I snorted, then covered my mouth as if that could turn back time and remove the less-than-ladylike sound. But ... snow? Here? With the exception of Clusterflake 2014, Georgia wasn’t known for snow.
“Hey, a man can dream.”
The sparkle in his eyes told me he was amused by my snort. I cleared my throat. “How’s Cassidy doing?”
He smiled. “Well, thanks to you. She swam a new personal best in the butterfly at swim practice this morning.”
“Oh, good.” I had been hoping she would be able to implement the tampon instructions without any help on my part.
“How areyoudoing?” he asked.
I forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
He studied me. “I was finally cleaning up the flower beds yesterday. I could hear the yelling.”
His admission should’ve embarrassed me more than it did. “I’m sure you’ve already figured it out, but my husband is leaving me.”
His eyes widened in shock and confusion before he could school his features. “Leaving you?”
I chuckled, but the sound lacked any true mirth. “Yes, and apparently I’m just jealous because he can get a younger woman.”
“He’s an idiot.”
“You’re sweet to say that.”
He ran a hand through his hair and sat back against the bench. “And here I thoughtyouwere kickinghimout.”
“Oh, I’m trying to now, but he was the one who came up with the idea and served me with papers.”
“I lost my wife to a car accident, and I don’t get these men. Hardly a day goes by ...” His voice trailed off.
Cassidy had said her mother died; she didn’t mention how. My stomach clenched in sympathy at the pain that still undergirded his simple statement. Truth be told, I felt a twinge of relief. Surely he couldn’t see my attraction to him if he was still thinking about his wife.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I said.
He smiled. “Thank you. It’s been six years. The pain has finally dulled around the edges, but it’s still there.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes because ... what did one say to that?
“There are times when I get mad at her for leaving me, like yesterday,” he eventually said. “Thank you for stepping in. I know a better father would’ve been able to handle the situation without help.”
“Good parents know when to ask for help.”
Our eyes met then, and I could feel a pull of attraction. No, it had to be that he was so handsome, and I so desperately wanted to feel wanted. But it also felt as though he might be able to see all the way to my soul. Of course, he’d probably shy away if he knew about the evil machinations behind Operation Get Mitch Out of My House.
Or maybe not. My snort hadn’t bothered him.
Vivian, you are still married.
I put my hands on my thighs, willing my sore legs to rise. They didn’t. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to my rat killing.”
“What?”
“You know, get back to work. It’s an expression.”
He laughed. “You really are southern!”
“Don’t make me bless your heart again.”
