Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“Yes! It’s so good.”
Last week, we had our book club discussion, and it was so much fun. A few more women from their work joined, and they were so nice. Ana went live in the book group, and we talked about the book. The ladies loved that Ryder actually had read the book, and a few made some flirty comments, but Ana made it clear he was taken, which was unnecessary since it’s online and we’ll never meet any of these people.
“I love that Ryder reads to you,” Paige says. “He’s like the ultimate book boyfriend, only real.”
“Speaking of boyfriends, how’s it going with John?” I ask.
“I think John’s going to take the promotion,” Paige says with a frown. “He said he would be a fool not to.”
“So, are you going to move back to London?” Ana asks.
“I don’t think so,” Paige says with a sigh. “I was moved around so much, growing up, and I told him that I wanted to make Houston our home after he was offered a position here. I love it here. I love my job, being near my friends. I love John, but I don’t know if it’s enough to move again. And I know that sounds horrible.”
“No, it doesn’t,” I tell her. “I get it. I moved quite a few times because my mom could never get it together, and it sucks. Now that I know what a home feels like, I can’t imagine leaving.”
Ana grins. “I love that you and Ryder have found each other. You guys are perfect for each other.”
“I don’t think anyone is perfect,” I say with a small laugh. “But I’ve fallen in love with him. He’s such a good dad, and he’s so protective. He loves with his heart on his sleeve and unconditionally. I can’t wait for this crap with my ex to be done with so we can move forward with our lives.”
“It will happen,” Ana says, reaching out and squeezing my hand. “And as for you”—she glances at Paige—“I’ll support whatever decision you make, but I’ll miss the hell out of you if you leave.”
“Ugh,” Paige groans. “Why can’t life be easy?”
“Mommy, can we go to the library now?” Violet asks, setting her empty cup on the table.
“Mama!” Addie mimics, filling my heart with love.
She lifts her arms, and I pick her up and set her in my lap.
“We’ll go to the library in a few minutes,” I tell both girls. “Just let us finish our coffee first.”
I hand Violet my phone so she can watch a show on the Disney app since she doesn’t have a device of her own, and Addie scrambles to watch as well.
“Ryder is lucky to have you,” Ana says softly. “Julian and I were so worried about him after the crap she pulled. I knew it would take a special person to bring him out of his shell. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” I scoff, shaking my head. “I came to Rosemary, looking for a fresh start, and found love, and I owe it all to you. You gave a homeless single mom a chance, and I’ll always be grateful to you.”
Just as I’m taking a sip of my coffee, a text comes through from Ryder.
Good morning, beautiful. Have a good day with our girls, and I’ll see you when I get home. Don’t cook. I’m bringing dinner home.
“Ryder?” Ana asks with a knowing smirk.
“He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and never thought existed. He wants me to move in with him permanently—like, share a bedroom and make it our home. He refuses to call me his nanny.” I lean in so Violet can’t hear. “He wants to make Violet his,” I whisper. “And if it were up to him, we’d be married as soon as my divorce was official.”
“But …” Paige prompts.
“I’m scared. Sometimes, I feel like what’s happening between us is too good to be true. Like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. And in my world, it always does.”
“I’ve learned the hard way that, in life, we have two choices,” Ana says. “Live in fear of what could happen or simply live for today. For years, I lived in fear, but since I met Julian, I’ve finally started to live for today, enjoying every moment we spend together, every memory we create. Sure, bad things can happen. Life isn’t always easy, and nothing in life is guaranteed. But the question is, what kind of life do you want to live?”
There’s only one life that comes to mind. “I want a life with Ryder.”
“Then, live your life,” Ana says. “And don’t let fear hold you back.”
“It’s okay,” Paige adds when I don’t say anything. “I get it. It’s easier said than done.”
Isn’t that the damn truth?
“I feel like we forgot something.”
Ryder chuckles softly and places his hand on my thigh. “That’s the third time you’ve said that since we left. If we forgot something, it’s not a big deal. There are tons of stores. Whatever we need, we can grab.”