“Likewise.” Everly swallows thickly but extends her hand all the same.
Confusion streaks Everly’s features. “Are you—were you?—?”
Elsie smiles because she’s likely not following, but I just realized what this must look like. “Elsie Olmsted is my cousin.”
Everly presses her hand to her chest and lets out a breath. “Oh, I understand. Actually, I don’t, but—never mind.”
“She was taking care of Sonny while I was away.”
“So she’s not your wife, er, ex-wife?”
Elsie and I exchange a glance and then she chuckles. “No, definitely not.”
“But he’s your son?” she asks, gesturing to the little boy who looks strikingly like me.
I nod as I pour Elsie something to drink and get a snack for Sonny.
“Does that mean I’m a stepmom?” Everly’s voice is barely above a whisper as confusion flickers across her features.
“It would appear that way.” My tone is decisive, yet a little hopeful that this is the life that she also wants.
24
EVERLY
Elsie excuses herself to the bathroom and Sonny munches on some small carrots with the green tops still on.
“Grey, in the future, relaying this kind of information is something you have to prepare someone for. Suggest they sit down or tell them in advance. Is there a reason you didn’t tell me that you’re a father?”
His shrug is apologetic rather than dismissive. “Some days, I don’t believe it myself.”
As if this isn’t the biggest deal of the century, Grey dumps a wooden puzzle onto the counter and they put it back together while Sonny eats his snack.
Elsie returns and asks about our trip. They’re both acting like this is all perfectly normal while I freak out inside. I skim through every conversation I had with Grey, wondering if I experienced temporary and selective amnesia, having blocked out this surprising and adorable fact.
At no point did Grey mention that he has a son, named Sonny, or that he’s a miniature version of his father, minus the beard, which has grown back in record time, by the way. Thenagain, I quickly enacted the MOC Club rules, thereby giving him a reason not to tell me about this situation.
The early summer breeze wafts from the doorway and I realize Elsie is saying goodbye.
“It was so nice to meet you,” she calls to me.
“Are you sure you can’t stay?” Grey asks.
“You know I’d love to, but?—”
“I know, I know. You did me an immense favor and have to get back to your life—Mathias and the big wedding coming up.”
“Will you be able to make it?” she asks me.
“To your wedding?” My gaze searches Grey’s.
She slaps him on the shoulder and shakes her head. “There is something you must know about the Olmsted men, whether they’re speaking English or Norwegian, they’re men of few words. Thankfully for me, I’m marrying into the Norgaard family.”
“Who’re notorious for having stinky feet.”
Elsie glares at Grey, but mirth fills her eyes.
“What? It’s true. The summer we had to bunk in the same room as Mathias, all Bran and I could—” Grey falls quiet.
