Natalie: Hi, it’s Natalie. Bebe is hoping Ivy can come over tomorrow. Would that work for you?
He texted back almost immediately.
Will: Hi Natalie! I’m sure Ivy would love that. She’s with her mom today and is supposed to come back to my house tomorrow evening. I’ll check with Kelly to see if she can drop her off. I can come pick her up around 5:30, if that works.
I waited a beat and then I replied.
Natalie: Sure. If you want to send me her number, I can text her to confirm.
When I texted Kelly, I kept it short and simple. She agreed Ivy would love to come over and arranged for her mother to drop her off, since she would be out riding with her oldest daughter the next day.Interesting. Kelly rides horses.
I gave the house a quick once-over. It felt silly since four kids were about to tear through it. But Ivy was coming over, and Will would be the one picking her up. At least I could keep the kitchenand entryway presentable. I even blew out my hair. No reason really.
Who am I kidding?
When Ivy and her grandmother arrived, the woman spoke very little. She looked like old money, she was probably stunning in her youth, and you could still see traces of that as she aged.
The girls ran off to play ecstatic with their reunion; the grandmother handed me a small overnight bag. “Can you give this to her father when he picks her up?” she asked with a cool smile.
“No problem,” I replied, smiling. I was trying to ignore the awkwardness I felt instead of wondering why I felt it.
James’ friend Liam came over a few minutes later. The house filled with laughter and chaos. The kids ran around, their giggles echoing throughout. Barbies, makeovers, dress-up clothes, Legos and cushion forts were scattered everywhere.
At five fifteen, the doorbell rang. It was Liam’s mom. By six, there was still no sign of Will. My phone buzzed with a text from Jason, who was flying back from New York. His flight was delayed, and he wouldn’t be home until late. Anxiety prickled at the back of my neck. Was this a test?
At six fifteen, a text came in from Will, apologizing.
Will: Hey Natalie, my son’s game went late. My apologies, I’ll be there shortly.
Natalie: No problem
He arrived at six-thirty, attractive as ever in a long-sleeved casual black shirt with light grey shorts. A backwards hat sat low on his head, blonde waves poking out just enough to mess with my focus.
“Sorry I’m so darn late,” he said, flashing me a smile.
“It’s fine. The girls are still playing,” I laughed.
I led him into my entryway, which smelled faintly like citrus from the candle I lit earlier.
“My boys went off with friends, so I get to have Ivy to myself tonight,” he grinned. “It’s time to transition from ‘sports dad’ to ‘Barbie dad.’”
The doorbell rang again. The pizza I ordered and almost forgot about. I opened the door, thanked the delivery driver, and balancing the box in one arm, I reached with my other hand in my pocket to grab a tip. But Will stepped forward and handed the driver cash, gently taking the enormous box from my arms.
He was just in time to avoid the stampede as James, Bebe, and Ivy followed their noses into the hall.
“Pizza!” Bebe shouted.
“Can I stay for dinner?” Ivy asked.
Bebe chimed in, pleading. “Please, Mom!”
I laughed. “Only if it’s okay with your dad.”
Will glanced at me, and for a brief moment our eyes locked.
I could’ve sworn he blushed. My own cheeks warmed as he said, “Thanks for the invite.”
Of course. He’d be staying, too.
