Chapter Five
JOSIE
“You have a daughter?” I sputtered. “How do I not know this?”
Tate’s lips twitched when my eyes went wide. “Probably because you haven’t visited much. It’s not even a long story. I met her mom when I attended the wedding of a college buddy. She lives in Alaska. We sort of dated for a few months before she dropped off the radar. It wasn’t like we were serious, so I didn’t think much of it. Until I got a court order about her wanting to relinquish her parental rights four years ago. They tracked me down because she told one of her friends I had to be the father. Turns out, I am. Kara is six, and I’m juggling the single-dad life. Without my friends and family, I have no idea how I’d do it.”
“Wow,” I said slowly, trying to absorb this startling news. After a beat, I grinned. “Good for you, Tate. It’s just like you to step up like that.”
He smiled crookedly. “Once I knew, there was no doubt. It’s been an adjustment, and I’m sure I’m messing up half the time, but I’m doing my best. If you’re wondering where she is, my mom’s picking her up from daycare for me.”
“Well, I can’t wait to meet her,” I said, still trying to grasp what felt like monumental news. I was still pondering how Ihadn’t heard about this, but then my parents had visited me more frequently than I’d come here in the past decade.
“Oh, you will,” he said with a low laugh. “Anyway, let me show you around. Before I forget to mention, if you ever want to use those old ski trails before they get the resort up and running, just ask. We can go out together. The trails weren’t too overgrown when I bought the land. I did some cleaning up, and they’re usable now.”
“I appreciate it, and I might take you up on that.”
“Now, for the tour,” he began.
A mere five minutes later, I’d toured the small house. It had an open living room with a small efficiency kitchen to one side and a bathroom and laundry to the other. Upstairs was a loft bedroom with its own bathroom. “It’s even furnished,” he added.
“Wow, Tate,” I teased, “I didn’t expect furniture. This is amazing.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad it looks good. Do you want it?”
“I’m in! I was in before I even came out to see it, to be honest,” I said sheepishly. “Just tell me how much rent is, so I know what to expect.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Tate!” I protested.
He shrugged. “Josie, I wasn’t planning to rent this yet. You’re one of my oldest friends, so consider it a favor. What comes around goes around.”
I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I studied him. “Once you get things rolling with the ski place, I can help with the website or something for free. I love doing that kind of stuff.”
“We’ll figure it out. So when do you want to move in?”
“Tonight?” I cast a hesitant smile.
“Anytime,” he replied with a grin.
“Awesome! I just have a few bags. I travel light,” I teased. “I think I’ll unload, then run to the grocery store.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
A few minutes later, Tate had hefted both of my overstuffed bags out of my car. When I tried to protest, all I’d gotten was a dismissive glance and “Josie, let me help.”
While I carried the one remaining bag, I managed to slip on the packed snow. Tate reached out to steady me, his big palm curling around my hip. It was a passing moment and a brief touch, but the heat went molten in my belly, and my pulse raced madly.
He insisted I come to his place for pizza and to meet his daughter when his mom drove up. After I hugged his mom, he introduced me to Kara, an adorable little girl with Tate’s straight dark hair. She looked up at me. “I love your curls!” she enthused.
“Why, thank you! I love your blue eyes,” I complimented.
“They’re like my daddy’s,” she announced, pointing at Tate.
A little while later, after we’d eaten and Kara had been tucked into bed, he lifted his glass of water for a toast. “To coming home, Josie-girl.” When his deep blue eyes crinkled at the corners and that smile stretched across his face again, I thought I might swoon right there at the table. Thank God for chairs.
A betrayal like what I’d experienced in high school lingered. I hadn’t been serious with anyone since then. When I was feeling morose about my lack of dating and relationship prospects, I told myself it was because I was busy and focused on my skiing career. But my career-ending injury had happened three years ago. I still hadn’t gone on more than a few casual dates. It stung my pride that I couldn’t even recall how long it had been since my last date.
