Page 90 of Hard to Score

When I look at Drew, he has a strange look on his face as he watches our interaction.

“We got flowers for Nana,” she says and points to the peonies that Drew set on the table.

“They’re gorgeous. I bet they smell pretty too.”

“They do.” She nods and reaches out to touch their petals.

Drew clears his throat and I glance over to him. “Today is Charley and Drew day,” he says as he holds his hand out for Charley to come to him. She moves to him and he hefts her up into his arms with an ease that says he’s completely comfortable with her.

I stare at them, uncertain how I feel. My heart is warmed by his obvious ease and love for his niece. Who doesn’t love a man who loves children?

At the same time though, if she is this big part of his life, why hasn’t he mentioned her? How come he’s felt the need to keep her a secret from me?

The thoughts erode at the feeling of security I’ve had when it comes to him and us.

“Brex?”

“What? Sorry.” I shake my head and snap from my thoughts.

Drew studies me and concern glances through his eyes. “I said we were about to go feed the ducks at the park and then head back to my house.”

“It’s sleepover night,” Charley says and throws a fist into the air.

“Sleepover night?” I exclaim.

“It’s jammies and juice and Jenga.” Her eyes are wide with excitement. “Can she come too?” She turns to Drew and asks.

He tugs on her hair and she giggles.

“Would you like to join us?” Drew asks.

“Thank you, but I don’t want to interfere with your time.”

“Uncle Drew says it’s nice to include people. We never want to make someone feel sad. So let us include you.” The innocence in her eyes and voice are everything that is good about kids.

“Yes,” Drew says and reaches across the table to squeeze my hand until I meet his eyes. “Let us include you.”

“I don’t want to—”

“I want you to.” His voice is soft, his smile is warm and inviting.

“I want you to, too,” Charley pipes in. “Except for the sleepover part. Nana says boys and girls aren’t supposed to sleep over at each other’s houses.”

I laugh, because it’s something Brenda said many times when we were kids. “Your nana is very right.” I wink.

“Then you’ll come with us? For ducks and dinner at least?” Drew asks.

My smile says it all.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

BREXTON

“SHE REALLY IS A SWEETHEART,” I say as I look at Charley. She’s lying across the couch at his house, snuggled in unicorn-print footy pajamas, with her head on a pillow propped in Drew’s lap.

Drew looks down at his hand where he absently plays with her curls and smiles softly. “She is. She can also be a stubborn devil but it seems she was on her best behavior for you tonight.”

“Apparently I was known for being quite the devil at times too. Along with being quite the scaredy-cat.” I shrug. “But I digress.”