“Excuses.” She gives me a knowing look.
I lick my lips. “I can guarantee you that Vaughn is probably doing the same as me.”
“Then it’s easy. Be the one to make the first step. He did it after he found out and made you move in with him, and I think you kind of enjoy that demanding side of him.” Her voice raises slightly. “It’s now your turn.”
A deep breath is my answer. “You’re probably right.”
* * *
Stone has darkerhair than his little brother. He’s also extremely kind to me, which is a surprise. I kind of expected him to be wary, considering I never informed Vaughn he was going to be a dad. Instead, Stone showed up with flowers for me and a giant stuffed monkey and a few wooden toys for when Nora is older.
He's holding her now as we sit outside on the patio with snacks on the table.
“For sure she has my brother’s eyes,” he states.
I smile. “Thought so.” I side-eye Vaughn, confirming that I’m right.
“Geez, the jury has spoken.” Vaughn grins.
“What are you going to do when Vaughn starts traveling?” Stone wonders.
Vaughn and I look at one another because we still have so much to talk about.
“I still have maternity leave for a little while, then hopefully I can find a part-time nanny or something. Daycare seems a bit too early for Nora. Plus, a friend’s mother said she could watch Nora one day a week, and I trust her with my life,” I explain.
“We have options. Money isn’t an issue,” Vaughn adds. No, it’s not. Vaughn won’t let me pay for anything, and it’s frustrating at times.
Stone looks down at Nora as she waves her arms. “I’m not a babysitter, unless it gets me the attention of the ladies in this town,” he jokes. “But I’m in the process of moving to Lake Spark soon for more inspiration.”
“I still can’t believe you’re going to write a book,” I say.
“Well, nobody is supposed to know. It’s not every day you expect some retired hockey jock to write.”
“A smart one at that,” Vaughn adds.
“Anyway, I also have a writing retreat happening here soon. My publisher is sending some romance writer to this retreat, and I’m confident she doesn’t even write her own stories. I’m not at all looking forward to it, so I may need to escape to this house.”
I laugh and grab some crackers. “She’s your best chance at any excitement. Pretty much all the women in this town are taken.”
“I feared you would say that. It’s breaking my heart,” he says, playing along.
Vaughn rubs his face due to his brother’s humor. “Or you could just deadbolt her in.”
“Oh, like you two did.” Stone glances down at Nora then back up to us.
Vaughn and I both awkwardly look at one another.
“Cheese plate?” Vaughn offers to his brother to divert the conversation.
“Nope, I’m good. What I meant to say is I’m happy to check in when my brother is out handling the attitudes of his hockey players. But what’s the deal going forward? Just going to live together under one roof?” Stone isn’t afraid to be bold.
Vaughn gives his brother a warning glare. “Stone, maybe focus on the kid.”
“Yikes. Did I just trigger a conversation between you two later? My bad.” Stone isn’t the least bit sorry.
Clearing my throat, I decide to keep us moving. “You two are close. Kind of like me and my brother.”
“Yep, which is why I watch out for him.” For the first time since he arrived, Stone looks at me seriously.
