Before long, she joins in, and by the end of our fit, we’re both wiping tears from our eyes.
“I needed that.”
“Me too. Come by anytime.”
“You too. You’re welcome to come by for dinner.”
She stands, her hands out. “Oh, that’s very generous, but I can’t. I’m sorry.”
“I’d really love to have you over.”
“And I’d love to come, but your tiny human has germs and snot.” She grimaces like she’s imagining Jacob wiping his snot on her Prada pants. “Like I said before, you’re my hero. I just wouldn’t know what to do with the snot.”
I wave her off. “Come for dinner. You need to get used to him if we’re going to be friends.” I take a few steps off her porch, then turn. “And don’t be so hard on your dad. He obviously cares and wants what’s best for you.”
She eyes me with uncertainty but doesn’t say anything.
After exchanging phone numbers, I head to my house, still smiling. She just needs some guidance. The mother in me wants to help her, and in turn, she makes me laugh.
She’s the only person I’ve been able to laugh with when Mitch’s name is mentioned. She doesn’t frown with pity like most people. Even before he died, our friends watched me with sadness, and it broke me every time.
Even though Dax never questions my feelings or tries to tell me “it’ll be all right” like everyone else does, Sienna is the first person to make me feel like I can talk about him without crumbling.
It doesn’t stop me from missing him. I miss Mitch like crazy, but it’s moments like these that make me believe I’ll be fine.
Once I’m home, I head upstairs to my office and open my computer. Before I have the chance to check my email, my phone buzzes with a new text.
Dax: My patient wants to set me up with her daughter. Fourth time she’s tried to play matchmaker. SAVE ME.
I laugh, but it quickly gets caught in my throat.
Sitting back in my seat, my stomach sinks at the thought of Dax being set up. Of meeting someone new. Of being romantic with someone.
Why the hell would that bother me?
I mean, Dax is my friend. He’s gone on dates before. He’s been in relationships. He deserves to find someone special and get married.
I shake myself out of it. I’m just feeling lonely, is all.
I send him a quick text in response, then check my email. There’s one from Sidney waiting for me, asking me to come in for a formal interview tomorrow. I squeal in my seat, squeezing my eyes closed.
I quickly reply. Once I press send, I immediately pick my phone back up to tell Dax about my interview. He responds several minutes later with a bunch of confetti emojis, then a congratulatory GIF.
By the time I pick up Jacob from school, I’m feeling light. Things are falling into place with my house almost unpacked, Jacob’s enjoying school, I could have a job by the end of tomorrow.
The nauseous feeling I had at the thought of Dax dating is gone, and as I drive us home, I even feel silly about my reaction.
Everything is going well.
Moving here has definitely been a blessing.
Nine
Clara
A few hours after my interview, I open the door to Dax’s smiling face.
“Come in.” I move aside to let him in, but he stands in the doorway with his arms behind him.
“I know I’m late, but I finally remembered to bring your housewarming presents.” He gives me an apologetic expression, which morphs into an amusing smirk. “Bread, so you never go hungry.” He hands me a loaf of wheat bread. “Salt, so your life always has flavor, and a candle for the bathroom because… you know.” He hands me the largest container of salt they sell, followed by a vanilla-scented candle—my favorite.
“Just admit you like that show,” I say, referring to the scene in Friends when Phoebe brings Ross all the items Dax just gave me.
“Never.” He shakes his head and comes inside. “I also have paint in my truck for your doorframe.”
I almost miss what he says, distracted by the way his eyes rake over me. “Um, thanks.”
What was that?
“Uncle Dax!” Jacob rushes into the living room.
“Hey, big guy.” Dax wraps him in a one-armed hug, another bag in his hand. “Don’t think I forgot about you. No, sir. I got you the best gift.”
“Really? Where?” Jacob tries to peek inside the bag.
I cross my arms, my heart pounding at their bond. They’ve always been close, and it’s one of the reasons I was happy moving to Sunnyville—for Jacob to have a man around.
And Dax is the best of them. A fantastic role model and father figure. Someone Jacob can look up to.
I’ve had these thoughts several times, especially over the last few weeks. I’ve never voiced them because even thinking them makes me feel guilty. Like I’m trying to replace Mitch, even though that’s not what I want. I just want Jacob to be happy and complete.
I’m clutching my chest when Dax says, “Now, I forgot to ask your mom if this was okay, but…” He shrugs before he gives Jacob the bag.
Like Dax ever has to ask for permission, anyway.
“Awesome.” Jacob discards the bag to the side. “A Lego set.”
“What do you say we build a stadium like the one we talked about doing for Minecraft?” Dax raises his eyebrows, still hunched down to Jacob’s level.
“Yes. I can do this when Mom says I’ve played video games too long.” He rolls his eyes.
“I saw that.” I bend down for the plastic shopping bag.
Dax stands at the same time I straighten up, so we’re close. His smile falls, and I gently hold his forearm.
“I’m not mad,” I whisper. “When have I ever been mad at you for spoiling him? Which you do, by the way.”
He exhales with a nervous laugh. His gaze travels from my fingers
