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There is something refreshing about going out and having fun without having to worry about Jessie’s enjoyment of an experience. It’s probably something I should have prioritized earlier on for myself, but I never realized it was something I needed until now.

After Wyatt’s mention of alone time, I’m fully expecting that they’ll drive me back to their house for “dessert,” but instead, Cam turns down my street and pulls into my driveway.

“The date’s over?” I’m unable to hide my surprise.

He puts the car in park and turns to face me, taking my hand. “We are very much looking forward to another night like the one we shared last time, but we worry that it might have been too much too fast.”

“We want you to know that this is serious,” Wyatt says. “We’re not just fooling around.”

I feel like leaning fully into the kid I got to be at the arcade tonight and showing my disappointment by pouting, but instead, I tell them I understand. Because I do.

Maybe it was too much the other night, as amazing as it was. I’m frustrated, because I want more from them, but I appreciate their restraint. Maybe this means they do see me differently than the other women they date, but I try not to overthink it.

When they walk me to my door, I don’t think about anything at all, except how good their kisses taste and feel, and how I can’t wait to see them again.

CHAPTER33

STELLA

The next time I hear from Jessie’s dad, he surprises me by saying he’s planning to visit her in person on the weekend, if the timing works for us.

“Sure,” I text back.

“I’m hoping we can all go out together?” he writes. “Maybe to a park if it’s nice.”

I suspect he isn’t sure whether he’ll be comfortable being alone with her. Kids change so much so fast at her age. Not that long ago, she could be fussy and sometimes unreasonable, and maybe he’s worried that he’ll need help to deal with her.

But I find out that’s not the reason he asked me to come along.

While Jessie plays on the playground at one of the nice parks nearby, Brandon asks me to sit with him on a bench.

“I wanted to talk to you privately about something,” he says. There are kids yelling and having fun all around us, and we’re far enough away from the play structure that Jessie can’t overhear.

“If you’re open to it,” he says, “I’m seriously considering moving closer to you.”

“Oh, that’s a surprise.”

“I understand that you had to leave, and I’m glad you got away from a bad situation with your parents, but I didn’t realize how much I’d miss you.”

“You miss Jessie, you mean?”

Brandon gives me a quick look, then focuses on the playground. “Both of you, if I’m being honest.”

“Oh.”

“I was actually thinking that if I move here, maybe you and I could date and see if a relationship could work.”

This comes so far out of left field that I’m speechless. When we lived closer, Brandon didn’t see either of us all that often. I certainly understand him missing his daughter, but how much could he actually miss me? I have so many questions.

“Where did this come from? Why now, after six years?”

He shrugs, still staring out into the distance. “I guess it took you leaving for me to realize how I felt. I’ve dated other women, but I never found anyone special. You and I had great chemistry?—”

Inwardly, I frown at this, not entirely sure I agree. “And we created a beautiful daughter together,” he goes on.

That much is definitely true.

“Hell, who knows. If things work out, maybe we could give Jessie a brother or sister.”