She waves off my concern. “Plans are meant to get bent.”
“I don’t think that’s a thing.”
“It is now. We’re partying college-girl style. No regrets!”
“Several years too late, my friend. I’m a mom and already exhausted. Squeezing myself into this getup expended all of my spare energy.”
She frowns and points at me. “This is happening.”
I hold up my palms. “Yes, okay. I wouldn’t dream of canceling.”
Josey bounces her eyebrows. “Because you want to meet someone special.”
“Ford will drool over you.” Millie claps a palm over her mouth, stifling a giggle.
“Ha, very funny. He won’t be anywhere close enough to slobber on me. And I thought we were done discussing him?” I cross my fingers for her to see.
“But I want to visit his shop again,” she whines.
I’ve been avoiding her request to see Crawford like last week’s trash. Nothing good can come out of either. Just when I think she’s dropped the idea for good, his name pops up. I’m one request away from getting her a dog to keep the distraction going. Little does she know, the idea of having a pooch to snuggle with has grown on me. It has nothing to do with that wolfhound at Iron Throttle. Not at all.
The doorbell chimes, saving me from another round of Ford inquisition. Millie launches off the bed and takes off toward the foyer. “I’ll get it,” she calls belatedly.
I laugh while following her retreating form. For such a shy child, she’s bold with those deemed worthy. When I arrive at the entryway, one of those few trusted individuals is crouching down at her level. I smile, giving our new arrival a wave. Alice stands and wraps me in a hug, much like she did with Millie moments ago. I met her on the first day we arrived in Silo Springs. She welcomed us to town with a broad grin and personal tour. I like to believe she pseudo-adopted us in that moment.
Shortly after, Alice introduced me to her daughter. Sutton Bowen lines me up with book cover design jobs and has become a close friend. The list of how helpful the Olsen clan is could go on and on. Their entire family is a true blessing to us in all the best ways.
Alice squeezes me tighter, reminding me of a mother’s embrace. “Hello, Keegan. I’m so pleased you called. We’ve been really looking forward to spending time with Millie.”
This woman reminds me so much of my mom. I swallow the ball of emotion that’s threatening tears. “Are you kidding? I’m the grateful one. It’s very kind of you to keep Millie until the morning.”
“Why not make it afternoon? Then you can sleep in.” She releases me, getting a good look at my outfit. “Oh, my. You’re certainly dressed to impress.”
“Right?” Josey approaches from behind, slinging an arm around my shoulder. “She’s so darn foxy.”
“My mama is gonna get a boyfriend.” Millie whispers the words to Alice, but her hushed tone is loud enough for all to hear.
I cough to cover a choking fit. “Ah, not likely. We’re just going to Bronco Buck for a few dances.”
Josey pinches my arm and I wince. “What she means is we’ll be shaking our booties until the sun rises.”
I nudge my friend away. “Quit it. Alice doesn’t want to hear about your sordid plans.”
“Our,” Josey corrects.
“You two are a hoot. There’s no doubt you’ll attract plenty of suitors.” Alice winks at us.
“And on that note, we should get things rolling.” Josey swivels her hips.
I kneel down and grip Millie’s shoulders, giving her a direct stare. “You’ll be okay staying with Mrs. Olsen overnight?”
My daughter barely bats an eyelash. “Uh-huh. I get to help feed the horses.”
I peek up at Alice. “That’s a huge selling point.”
She bobs her head. “It’s a struggle getting her to leave the barn. She’s so good with the animals. A real natural.”
“Mama says we’re getting a dog soon.” Millie’s slight frame is practically vibrating in my hold.
Alice widens her eyes. “Really? That’s wonderful.”
I shrug. “It’s an old promise I need to follow through on. I’ve been looking at shelters. There are a few family-friendly dogs at the Gulligan Haven location.”
“That will make Millie very happy, I’m sure.”
My daughter nods. “Yes, so happy.”
“It’s not happening tomorrow, baby girl. Don’t get too excited.”
“In the meantime, you can come over to our farm and visit with Gus.”
At the mention of the Olsen’s goldendoodle, Millie begins bouncing around in erratic circles. “Yay, yay! Let’s go. I can’t wait to see him.”
“Give me a hug, Mills.” I beckon her into my chest.
She leaps toward me, throwing her arms around my waist. “Love you, Mama. Remember to have fun.”
“I love you the most, sweetie. Be good for Alice and Barry.”
She breaks from my embrace and reaches for Alice’s hand. “I always am.”
“Millie is always on her best behavior,” the older woman agrees.
“Thanks again for letting her stay with you.”
She scoffs at me as she lets Millie lead her away. “It’s my pleasure, Keegan. Enjoy yourself. An evening out with other adults is much deserved.”
“Thank you,” I repeat.
I wave at them as they pile into Alice’s car and drive away. Josey is at my side, sending them off with me. A sharp lash rips at my insides, causing me to suck in a harsh breath. I can count on one hand the number of nights Millie has spent away from me. Gulping down the knob in my throat is a feat, but muted sniffles shortly follow.
Josey pokes my side. “All right, mama bear. Chin up. We’re going to have fun.”
I muster a smile.
“Starting now.” Josey produces a bottle of champagne from who knows where and drags me into the kitchen. She pours bubbly into two flutes sitting on the counter and hands me one. “Cheers!”
I clink our glasses together. “Salute!”
After she enjoys a few sips, her eyes laser in on me. “So, you’re really passing on Ford?”
I groan, long and low. “Not him again.”
“But why not him?”
“Seriously, Joe? He’s too
