It’s up to us to make it more.
“What should we do today?” she asks, interrupting my musing.
“Let’s brush up on your self-defense, make sure you’re able to defend yourself, just in case.”
Her smile falters. “You mean in case I’m alone?”
Is she asking me in a roundabout way if I intend to leave her? I’ve been worried about her walking away and breaking my heart, so I haven’t really laid my cards on the table. “Mandy, unless you tell me to get lost, the only way you’re going to be alone is if something happens to me. But even in that situation, I want you to have a fighting chance.”
“Thank you.” She swallows. “I’m beginning to think I never want to be without you.”
I don’t care that Oliver is eating on her lap or that I really don’t have a right. I cross the kitchen and cradle her face in my hands. “You’re changing my life, baby, and I don’t know what it will look like when we figure it all out. I just believe with everything inside me that we’re here together for a reason, and I’m hoping that never changes.”
Her smile turns even brighter. “I’ve been trying to keep you at arm’s length…but I’m quickly running out of reasons I should.”
That’s all I needed to hear.
I bend and take her lips, sinking instantly into the softest, sweetest mouth I’ve ever kissed. She welcomes me, stroke for stroke, and she clings to me, feeling so perfect. No, she feels like home.
Between us, Oliver slaps his little palm on the table and squeals for attention. I pull back with a laugh. “Wanting some of Mom’s attention, too, big guy?”
He grins, then plucks up his sippy cup and offers it to me.
“Oh, you must be special,” Mandy proclaims. “I’m the only other person he’s ever offered to share with. That means he likes you.”
“Good. I like him, too.” I kneel down to his level. “No offense, but I’m waiting for coffee. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
Mandy smiles as she sets the sippy cup back on the kitchen table. “Finish your eggs, Oliver.”
He ignores the spoonful she tries to choo-choo to his lips and instead blows me a kiss.
She rears back. “I’ve been trying to teach him that for weeks, and you’re the first person he’s done that to. He definitely likes you.”
With a smile, I kiss the top of his head, then cup Mandy’s face, thumbing my way across her cheek. “If things work out for us the way I hope, that will be a good thing.”
Before she can respond, her phone chirps. She jumps up to retrieve the device. I hope it’s not Bruce cluttering up her messages again. “Harlow wants to know if we’ll come by. She can’t leave since she’s watching both her son and helping Noah’s mother. Anyway, she wants to talk.” Mandy turns pensive. “We haven’t since she found out I was having an affair with her father. It would be nice to clear the air. I won’t stay long. You know, to be on the safe side. But she also volunteered to watch Oliver for a bit. She wants the chance to get to know her baby brother. Maybe we could go shooting again?”
“Probably a good idea.”
After some coffee, she makes a quick breakfast, then leaves me with Oliver, who’s now half watching a cartoon on her iPad while playing with another of his toy trucks on the living room floor. I see my future. Not in this house, but here on Maui with Mandy and her son…and all his grown-up siblings who are having children of their own. I see opening a new range, being good friends with Trace. I picture his baby boy Ranger and Oliver growing up together. I even imagine having my own children with Mandy. I can almost taste how happy we’d be. And I want it so fucking bad.
First, I have to make this threat against her stop. I’m grateful last night was quiet so we could sleep and regroup. Now I want to figure out who this asshole is and end this mess.
How?
Mandy breezes out of the bedroom, now in another summery dress in a muted green and tan sandals. Her hair hangs loose to the small of her waist. She’s applied some mascara that draws attention to her blue eyes and a hint of lip gloss that enhances her smile.
Could I really be lucky enough to spend the rest of my life with a woman this gorgeous, both inside and out?
“I’m ready.”
I stand and pluck Oliver from the floor, grabbing one of his trucks for amusement when he fusses. “Let’s go.”
“I texted Harlow to thank her and tell her we’re on our way.”
Vaguely, I wonder if the Noah Weston will be there. I would like to meet him someday, but now is mostly about Mandy and Harlow patching up their friendship, not me celebrity gawking.
After a trip to the post office, Mandy holds my hand as I mail my divorce papers. Other than a formality, Ellie and I are over. It’s the end of one part of my life. But a glance down at the beautiful blonde beside me makes me glad for the part I pray is about to start.
From there, GPS takes us to the swankiest part of the island, beyond a live guard and an electronic gate. I park the car, and Harlow stands outside in a red blouse and a pair of crisp white shorts, dark hair curling around her shoulders. Beside her is a hulk of a man who looks like an older version of Trace holding an infant.
Beside me, Mandy slides out of the Mustang, then frees Oliver from his car seat. Together they walk toward Harlow and Noah. I follow, hanging behind. I don’t want to be in the middle of their reunion, but I should be close if she needs me.
“Hi,” Mandy says to them.
I know that voice.
