Piper patiently waits for my explanation.
“We were teenagers when we were first together, kind of sweet. Now, we’re adults with a kid.” I laugh.
“Exactly. Show him you’re a woman now. That’s my advice. Remind him that everything is different, and that can make things even better.” She holds the set out in front of her. “I think I got your sizing right.”
Blowing out a breath, I’m not sure what to say. “Why not.” I throw my hands up into the air. “But let me at least pay.”
“Nonsense.” Piper is already pulling out tissue paper and a bag.
“Thank you,” I give up and make a mental note to give back to her in some way at a later moment.
“You’re very welcome. Happy neighbor, happy life, right?”
“I’m not your neighbor,” I remind her with a smile.
“But Ford is, and he has been pining for you for forever.” She hands me the bag.
Taking the bag, I can only agree. “Me too, if I’m being honest.”
Saying our goodbyes, I make it back to Main Street to find Ford leaning against a tree with his shades on. That is until he sees I have a bag in my hand, then he propels off the tree and tips his sunglasses down to the tip of his nose.
“I’m curious,” he firmly states.
“Me too.” I laugh nervously.
He pulls me close and tries to steal the bag hanging off my fingertips, but I don’t let him succeed.
“Naughty us will have to wait. We need to go see someone important,” I remind him with a fake stern look.
Ford growls into my neck before stepping to the side, taking my hand, and walking us in the direction of the car.
“Our son,” he confirms.
12
FORD
Letting go of Brielle’s hand when we entered the rink was a difficult task, but I get it.
Mixed signals for Connor are something neither of us intend to do.
Walking down the main hall, there are ice rinks on each side. This place also has other sports. Hudson even trains his football team in a field nearby in the summer.
“This place is impressive,” Brielle compliments.
I scratch my thumb over my chin which has some stubble since I didn’t want to waste any time this morning. Elle is taking a chance on us, admitting truths, and letting me back into her life the way I want to be in hers. So yeah, there was no time for shaving.
“Thanks. After the summer when Connor is back at school, I’ll get my head busy with logistics and planning. We have a lot of staff to handle here, so there will be a lot of meetings, I’m sure.”
“But here you are now, volunteering to teach a class for the kids.” She smiles with the praise.
“I would like to think even if I didn’t have a son that I would still have found myself here. And if I don’t like it, then maybe I’ll coach college hockey. There is something about eager athletes that would keep me on my toes.”
“I could see that. The nearest college to Lake Spark is ironically Hollows.”
“I may have noticed.” We walk side by side, our shoulders occasionally grazing. “Connor will be on a break soon, and then you can see him.”
“I guess I need to get used to this. I don’t see Connor giving up hockey any time soon.”
