Something about the sanctity of the pickup made it easier to talk to her about something I’d kept close to my chest since I began. My trust had been shattered by a woman before.
Though it hadn’t been Clover. “If I can work with them, I’ll get word of mouth. Others will see, and I’ll get more work. I can hire people. Buy my own house.”
“Revolutionary,” she said wistfully. In that, we were together. Two adults, trying to be adultier. Trying to prove to ourselves that we could do it.
“It’s all online, but I’d like a headquarters. An office.”
“Not a home office?”
I shook my head. “It’s lonely—when I’m not married.” I aimed a grin her way.
“You think so?” Her mouth formed a troubled line. “Do you think I have to plan for being lonely?”
“You’ll have a baby.”
A flash of fear coursed through her eyes. “Yes. Me and the baby.”
“And all of your family.”
She relaxed, slinking farther down in her seat. “I’ll have them too. I’ll be a divorced, single mom.”
My stomach twisted. Divorced. Single mom. Clover was a people person. She loved her family, and she was fun to be around. I never knew staying home could be so nice, but I’d take watching a movie with her over heading out to a game night any time.
I could do both.
For the next two months.
She sighed and peered in the rearview mirror. “We have a lot of pumpkins to unload.”
“I’ll take care of them.”
“I can help.”
Not when I was around. She wasn’t alone yet. “You can take in the food. I’m gonna need some of that cookie salad.”
Her eyes twinkled. “I made double and kept a batch here. Just in case.”
My whole world tipped over at that admission, and it might never be right.
Chapter Eleven
Clover
* * *
The hubbub of the lunch crowd at Rattler’s made the booth I was in seem more private.
I had invited Van to the lunch with my brother to discuss rentals Alder might have available or know about, but Van had an important call. It must’ve been a critical one because he paced the hallway a few times before I left. I’d hear steady typing from his office and then his stockinged feet hitting a steady rhythm on the hardwood.
I had my oldest brother mostly to myself, which didn’t happen often.
Alder juggled eight-month-old Lee like a pro with one arm while he took a drink of water. He’d taken the day off as soon as I asked him when we could meet. The weekends were busy with rec soccer for Laila, and she’d be in school during the week. Daisy was at work, but Alder had picked up Lee from day care.
“I still can’t get over this.” I gestured to him and my tiny nephew. Soon I’d be the Duke juggling a baby.
The dreamiest smile spread across his face. “Yeah? Why?”
“You were always bossy growing up and thought you were in charge.”
