Page 5

“Excuse me?” Who the fuck does this tree of a man think he is?

First he stumbles and crashes into me and my son, and then he blames me for bringing my child to my sister’s party ... that I planned. Okay, so he probably doesn’t know that last part, but still.

He takes a step away from me, his dark brown eyes guarded and wary.

“Look, I—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“No, you look,” I say, shifting Levi from one hip to the other. Damn he’s getting heavy. “I’m a single mom. I have every right to bring my baby wherever I damn well please, and I do not appreciate being scolded for it.”

“To a late-night party with alcohol?” he accuses.

“Fuck off, jackass.”

I don’t let him get another word in, turning on my heel and heading up the stairs that open up to the top deck.

This is the last thing I need today, to have some jackass judging me for bringing my baby. Earlier at the store I had an old lady tell me Levi was far too old to be in a baby carrier. And when I was at the park yesterday, some of the other moms were making comments about how Levi wasn’t talking yet.

It’s something that weighs heavily on me. I know children develop at a different pace, but Levi barely says “mama.” I’ve made an appointment to talk to a paediatrician, but something in my gut tells me he’s okay, just taking his time. He’s always been a quiet baby, barely crying, always observing. Still doesn’t stop the worry from keeping me up at night, thinking of all the help he may need that I’m not giving him.

But with my luck, the kid’s real first word is going to be “fuck.”

Focusing on my son wiggling in my arms, I try to snuggle him. It’s almost bedtime and I need to find somewhere to put him to sleep. The babysitter I had lined up for tonight got sick and cancelled last minute.

I didn’t have time to find a backup and was not about to have this party go off without me. So Levi became my plus-one.

“Leah!” Maggie’s voice carries over the crowd, and I turn with a smile to greet Adam’s mom. She already has her arms extended to take Levi from me. It’s hard to let him go, but I can’t say it won’t be nice to not have to lug him around while I do my final checks.

“You take a break, honey, I want some quality time with my only grandson.”

God bless this angel of a woman. I seriously do not know what I would do without her. Mom would have loved her. They wouldn’t have been those two grandmas fighting over their grandchildren.

I fully believe if Mom was alive, Maggie still would have enveloped me and Levi into her family. Mom too .

“Thanks, Maggie, I was just about to find a place to put him down.”

“Nonsense, he’ll sleep right here.” She’s already rocking him in her arms. The strength of this woman.

Levi is a big kid for his age, and I’m not sure where that came from. I’m certainly not tall, and Ian ... Well, I always picture him as a small little weasel, but I guess he’s got height. But man, Levi is solid.

Smiling at Maggie and reassuring myself she’s alright, I use the few extra minutes to take a lap around the room, double-checking everything is where it should be. Some pieces aren’t centred so I shift them around, arranging the labels of the bottles so they’re perfect, all lined up and facing outwards.

Checking my phone for the time, I realize Paige and Adam are late. They’re coming separately, so I know they didn’t get caught up in each other as they sometimes do. I shake my head, not quite understanding how even after a year and a half they’re still just as wild for each other.

The sex can’t possibly be that good.

Maybe sex is better for some people—our bodies are all different, so it wouldn’t surprise me. Maybe you have to be soulmates like Paige and Adam. Maybe some people love it more, like food. Some people love ice cream and other people just like it. Tolerate it even.

Me? I’m a just-like-it kind of woman. Not for ice cream, I love ice cream. But sex? It’s good, but I’m not risking my job for a wild moment in my office .

I really need to stop thinking about sex with all these people around. It’s been too long, and even people without a sweet tooth get sugar cravings occasionally. To distract myself, I open my messages and see texts from both Shay and Mateo.

Shay

We’ll be there in two minutes, Paige was out on a run when I went to pick her up. Figured she should shower.

Is my sister ever not running? She likely lost track of time.

Mateo

I told the Uber driver to take his time and he took liberty with that. Be there in five.

Both texts were sent a few minutes ago so they should be arriving any minute.

“Alright, everyone,” I call to the group, signalling the DJ to turn the music down. A hush falls over the crowd and as I turn, I make eye contact with the man who knocked me over. I get a good view of him, my vision no longer clouded with red.

He’s in a pair of navy dress slacks that hug all his muscles. Are the seams okay wrapped around those tree trunks? His crisp white dress shirt, also form-fitting, is tucked into his pants. The long sleeves cover his arms, which I can tell are just as big as the rest of him. This guy isn’t skipping any gym days.

When I get to his face, I see he’s watching me take him in. My eyes narrow defensively and he mirrors my glare, intensifying the moment. They’re so dark they’re nearly black, but I was up close and personal before. I know they’re brown.

His light brown skin tone is a stark contrast against his white shirt, making him look ... Well, he looks like a fucking snack. His black, curly hair is unruly, blowing in the soft breeze, and the stubble on his face looks fresh, still showing the sharp angle of his square jawline.

It’s then I realize everyone is staring at me as I ogle this man. Clearing my throat, I tear my attention away from his broodiness and find Maggie, holding a passed-out Levi.

Magical woman.

“They’re going to be here any minute.”

As if on cue, the string lights surrounding the open floor dim, and everyone hushes. Perfect timing, because I hear sounds of people coming towards the doorway.

“A houseboat?” Paige is saying, her voice getting louder.

“You guys, this is too much.” Adam.

“It’s nothing! You deserve a better celebration than being exhausted after the ultra,” Mateo replies.

The door swings open, allowing Paige and Adam to walk through hand in hand as the lights flare to life and everyone yells, “Surprise! ”

After barely half a second of shock, the couple bursts into laughter, grinning wildly as they embrace their family and friends. Their shock seems genuine, so I think we pulled it off. Relief and satisfaction help dull my earlier irritation.

“Leah!” Paige runs over and wraps me in her arms. She’s my baby sister, but she’s almost a full head taller than me. Freaking giraffe.

“How good was my fake surprise?” she asks so only I can hear. I have to hide my smile. Paige hates surprises but Adam loves them.

“Very convincing,” I whisper.

“Oh my god, this is amazing!” she says as she pulls back. We share a secret smile. “I love it, thank you so much!” Her joy is so infectious, it banishes all my doubts of this not being good enough for her. I beam, loving the way her face shines with such pure happiness.

Strong arms wrap around my middle and I’m being twirled around, Adam’s laugh echoing in my ear.

“This is perfect, Leah, thank you,” he says before putting me down and turning me by the shoulders to face him. His voice drops to a fake whisper. “Mateo tried to take credit, but I know this was all you.” He laughs again and pulls Paige in, creating a big three-person hug.