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KENNETH

This might have been a mistake…

That thought echoed in his mind repeatedly as Kenneth chewed his chicken, glanced at Zachary almost protectively, and watched the woman – Jamie – from the corner of his eye. She was a train wreck, which is why he wanted to talk. He had zero issues with telling her to bug-off if needed because Zachary came first… always.

He’d been stunned at how easily his son took to her, feeling something warm coil in his chest at seeing someone hugging his son, cradling him like he was everything, and the way Zachary’s face lit up at being cuddled by someone who filled the empty ‘Mom-slot’ that Candi had abandoned right away. He couldn’t even remember the last time Candi had hugged his son – their son – and that was part of the reason things were over. They had different priorities and ethics.

He believed in the sanctity of marriage, family, and forever.

Candi thought only of herself.

“Tell me about yourself,” Kenneth volunteered suddenly, needing to know if he was making the right decision for Zachary. He didn’t care about himself, but he wouldn’t put his boy in harm’s way. “You mentioned having a bad day?”

“Mentioned and look-like,” Jamie corrected, smiling wryly. “Thank you for the soup.”

“Of course,” he replied, pausing as he waited for her to talk – pointedly. “Go on…”

Jamie sighed heavily, like the world was falling around her, and a sudden understanding hit him because he’d had those moments, had those feelings, several times over the last year and a half. He’d spoken with a counselor to help get over his feelings of grief, inadequacy, and fear of what life would be like alone – but he wasn’t. He had Zachary, and it was eye-opening to realize that, and he was about to say something comforting when she looked upward, like she was talking to herself, to him, to God, to anyone.

“Have you ever thought you were meant to be more… and kept failing?” Jamie whispered painfully, and he saw her eyes tear up. Man, he hated tears because they made him feel like he’d been mean. He always took it to heart, needing to make it all better somehow, even if it wasn’t about him.

“Things were not supposed to be this difficult, this hard, and I wish people could be better, believe they could do more, because it would make this world such a beautiful place,” she breathed and then chuckled to herself, lost in her thoughts. “I always wanted to be respected, to be someone to somebody, and I give it my all… but people don’t want someone who gives a hundred percent. They are freaks, bossy, witchy , or simply don’t fit…”

He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing at her comment about being ‘witchy’ and remembering how she was trying to clean up her language – just like him.

“Growing up, I listened to the fairytales. I wanted to be the princess that helped people, the one that people loved, a leader, a friend,” she hung her head, staring at her bowl of soup. “And as an adult, it hurts to realize there is no castle. There are no people, no person taking a stand for something better, no one leading the parade.”

Jamie sighed heavily like the weight of the world was on her shoulders, before looking at him again.

“I don’t have a prince. My chariot is about to be repossessed, and I’m trying so hard to keep that outlook because it makes a part of my soul die to think that there isn’t some sort of hope, some magic, some calling in this life…” she met his eyes, glassy and stunning, that he swallowed. “Is it so wrong to want more for yourself, for others – because I’m starting to wonder if I’m walking a path in the wrong set of shoes.”

“What do you mean?”

“People always say ‘walk a mile in my shoes’ – well, I’ve walked it, but it doesn’t feel like me. I feel like I’m trying to fit into a mold and coming up short… repeatedly. Maybe I’m not meant to be an office goddess answering phones or taking dictation; maybe I’m meant for so much less, and I should just settle for mediocrity.”

“What do you want for yourself?” he asked softly.

“I want to be part of something bigger,” she admitted. “To be part of a community, to find a place where I belong, to show others how wonderful my kingdom is… to finally meet my prince, to sit under a tree and tell tales to all the village children so they believe in magic, love, heroes, and something more. I want to create a yearning for something more in everyone, so they all look upward, knowing the next step could be the one, their moment, their everything…”

He sat there, blown away and unsure what to say to all of that. How did this raggedy creature, this woman, who had been shoved down by reality so hard… could still look upward, hoping, wanting for so much more? Where others would have given up, she was staring starstruck at the world before her, wanting to lead, to share, to raise others beside her to join in her positivity, and he wanted this for Zachary.

For him.

“I’m taking a different job,” he began quietly, watching her. “I need to for personal reasons, but the job is only hiring married men. I’m divorced and not really thrilled with the idea – no offense…”

“None taken.”

