“Are we ever going to get any work done?” Owen laughs. “I can see my boy racing through these halls.”
Royce laughs too. “That’s the idea.”
“Let’s do it. Who’s going to present that to Aurora and Aspen?” Owen asks.
“Sawyer,” we all say at the same time.
“I’ll get my plans for both down on paper, and we can meet again at the end of the week. I want to move fast on this.”
We all nod and head back to our own offices. Just like that, I’ve found a way to help Wren. I just hope that Aspen can convince her to change jobs and come and work for us. It would be a huge help to her, and I’ll make sure she’s well compensated even if I have to pay her check out of my own pocket.
Chapter 16
Wren
I’m nervous. Marshall and I have been spending more time together. Actually, we spend a lot of time together. Every day over the last month, I’ve seen him. We make dinner at his place or mine throughout the week. On the weekends, we take Madeline to the park, and last weekend we took her to the aquarium. I tried to argue that she was too little to remember, but Marshall didn’t seem to care. He insisted we take her.
I have to admit it was a great day.
Now, here we are at a restaurant, waiting on Carrie, and her new man, Elijah, to meet us for lunch. I’m nervous that my longest friend is meeting Marshall for the first time. I don’t know what we are. We kiss, we hold hands, and we snuggle on his couch and mine, but that’s it. He’s made no comments about us being more, and neither have I. That last conversation was when he said he wanted to spend time with me.
Another reason I’m nervous, we left Madeline with Lena and Stanley. Marshall picked us up early, stating he had to help his dad move something in the garage. While they were working, Madeline and I sat with Lena. When Marshall came back in the house and asked if I was ready, of course, they asked where we were headed. Then Lena graciously offered to watch Madeline for me. I hesitated until Marshall placed his hand on the small of my back. “Thanks, Mom,” he’d said. “We like taking her with us.” Something about that statement pulled at me. This amazing man is spending time with my daughter and me, and even though I didn’t need a break from her, maybe he does. I blurted that they could keep her and that I would pay them. That got me a stern look from Stanley. He then proceeded to tell me that I was family and to go and enjoy a few hours of adult time.
That brings us to now. We’re sitting side by side in a small corner booth. Marshall has his hand on my thigh as we discuss the menu. “What sounds good, babe?” he asks me.
“I’ll probably just get a burger or something.”
“Hey.” He leans in, locking his eyes with mine. “You okay?”
“Yes.”
“Wren.” His tone is a warning, and I sigh. “I’m nervous for you to meet her and her you. I’m nervous Madeline is with your parents.”
“Let’s call them.” Before I can stop him, he’s punching numbers on his phone, and his mom appears on the screen.
“Hello.”
“Hey, Mom. Just checking in on Maddie.”
“Oh, well, she has your dad wrapped around her little finger.” She turns the phone to show Stanley in his recliner, sound asleep with a slumbering Madeline on his chest. “He’s a baby hog,” Lena grumbles.
“Thank you for watching her,” I say, emotion welling in my throat.
“She’s such a joy, Wren. Anytime you need us to look after her, you just call.”
“Thank you.” I nod, feeling the hot sting of tears.
“Thanks, Mom. Love you,” Marshall tells her.
“Love you too. Have fun, and don’t rush home. We’re good here.” She ends the call, and Marshall places his phone on the table between us.
“Anytime you want to call and check on her, my phone is right there. Mom and Dad won’t care if you call a million times. They’re used to Owen and Royce.” He chuckles.
“I’m good,” I assure him.
“Hey, hey.” I hear Carrie say as she approaches the table. She slides into the booth to sit across from me, and Elijah sits across from Marshall.
“Marshall Riggins.” Marshall offers his hand across the table to Elijah.
“Elijah Danning,” he says, taking Marshall’s hand.
“Carrie, this is Marshall.”
“Nice to meet you.” Marshall offers her his hand as well.
“You too. Elijah, this is my bestie, Wren. Where’s Maddie?” she asks.
“Oh, um, Marshall’s parents are watching her.” Carrie’s eyes go wide at my confession, and she knows that it’s a huge deal. It took me months of searching while pregnant for a day care with a good reputation to leave Madeline with every day. The only other person who has ever watched her is Carrie.