I snapped out of it and responded to Natalie.
Will: Okay, we can talk Monday. And we’ll really eat the bagels this time.
Her reply came quickly.
Natalie: If you say so, William.
Was she mocking me? Flirting? Either way, I couldn’t stop grinning at my phone.
The weekend flew by in a whirlwind of soccer tournaments. Chase and Carter had back-to-back games on Saturday, and Madison babysat Ivy while I went to watch. Sunday rolled around, and Kelly took Madison horseback riding for some quality time, leaving me with Ivy to bring to the tournament. It would make a long day with an eight-year-old girl.
Blake texted that morning, asking if she could take Ivy for a pedicure and some shopping. I hesitated, unsure how Kelly would feel about it, but after running it by her, she reluctantly agreed. “At least she seems more reliable than a babysitter,” Kelly said, her tone dripping with judgment.
I had to admit, Blake was trying. If I was serious about her—and that was a big “if”—she would have to mold into the role of a stepmother. That wasn’t negotiable. But even as I watched Ivy happily climb into Blake’s pristine Mercedes SUV, my mind drifted to Natalie.
Why weren’t we together? I knew the answer. Natalie had been honest about why it couldn’t work, she didn’t want to take on my baggage. Still, knowing she was single now reopened all the questions I thought I’d put to rest.
Sunday afternoon passed in a blur of games. Carter’s team made it to the championship, and between matches, I texted Blake to check in.
Will: Carter’s team won! Moving on to the finals. Kelly can pick up Ivy if needed.
Blake: We’re good! She’s having a blast. Look!
She attached a photo of Ivy grinning ear to ear, her tiny feet soaking in a pedicure tub, surrounded by shopping bags. Blake looked flawless in the photo, too, her smile confident and radiant.
On paper, Blake was everything a guy in my position could want—a twenty-nine-year-old stunner making an effort with my kids. But she wasn’t Natalie.
I made a quick decision, knowing Blake needed to get Ivy home, and gave her my garage code, telling myself I could always change it later.
Will: Thanks for taking her. Here is my garage code. 0707. See you at home.
Blake: Sounds great. Can’t wait to see you.
I started to feel a twinge of regret for letting her take Ivy all day. It was leading things in a direction I wasn’t sure I was ready for, but for now, I had to just roll with it.
After the championship game and a pizza celebration with Carter’s team, we headed home. Ivy was already there, showered and in her pajamas, practically glowing from her day out with Blake.
“Daddy!” she shouted, running into my arms. “Look at my nails!”
Her nails sparkled with pink glitter, and she couldn’t wait to show off her new clothes. “Blake says I look like a princess!”
“You are a princess,” I said, kissing her forehead. “You had a good day, huh?”
“The best!” she beamed.
After tucking Ivy into bed and checking on the boys, I went downstairs. Blake was still there, tidying up the kitchen.
“Wine?” she asked, looking hopeful.
I hesitated for a moment but decided it was the least I could do after her effort with Ivy. “Red or white?” I asked.
Her face lit up. “Red.”
I grabbed a bottle and started opening it, but my phone buzzed on the counter. A quick glance told me it was from Natalie.
Natalie: Still on for tomorrow?
I wanted to reply,God, yes.