“But I’m looking for someone who is independent yet can respect the bond that I have with my son. He’s everything to me – and I’m doing this so he can be a part of my life more. They are talking about building a community for the team, so I don’t see why you couldn’t be a part of that somehow.”

“Really?” she whispered, stunned.

“You wouldn’t worry about money as my wife, but I do expect fidelity.”

“Of course.”

“And I won’t touch you…”

“Oh.”

And he caught himself from laughing. She actually looked disappointed. That was not an aspect he thought about or even considered. Yeah, he’d married once for what they brought to the marriage bed. This time, he was looking for something other than physical attraction.

“I’d prefer that we were friends… and then we could always revisit this conversation later on during our marriage. I’ve got issues to sort through from my divorce – and let’s leave it at that.”

“Well,” Jamie began with a slight huff and frowned. “I appreciate that, but I expect fidelity too. If we are talking about marriage, then you should know that I don’t want to be shamed by my husband sleeping around, especially if I’m not the one you are sleeping with. Got it?”

“I agree completely.”

“And I don’t have a problem with Zachary being first in your life – that’s how it should be. You don’t know me. I don’t know you. But a child needs his parents to teach him, love him, and protect him, and he’s so sweet. I think all three would come easily.”

“Good,” he said hoarsely, nodding.

“I’m not a picky person or high-maintenance, despite what I look like now. I just need a break and…”

“I’m giving you one.”

“I know.”

“You aren’t scared about marrying a stranger because I’m not a hundred percent comfortable with the idea of remarrying.”

“If you played loud music, had women over every weekend, or I had to complain to the complex about you… things might be different. You’re a dad – no offense – and that means that some priority in your head is to take care of your son. If you can do that and let me exist in a little bit of a peaceful ring around your circle of priorities, then I’m cool,” she shrugged. “Besides, if you’ve been divorced once, then who is to say you won’t do it again later? It’s not like we are a thing. I mean, you are you – and I am me. We’re not in love. We’re neighbors – and I think we can keep it that way.”

“We can’t live here.”

“Oh?”

“My new job is in Quebec.”

“Oh, um, wow… did not see that coming, but that’s about par for the course. It’s been a long day, so why not throw another log on the fire.”

“Are you still good with this?”

“You know what? Sure. Why not? I’ve got nothing going here, so why not choose your own adventure… kinda like the books. I’m choosing to turn to page forty-eight to see if the prince is waiting or a dragon to eat me.”

And he fought a smile.

Gosh, it was nice to be around someone so positive with an outlook that was a little more laid back, more outgoing, and so much more giving than what Candi had been.

“I’m off tomorrow. I’ll accept the contract for the job and break it to my team immediately. It should go over like a lead balloon. Do you think you could be ready to go to the justice of the peace in the morning?” he exhaled.

The words lingered in the quiet room like a final breath before a plunge. He already knew what he had to do. The contract offer was sitting in his inbox like an unopened letter that could change the course of everything. And he would accept it—he had to. There was no turning back after tomorrow.

“I’m not going to work,” she chuckled, giving him a nervous smile.

“I’ll drop off Zachary with his sitter and…”

“Bring him,” Jamie interrupted and hesitated. “I’m probably speaking out of turn, but I would think you’d want your son there to see us get married. I know it’s on paper, but I’m going to be a part of this new world, and even if it’s for a year or ten years, I’ll be a part of his memories. We might as well start them on a positive note and make it a family thing.”

“You don’t mind?” he asked, stunned and inordinately pleased at this openness from her.

“Not at all,” she replied. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go burn this entire outfit, throw away my cookies so I don’t choke again, and get a shower. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure about this because once I put the plans in motion…”

“I’m no quitter,” she nodded easily. “You’ll find that out the hard way. Once I put my mind to something, I’m all in. Today was the first time I’ve ever quit a job – but when you give your boss the finger in front of everyone…”

Kenneth burst out laughing and didn’t hold back. This little woman, who was dressed like a modest hobo right now. She was so disheveled and looked like she’d been through the ringer, certainly had a spine of steel. It was nice that she didn’t back down or give in, and it would take a fighter to handle protecting his son if Candi ever came crawling back asking for money or taking him back to court.

