drove Rachel and Aspen to the dance and promised to return his daughter safe and sound. Brynn left at the same time with David to catch the bus. Mason was surprised she’d even come. Usually, the woman didn’t come within ten feet of him.
When Pippa returned from walking Lady, he helped load her things into the truck and opened her door before getting in on his side. He pulled onto the road. So many thoughts were reeling through his mind—like lists of why he had to control this visceral urge to reach out and touch her.
After several minutes of silence, he cleared his throat and cracked the window, trying to get a hold of himself.
