Page 21 of The Ex Next Door (Charming, Texas #8)

Normally this might upset Amy, because Rob always expected her to rearrange everything to suit his schedule.

Since separating, he frequently reminded her that he worked so they would have to adjust to his schedule.

Her plans, then, weren’t as important because they were easily rearranged.

It was disrespectful of her time as if because she didn’t earn a wage it meant she didn’t do anything significant.

But on the other hand, if she wanted to encourage him to show up on time and have a relationship with the kids, she should work with him when possible.

This was one of the many items they’d gone over with the mediator.

“You may not love each other anymore,” the mediator had said, “but you both love the same two children. Take yourself out of the equation. If it’s good for the child, be big enough to allow it. Children’s needs are first, make yours second whenever possible.”

“That’s okay with me.”

“Thanks, Ames! You’re the best.” Rob’s voice lowered. “And I know we said we’d talk about this…um, when the time came. I wanted you to know that they’re going to meet someone this weekend.”

“M-meet someone?”

“Yeah, someone I’ve been dating for a while now. I think it’s time. Don’t worry, it’s just a few hours at a park and a picnic. Something low-key. She thought it might be best to introduce them that way.”

She thought it best. So, this other woman would be making decisions for her children, such as the best time for them to meet and how.

In a way, this was her biggest nightmare.

Someone else, someone she didn’t know or trust, having contact with her children.

She trusted Rob. She didn’t trust the women he might date because she didn’t know them.

This would be a third-party kind of trust. An extension by way of Rob.

“Amy?” Rob said. “You still there?”

“Yes.”

Amy swallowed hard, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

This was a woman who hadn’t planned on sharing her children with a possible future stepmother. This was a woman who had other plans.

“We knew it would come to this eventually,” Rob said softly. “It’s been almost a year since we first separated.”

She just didn’t think Rob would be first to want the kids to meet someone special. That should have been her. He was supposed to be in his happy bachelor era.

“And this is someone you’re dating exclusively?”

“Yeah. Not at first, but yeah…now we are.”

“Got to be honest, I thought you were going to date and have fun. Free and easy. I thought that’s why we broke up. You were tired of married life.”

He cleared his throat. “I guess I got it out of my system. At heart, I’m a one-woman man. You know that better than anyone.”

“Well, you don’t need my approval but thank you for letting me know,” Amy said. “I’ve got to go. I’m getting ready for work.”

“Ames, wait.” He paused. “You’ll meet her, too. I want you to get along. Who knows, maybe this will work out long term.”

“Like we did?” Amy couldn’t hold back the bite behind the words.

“I don’t know why we didn’t work. But I think you’ll like her because she’s a lot like you. A teacher, actually. Ironic, huh? I guess I have a type.”

“What’s her name? How old is she?”

“Her name is Shannon. She’s twenty-five. No kids of her own.”

But plenty of time to have them.

“I trust you , Rob. You are in charge of our children, not the woman you’re dating.”

“Got it.”

Amy hung up with Rob and got ready in a daze. Rob was right. She always knew it would come to this, but she thought she might have a little more time. So, Rob had someone new in his life. Funny how men just sort of plowed on through relationships, on to the next, without any fear of getting hurt.

And what about you?

Weren’t you just making out with your ex-boyfriend?

“Whoa,” Lou said, when Amy emerged. “Texas, lock up your sons!”

“You look pretty, Mommy.” Naomi smiled up from her book.

“I love those dangly earrings,” Moonbeam said.

David just stared at her and didn’t say a word, which she interpreted as tacit approval.

She kissed both David and Naomi. “Don’t wait up for me. It’s a late shift tonight, but I’ll see you in the morning and we’ll get doughnuts if you want.”

Outside, Declan leaned against his truck and waved through the opened screen door at them. “Ready?”

Amy walked over and climbed in the passenger side for the short drive to the boardwalk and pier. It was calm and cool, a light rain earlier having lowered the temps to make the summer night bearable.

She only noticed how quiet she’d been when Declan poked her.

“Hey. You okay?”

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.” A light breeze blew some of her hair out of its tight hold and she tucked it behind her ear.

“You don’t seem fine.”

“Just thinking.”

“About?”

“The kids are being introduced to someone new this weekend. Rob’s new girlfriend.”

Declan whistled. “The first time, huh? And are you okay with this?”

“It’s not like I’m jealous or anything.”

“Are you sure?”

She squeezed Declan’s bicep. “Yes, I’m sure.”

It didn’t seem to bother Declan, but it bothered her that he believed she might still have feelings for Rob and yet be kissing and fooling around with Declan the way she’d been.

If she still loved Rob, she’d be heartbroken by the news.

The truth was far more complicated. Love was gone, but they’d forever be linked as parents.

She was going to have to be friendly with her ex’s girlfriend.

Just another item in the long list on a single mom’s duties.

“Be honest with me. I can take it.”

“Declan, I wouldn’t be making out with you, flirting and sexting if I still loved someone else.”

“Good.” He reached for and squeezed her knee. “Because I wouldn’t be, either.”