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Is someone squeezing my heart? Because that’s what it feels like.

I walk over and introduce myself to the parents, then go to stand near Broderick. “It’s really nice to meet you.”

He peers up at me with a bashful glint in his eyes.

“Noel brought some extra special goodies, wanna see?” Colby asks him, then nods his head toward the bag.

Grabbing the bag, I set it on the bed and Broderick’s eyes widen with excitement. I give Colby a secret smile, thanking him for helping me win Broderick over and make him more comfortable with my presence. Inside the bag are a bunch of soft pucks in a rainbow of colors. They look like you can squeeze them, similar to a stress ball. “What’s your favorite color?” I ask.

He answers green and I hand him a bright green puck. He squeezes it with both hands. “These are so cool!”

We’re all smiling as we watch him get excited over something seemingly small. “Have you been watching our games?” Colby asks him, making conversation easily, a skill he seems to have with people no matter the age.

“I haven’t missed one yet!”

“Good,” Colby nods. “You’re our lucky charm, I think. We’ve won all three games so far.”

Broderick grows serious. “I’ll keep watching then.”

For over an hour, I follow Colby from room to room, handing out pucks and watching him with the kids. He remembers all of their names, and things they enjoy. He even knows their parents and what they do. This is more to him than mandatory team participation. He genuinely cares about people. I’m not sure how it’s possible, but in one evening it feels like my attraction to this man has grown by 100 percent.

I’m about to cry at how sweet he is or grab him and kiss his lips because I’m that drawn to him.

When we get back in his G-Wagon, he turns to gaze at me. “I was going to take you to a restaurant to eat, but I have another idea. And if it’s too much, too soon, you can say no.”

I tense, wondering what he’s talking about. “Okay…”

“My mother and stepdad are at my house right now. I pay Ma to make my meals for the week and clean. She’s an amazing cook. She’s probably cooking up some homemade pasta and basil pesto as we speak.” He huffs a laugh. “She’s dying to meet you. Especially since my dad already did.”

I don’t even have to think about it. I want to meet her too. I want to know the woman who raised Colby, and I want to hug her. “Let’s go meet her.”

“Are you sure?” His eyebrows raise in surprise.

“Yeah, of course. Who else is going to show me your baby pictures?”

CHAPTER 31

COLBY

Ma’s face brightens instantly when she looks up from her workstation in my kitchen and notices Noel beside me. The kitchen island is a disaster of flour and cooking supplies. It’s always messy on the days she cooks. She has individual glass serving containers lined up and ready to fill with whatever she’s cooking up. Once she fills the containers, she marks each one with what’s inside like I’m ten, and I love her for it. I have to buy a few pre-made salads for the week though. Ma only knows how to cook carbohydrates. She wipes her hands on her apron, then uses them to smooth her hair self-consciously. My stepdad, Charlie, is at her side in the kitchen, stirring something on the stovetop. He turns quickly, making his silver hair fall into his eyes, and smiles. His dark brown eyes are bright as he takes us in.

I’ve never introduced them to a girl. Ever. I can practically see the wedding plans running through Ma’s head. I take a few strides into the kitchen, pulling Noel by the hand. “Ma, Charlie, I’d like you to meet Noel.”

Ma’s eyes get shiny with unshed tears. Oh gosh, please don’t cry. She rushes forward and hugs Noel. “Oh, it’s wonderful to meet you. I didn’t think this day would ever come!”

She’s practically strangling Noel. I pat Ma on the back, a silent urge to let go. She pulls back grinning so big it looks painful.

Charlie steps forward and takes Noel’s hand. “Pleasure meeting you.” Then he turns to glance at me. “And you, young man, have been so busy I’ve barely seen you lately!” Charlie pulls me into a big hug, feeling more like a father to me than my real one ever has.

I pull back, smiling. “You taking good care of Ma? I know she’s a handful.”

Charlie laughs as Ma pops me in the back of the head. “That is not true!” Her head swivels to look at Noel. “Don’t believe a word he says.”

Noel smiles, enjoying the exchange. “I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things. Mostly about your cooking.”

Ma rolls her eyes. “Always thinking about food, this one.” She pokes me in the stomach as if there’s any fat there.

I swat her hand away. “I assumed you made a feast and there’d be enough for me and Noel to eat for dinner.”