Before we could start another conversation, Will glanced at his phone and sighed. “I should probably head out. Madison’s watching her brothers tonight, and I told her she could have her boyfriend over at eight if she held down the fort.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Her boyfriend? That word is being tossed around a lot tonight.”
He groaned, shaking his head. “Yep. I’m dreading it, but I figured it’s better than her sneaking him in when I’m not there.”
I laughed softly. “Parenting teenagers sounds… exciting.”
“Let’s go with exhausting,” he said with a faint grin.
He turned back into the living room and crouched beside Ivy. “Ready to head out, kiddo?” he asked gently.
Ivy pouted dramatically but nodded. “Okay, Daddy.” She turned to Bebe and gave her a gentle hug. “Feel better. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay,” Bebe said, her voice soft but happy.
I walked them to the door, letting Ivy step out first. Will lingered for a moment, turning back toward me.
“Good luck with the boyfriend,” I teased lightly, crossing my arms.
He laughed, “I’ll need it.”
With one last look, he and Ivy disappeared into the evening, leaving me feeling both full and wistful.
Once Will and Ivy had gone, I returned to the living room to check on Bebe. She was still curled up on the couch, the blanket pulled tightly around her.
“Hey, sweetie,” I said softly, crouching beside her. “Time for bed.” I carefully scooped her into my arms. She rested her head on my shoulder, her body warm and surprisingly light. I could feel how tired she was as her little arms looped around my neck.
When we reached her room, I eased her down onto her bed, adjusting her pillow and tucking the blanket snugly around her. Her favorite stuffed animal was already waiting on the pillow, and I set it gently in her arms.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I love you, Bebe. Good night.”
“Love you too, Mommy,” she said sleepily, her eyes already drifting closed.
Downstairs, Meredith was waiting on the couch, two wine glasses already filled.
I plopped down beside her, letting out a long breath. “Could you just move in?”
She laughed, handing me a glass.
“You really are a gem.”
“We’ve always been each other’s rock,” she said, her big doe eyes soft, a small smile tugging at her lips.
I gave a small nod. “Through it all.”
She tilted her head, giving me a knowing look. “Talk about smitten kitten—you are so far gone with Will. How are you going to tell all the kids?”
I sighed, swirling the wine in my glass. “I don’t know. Now’s not the time. Maybe after the holidays. It’s the kids’ first Christmas after the divorce…”
“Okay, excuses,” Meredith interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Your kids will be fine. They’ve already met Brooke. You’re just worried about that teenager, aren’t you? She’s got you all freaked out.”
I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Madison is… complicated. I just don’t want to push things too fast and make it harder on her, or on any of the kids. It has to feel like the right time.”
Meredith gave me a long look before setting her glass down. “You’ve got a good heart, Nat. But don’t let fear stop you from being happy. Will seems like he’s ready to handle whatever comes your way. And honestly? I think your kids are, too.”
I leaned back against the couch, letting her words sink in. “I hope you’re right.”
She smiled, leaning her head on my shoulder. “Trust me on this. You might get that picture perfect life with someone who you really love this time.”
