“Wow.” I think that was Hannah. The women’s eyes keep darting back and forth between the three of us as Bree holds Ladybug in her arms.
I head toward the ogling ladies, an extra pep in my step. I don’t have any trouble getting dates, and I’ve been told I’m a good-looking guy. But the way Bree appreciates me doing the work I love? It hits different.
“Hi, Hannah.”
“Hi, Ford.” Nash’s sister greets my younger brother, which makes perfect sense. They would have been in high school at the same time.
Gunnar plunks the tree next to the hole and joins me close to where our visitors stand, the breeze blowing softly around us.
“And Ford is this little Ladybug?” My youngest brother reaches out toward Bree. “Come see Uncle Ford.”
Bree looks at me, and I give her a slight nod, so she lets Ladybug go.
Ford nuzzles the puppy. “You and I are going to have so much fun together.”
“Bree, these are my brothers.” I introduce Ford and Gunner. “This is Bree Winthrop, Ladybug’s other custodial parent and her sister Isabelle and Nash’s sister, Hannah Rivers.”
We make small talk for a few minutes as my brothers love on Ladybug.
My voice even, I catch Bree’s eyes. “I thought you were coming later this afternoon?”
“We decided to go for mani-pedis, so I took a chance to see if you were here.”
My heart fills with something unfamiliar. “I’m glad to see you.” Whatever it is, I like it.
Bree’s brown hair ruffles in the breeze, her beautiful face content. “I’m glad to see you too.”
Ladybug growls, playing with one of the little stuffed animals. Ford holds a lamb in his hand, letting her win at their tug-of-war.
I reach out and catch Bree’s hand in mine. “So listen. I don’t know if you have plans tomorrow, but I was thinking maybe we could take a jam-making class together. There’s one at 10 if you’re interested?”
Bree smiles widely before biting her lip and looking over at Izzy. I can sense her hesitation, but I don’t want to spend another day without her company.
“Why don’t you bring Izzy? Do you think she’d enjoy it?” Wow. I sound like a teenage boy who has never asked a girl out before.
She grins, thankfully. “I know she’s going through something right now, but it might do her some good to have some fun. So, yes. I would love to go to a bread and jam class with you.”
“Okay, so I’ll pick you both up around 9:30.”
Bree looks at Ladybug, who is now being led around the yard by Gunnar and Izzy on a bright pink leash that neither Bree nor I bought.
“Okay. She’ll be fine in her kennel, right?”
“Don’t fool yourself, Austin.” I point to our shared pup. “Ladybug’s not going to spend one second in that kennel while I’m gone. She’s had Ford wrapped around her little paw since before he even saw her.”
Bree squeezes my hand, not letting it go. “Thank you for including Isabelle. That means a lot.”
The way her hand holds mine so naturally? Like she’s been doing it our whole lives?
I would do anything for this woman.
And I don’t care that either one of my brothers gives me crap for it later.
Well worth it.
Chapter 9
Bree
