Page 70 of The Holiday Clause

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. We have a second date scheduled, but I still feel like I’m doing something wrong whenever we cross that line.”

“That’s because it’s a line you’ve been told not to cross your entire life. That’ll fade once you get to know his dick.”

Wren snorted. “There you go again.”

“I mean it, Wren. This might just come down to who has the nicest penis.”

She ignored her. “Soren wants a traditional marriage. I like my independence too much to even consider such a thing. He also wants a lot of children. My plate’s already full with The Haven.”

“You can do both. Plenty of moms own their own businesses. Plus, it really pisses off the patriarchy, so it’s a win-win.”

“Moms are important. I’d want to be there for my kids.”

“You don’t have to be at home twenty-four-seven to be a good mother, Wren.”

“True, but... I don’t know. Long-term is a scary thing to predict. What if it doesn’t work out and everything gets wrecked? I can’t lose the Hawthornes. They’re my boys. My family.”

Jocelyn nodded, recognizing the risk. “But you’re not ruling it out?”

Wren slowly winced. “No?”

“Atta girl!”

Embarrassed, she covered her face and groaned. “I can’t believe I’m actually considering this!”

“I can. And, I think you should give Logan another shot.”

“What?My life is already complicated enough.”

“I’m just going to say it, Wren. You’re not going to let them lose the company.”

Wren did a double take. That was not at all what she’d expected her to say. “Jocelyn, I can’t take responsibility for what Magnus does with his legacy.”

“No, but we both know, in the end, you’ll help them any way you can. You always do. They’re your boys. You even have that stupid Goonies name you call yourselves—the wilderness gang or whatever it is.”

She smiled. “The Wildlings.”

“Whatever. My point is, if they’re desperate and you can save them, you will. Even if it comes down to Logan being the one who wants it most. Maybe you have a lavender marriage, and the spice isn’t off the charts, but you’d still be married to one of your best friends. That’s more than most people get.”

She shook her head, unable to picture such a thing.

“My advice is to get cozy with the idea of becoming a Hawthorne. One of them is getting to Level Two. Why not take them all for a test drive?—”

“No.”

She held up her hands. “I’m not suggesting reverse harem. But there’s nothing wrong with a little heavy petting and kissing before making a commitment.”

“I’m not like you, Joce. This is all brand new territory for me. And it’s delicate because they’re my boys. I don’t want to hurt them.”

“They hold some accountability in this, too, you know.”

“I know. It’s just…” The truth finally occurred to her. She met her friend’s stare and shrugged. “I want love.”

Jocelyn leaned over and squeezed her hand. “We all do, sweetie. Your problem isn’t finding love. Your problem is that you already love them. And they each love you in their own weird little Wildling Hawthorne way.”

CHAPTER 10

“Fill My Stocking With a Duplex