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Smoothing my hand down her arm, I try to soothe her. All I want to do is take away all of this woman’s worries, all of her hurt. I want to carry all the difficult things for Sophie and let her experience only joy and happiness.

“Hey, talk to me.”

She stands still and grips the counter top, lowering her head between her arms.

Taking a deep breath, she glances back up at me. “Sorry, I just wasn’t expecting that. For her to call you that. It took me by surprise.”

“I know. It surprised me too. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to upset her.”

“I think we should keep our relationship just between the two of us, Drew. It’s so new, we need to be careful in front of them. And my family. I just don’t want to deal with the drama yet, you know?” Her voice is laced with worry.

Leaning back against the counter top, I respond, “Whatever you want Soph. You set the pace. I want you to feel comfortable and I definitely don’t want to add stress to your life.”

I know my feelings are progressing faster than hers, and that’s okay. She hasn’t dated at all since losing her husband—that I know of. I’ll move this along at a snail's pace as long as I get to be with her.

With an aching gentleness, she places her hand on my shoulder. Her soft touch soothing my entire body, easing my fears.

“You’re not adding stress to my life, Drew,” she says, looking at me with her big blue eyes so tenderly it makes my heart leap. “You’ve done nothing but bring me joy. I just want to enjoy this for a little while. And I have no idea how my parents will react.”

I nod, bringing my hand up to cover hers. “I get it.” I smile. “When can we go out again?”

“Actually, I need a date for a wedding this Saturday.” She grins. “I know you’re on call, but if you don’t get called in, it would mean a lot if you came with me.”

“Of course. I’d love to go.” I stand and go to the cabinet and pull out some plates for dinner. “Whose wedding is it?”

She pulls the silverware drawer out and grabs some forks. “A friend from my Wonderful Widows group, her name is Angela.” We walk over to the table and set the places for dinner. “I may have told them about you … They’re excited to meet you.”

“Oh, really? Did you tell them about my muscles?” I hold both arms up and flex them through my dress shirt.

She wrinkles her nose and crosses her arms. “You’re ridiculous.” But she can’t hide her smile.

I laugh. “Now I really hope I don’t get called in. I want to meet these ladies.”

The air fryer beeps from the kitchen.

“Alright, dinner’s ready,” Sophie says before opening the back door and calling the girls in.

A feeling of warmth passes over me as I picture us being a family, coming home to Sophie and the girls each night. Setting the table, eating dinner together.

I’ve never wanted anything so badly.