I shake my head. “I’ll go check. Take your shower, and when you’re done, we’ll discuss ways to eat the ice cream and brownies.”
He steps inside and pulls the curtain closed. “I already know how I’m eating it, beautiful. Off your naked body,” he hollers.
“I’ll be back.”
“You better be naked,” he demands.
I make my way to the living room just as the doorbell rings a second time. I release the lock and pull open the door, finding a beautiful older woman with blond hair and blue eyes smiling at me. “Hello,” she says, and even without asking, I instantly know who this is.
Cade resembles his mother so much.
“Hi,” I squeak out, my throat suddenly dry. “Would you like to come in?”
She glances down and grins knowingly. “I don’t want to interrupt.”
I look down, feeling the mortification burn my entire being when I see the big wet handprint on my chest. “You’re not interrupting,” I insist, pulling my shirt away from my body and stepping back. “Please, come in.”
She does, and that’s when I catch the scent of something in the bag she’s carrying. “I’m Linda Miller, and you must be Oaklee Daniels.”
“I am,” I reply, a bit surprised she knows my name.
“It’s a small town, Oaklee,” she says, as if confirming how she’s heard of me. “Well, and Cade has mentioned you a time or two when we’ve talked.”
“Oh.”
He has?
She glances around the living room, as if looking for her son. “Cade is in the shower. I had to wrap up his leg so he didn’t get his new stitches wet,” I say, feeling like the word vomit is flying.
Mrs. Miller smiles politely. “Oh, I understand that. Between Cade, Collin, and Camden, I’m very familiar with stitches and the proper care.”
Chuckling, I reply, “I can only imagine.”
She leans in and whispers, “They were menaces, don’t let him fool you. Cade could find mischief without trying.”
I find myself grinning from ear to ear. “I bet.”
She holds up her bag and pulls out a bowl. “I made him some chicken and dumpling soup. It was his favorite when he was little, so I thought I’d whip some up. There’s plenty for two.”
“Oh, thank you,” I reply, taking the container from her and putting it in the fridge.
“You know, even though I wanted to throttle them more times than I could count, they were great kids. Cade, he tries to hide it, but he wears his heart on his sleeve and loves with his whole heart. He doesn’t think I’ve noticed, but he secretly wants what his brother has found with Lizzie. I’ve noticed the way he watches them. It’s not out of spite or jealousy, but appreciation. I know the way he acts around town and what he’s known for, but I see more than that side. He’s looking for a future, whether he admits it or not.”
My eyes are a little wide as I listen to her talk about her second born son, who even though he is a twin told me he was born five minutes after Collin. The one who’s a little silly and charismatic. The one I can see myself falling for.
“I apologize for just dropping by unannounced. I saw the extra vehicle in the driveway and knew he wasn’t alone. I was really hoping to get to meet you though. Not only has Collin met you, but Charli has talked so positively about you too. I wanted to finally meet the woman who is stealing my son’s heart.”
“Oh, we’re not—I mean, it’s not like that…”
Stop talking, Oaklee.
The last thing I want to tell his mom is I’m just the woman he’s sleeping with right now, that this isn’t what she’s suggesting.
But if I’m being completely honest with myself, something that feels an awful lot like hope takes root in my chest and blooms.
You know, for someone who wasn’t looking for a relationship, I sure as hell want this to turn into one.
“Well, nonetheless, I see the change in my boy, and I’m sure you have a lot to do with it. I won’t stay. I’m sure you two have plans,” she says, giving me another polite smile.
