He shrugs, that easy grin curving his lips.“Bought one this morning.”
I gape as he slings the plastic bag over his shoulder, picks up Mia with his other arm, and walks out of the room like it’s nothing.
When we reach his dark blue truck, I stop dead. Not only is there a booster seat, it’s brand new. Pink. Glitter letters spelling out Princess.
“Ethan,” I breathe,“that seat…”
“Perfect throne for the cutest princess,” he says, winking as he buckles Mia in.
Her eyes go wide.“This is for me?” she gasps.
Ethan crouches beside her.“All yours.” He kisses her cheek, and I swear her grin could light up the whole parking lot.
I stand there, jaw slack.“You didn’t have to do this.”
He’s already walking around to my side.“Let me.” He opens the door, his hand gentle at my back as he helps me in. I feel a small shiver run up my spine at the warmth of his touch.
Suddenly I’m very aware of the state I’m in, hospital gown traded for old jeans, hair a mess, no makeup. I tug at my shirt, heat climbing my neck. Oh stop it, Summer. You’re not trying to impress him. You’re not interested.
He gets in beside me, the cab filling instantly with his scent, warm sandalwood and something darker, like spice. Even his scent is unfairly good. My chest flutters slightly, a nervous, guilty thrill I can’t name.
Ethan turns on the radio, and Mia’s favorite song plays. She squeals, clapping her hands together.
“You know this one?” I ask, surprised.
“Of course,” he says casually.“She sang it for me a few times, so I looked it up and added it to my playlist.”
My heart does a stupid little flip.“Oh.”
They sing together, loud, off-key, joyful, and I can’t help smiling. I don’t know what to do with his kindness, but after what Mia went through, I’ll take anything that makes her smile. For now.
By the time we reach the B&B, the cold Wyoming wind bites at our cheeks. Ethan opens Mia’s door before I can unbuckle my seatbelt. He’s just that kind of man.
Lily appears on the porch, apron tied at her waist, hair escaping her bun.“My favorite little angel!” she exclaims, scooping Mia up and covering her face in kisses. Mia giggles, clutching her neck.
I watch them, something tight and tender twisting in my chest. Mia will know what it’s like to have real grandparents. I could never give that to her on my own.
Then Lily puts her down and comes over to hug me, too. It’s not the first time she hugs me, but every time I feel like it fills a hole my own mother left.
“Come on in, it’s freezing,” she says, taking Mia’s hand. They walk inside together, voices warm and bright against the crisp morning air.
Ethan’s voice calls from behind me as we step inside.“Mama, mind if I show Summer her and Mia’s room?”
“Of course!” Lily answers.“Mia and I are going to taste these cookies fresh from the oven.”
I hear Mia’s delighted gasp, and it makes me laugh under my breath.
“This way,” Ethan says, motioning up the stairs.
I walk up the steps, and his presence right behind me makes me hold my breath. I can feel the subtle press of his hand at my back when he guides me around a corner.
We stop at a wooden door at the end of the hall.“This is the family room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a fireplace.”
He opens it, and the warmth hits me first. The fire crackles in the hearth, orange light dancing across the walls. There’s a small sofa, cozy blankets folded on the backrest, and the faint scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke.
Ethan crosses to one of the doors and opens it.“This one’s for Mia.”
I step inside and freeze. The walls are lavender. The bed is small and pink, covered in fluffy pillows. There’s a bookshelf stacked with her favorite stories, a giant teddy bear on the bed, and shopping bags from the children’s store in town.