Jamie rose to her feet, waved her hand in front of her like a courtier making an elaborate bow despite the stained shirt, and nodded – before turning to his son.

“Zach-Attack,” she whispered, making Kenneth jump because he hadn’t even revealed the little nickname he’d given his son. “I will see you tomorrow, buddy. You be good for Daddy, okay?”

“See ya,” Zachary smiled at her, and she booped him on the nose. His son’s chortle warmed his heart as he rose to his feet to see her out. Walking her to the door, he paused.

“I’ll come knock on your door in the morning.”

“Sounds good,” and then she paused, looking up at him. “I know I should be asking so many more questions – and probably need my head examined for this, but please don’t be some weirdo or closet freak. I’m trusting that you said you can handle all of this, that you mentioned that we’d be part of something greater, that you said not to worry about money… because I worry a lot about money, and I’m kind of a penny-pincher.”

“That will be a nice change,” Kenneth replied quietly and felt a small smile touch his lips as he looked at her. “I promise I can take care of us financially. You won’t have a thing to worry about.”

“I worry… a lot .”

“I can take care of a lot .”

“I worry like… five-figures a year ,” she pressed, squinting her eyes at him pointedly, and he laughed. Heaven help him, he actually laughed easily and grinned at her skeptical expression.

“I can take care of at least seven figures a year – do you need to know more details than that to stop worrying?”

“Seven… seven numbers complete with commas?” she exclaimed in a hushed whisper, her eyes widening. “Seriously? Oh wow, my fake husband makes bank.”

“Yeah, he does… fake wife,” Kenneth teased quietly and met her gaze. “We’ll be all right. I promise – just hold up your end tomorrow, and I’ll handle the rest.” He watched Jamie carefully, noticing the way she hesitated before speaking, her fingers curling slightly against her palm as if gathering the courage to say the words out loud.

“I will,” she nodded, her voice soft. Then, she looked at him shyly, her lashes lowering before she glanced back up. “Do you know the amount of relief there is coming off my shoulders right now? I can’t imagine not stressing about the bills or worrying if they are going to offer overtime this week or not. Thank you for telling me because, yeah, that helps—and I hate to admit that. I’m not a money-driven person, but I do like to eat.”

There was a quiet vulnerability in her voice, one that tugged at something deep inside him. She was independent, proud, and trying her best to hold everything together. He respected that. And yet, hearing her admit that she struggled, that the weight she carried was more than she could handle alone, made him want to reach for her, to shoulder some of that burden himself.

“Thank you for being honest with me—and being yourself. I like to eat as well, you know,” he replied, smirking in an attempt to lighten the moment. She needed reassurance, and he wanted her to know she didn’t have to pretend with him.

A small smile curved her lips, but there was still a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

“If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask it,” he continued, voice steady. “In fact, if you want to make a list of questions, I’ll be happy to answer all of them.”

She exhaled softly, as if his words had offered her just enough comfort to ease some of her nerves. “Thank you.”

He nodded. “See you in the morning, Jamie.”

She nodded in return, then looked away, her steps quiet as she walked down the hallway to her condo. Kenneth watched her go, his chest tightening with something he wasn’t ready to name.

Even after she disappeared inside, he lingered. His jaw tightened, his hands settling on his hips as reality sank in.

“What am I doing?” he muttered to himself, exhaling a disbelieving laugh. His head shook as the absurdity of the situation hit him. “I don’t even have her phone number or know her last name.”

With one last glance toward her closed door, he sighed and stepped back inside his own place. He needed a distraction—badly. Zachary would be waiting for him, likely already picking out a book for their bedtime routine. That, at least, was solid and predictable.

By the time he had tucked his son into bed, read Goodnight Moon for what felt like the hundredth time, and listened to Zachary’s sleepy murmurs fade into even breathing, Kenneth felt like he should be exhausted, too.

But hours later, he found himself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, his arm tucked behind his head. His mind wouldn’t settle.

Jamie.

The way she looked at him, and the way her voice softened when she let down her guard for just a moment lingered in his thoughts, unsettling him in a way he hadn’t expected. This was supposed to be simple—an arrangement. But something about her was anything but simple.

And that, more than anything, was what kept him wide awake.