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“Right now,” I promise.

“Sorry,” Lauren murmurs. “They’re a handful.”

“They're wonderful. This big ol’ house has been way too silent. We all could use a good time.”

“It’s a huge house for one,” she says, glancing around.

I shrug. Better not to mention yet that, about a year ago, I purchased this four bedroom, three bath house with her and the girls in mind…and made sure the place had enough room for a nursery.

“Lots of room is never a bad thing,” I say vaguely. “Good tax break.”

I notice then that Lauren carries a large bag over her shoulder stuffed with towels and other goodies. It smells of…

“Chocolate chip cookies?” My nose isn’t deceiving me, right?

Lauren makes the best cookies. After one bite, if I wasn’t already in love with her, I would surrender my heart on the spot.

“Emma and I baked a quick batch as a thank you for inviting us.”

“Walnuts?” I ask hopefully.

“Some with, some without. Cass is allergic to most nuts.”

I make a mental note to be careful in the future as I lead them deeper into the house, past the formal living and dining rooms, to the kitchen and the back of the house. Emma hovers close to a corner, while Cass runs across the floor and presses her face against the French doors, looking out at the pool beyond.

Lauren sets down her bag and regards me with a self-conscious expression. “What can I do to help with dinner?”

“Just keep me company. Everything is mostly ready. All I have to do is barbecue.” I turn back to the girls. “Who wants hamburgers and hot dogs?”

“Me!” Cass bounces up and down.

“Yes, please,” Emma says quietly, clutching a Saddle Club book in her little hands.

“Maybe you can have one of each and we won’t tell your mom,” I say in a stage whisper.

“I heard that.” But Lauren smiles.

“Darn.” I laugh. “I suppose I’ll have to let you punish me later,” I shoot her a wicked grin just to watch her reaction.

Lauren doesn’t disappoint. She flushes a sweet rosy shade. “You wish.”

She has no idea. If the punishment includes some reciprocal action, I’m definitely all for it.

Chapter Nine

Lauren

* * *

Within a few minutes, I follow Noah outside and chat as he grills our dinner. A few potato chips and some fruit salad later, we’re eating. Afterwards, the girls swim. Cass paddles in the shallow end with her floaties, laughing. Emma rigorously practices her freestyle up and down the pool until I have to remind her that swimming is supposed to be fun, too.

She sighs.

“You’re worried about her.” Noah glances across the small patio at Emma.

Twilight wraps us in a warm-breezed cocoon, decorated with twinkling lights and emerging stars. How romantic it is here, among all these wild plants and tropical flowers, the pool’s waterfall gently falling in the background. The girls play quietly and, for a moment, I can imagine Noah and myself here alone.

Dangerous. Stupid. I’m asking for a broken heart.