Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“We’re going trick-or-treating in our neighborhood next,” Colby says. “And we’ll get even more candy.”
“Now, that sounds like fun,” she says, rising and leaning over to hug Kiera. “You look amazing.”
“As do you,” Kiera replies.
Jake tugs on my cape, and I look down at him. “Can Brienne come trick-or-treating with us?”
Brienne’s eyes widen and she shakes her head at Jake. “Oh, no, honey. That’s a family thing.”
“You should come,” I say, surprising myself that the invitation just rolled right out without a single care that I was inviting her into my personal life with my kids.
My eyes rake briefly over Kiera as her mouth falls open. She quickly snaps it closed and grins. “That’s a great idea.”
Brienne looks between me and Kiera. “Really? Are you sure?”
I’m relieved she’s not saying no, not coming up with an excuse to avoid spending time with me and my kids. Definitely pleased she’s willing to give up work because I know that’s exactly what she’ll be doing once she gets home.
“You have to come,” I assure her, pointing back and forth between us. “We can’t let this classic pairing go to waste.”
“In fact,” Kiera drawls, her eyes shining with mischief and matchmaking, “we’ll go trick-or-treating, and then Drake, you can give Brienne a ride to the adult party tonight.”
I hadn’t really planned on going, but Darius and Aneta Cermak are hosting an adult costume party. I’ve come to learn they’re the social couple who always throw themed parties on our evenings off. I have no clue if Brienne was even invited.
“No, I wasn’t going to the party tonight,” Brienne is quick to point out, and I’m betting that’s more to let the players have fun without the owner looming over them. It’s why us dating could be a problem.
Then again, I wasn’t going to go either. I like my life a bit quieter.
“But you’ll at least come trick-or-treating with us.” It’s a statement, not a question. “And I’ll take you home after.”
Where I will enjoy peeling her out of that costume.
CHAPTER 29
Brienne
It’s dark by the time we walk the last block to Drake’s house, and the boys are worn out. Jake walks in front us, sucking on a lollipop and carrying his hockey mask in his other hand. Kiera carries his bucket of candy.
Tanner holds my hand, his feet slow and shuffling. I’m carrying his candy, which is quite heavy since the boys made out like bandits.
And my heart melts every time I glance over at Drake walking beside me. He’s got a sleeping Colby in his arms, the little boy’s cowboy hat hanging around his neck and his head is on his dad’s shoulder. He’s conked out.
“Thank you for inviting me,” I say.
Drake’s head twists my way, and he smiles. “I’m glad you came. The boys really like you.”
“I like them too. Once I figured out ice cream was the great equalizer, I realized it wasn’t so hard.”
Drake laughs, hitching Colby a little higher.
“Seriously,” I say thoughtfully. “It’s easy because you’re raising good kids.”
“Thanks.” His voice is gruff, his eyes warm.
When we reach their house, we trudge across the small front yard, up the porch, and into the house. Once inside, all the buckets of candy go on the kitchen table, and I follow Drake and Kiera up to the boys’ room where I help them change into pajamas and brush teeth. I feel like an old hand at this, having now done it twice.
Now that they’re home, the boys aren’t so tired. “Can we watch a movie?” Jake asks.
“Sure,” Kiera says. “Your dad and Brienne are going to a party.”
We’re not, but she’s giving us an out so we can have time together.
“No,” Jake insists, taking my hand. “I want Brienne to stay and watch the movie. Toy Story.”
I glance at Kiera, then Drake, who looks like he might kill me if I accept the invitation. I can already tell by the look on his face he’s ready for Thor and Hela to battle it out in the bedroom.
“One movie won’t hurt,” I say, giving him a pointed look.
He actually grins at me and relents. “Fine. Toy Story, then you boys are off to bed.”
“Yay,” they all yell and run to grab spots on the large sectional.
The doorbell rings, and Drake grabs the bowl of candy Kiera had set out for trick-or-treaters. “Don’t these kids know it’s dark and trick-or-treating is over?”
Kiera and I exchange a knowing smile because he likes to play grumpy, but he’s a softy when it comes to children. Drake opens the door, but there aren’t any kids there.
Just a thin woman—gaunt, actually—looking up at Drake with a pinched smile on her face.
“Mommy?” Jake whispers behind me, and my stomach pitches as I look back to the woman.
Drake’s ex-wife. Crystal.
I suppose she was beautiful at one point, but her skin is sallow, her lips cracked, her eyes dull. Her brown hair is tangled, and her clothes look dirty.