Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

“Yes, you are.”

“I told the girls about you this week.”

She pauses. “You did? What did they say?”

“They were shocked but not opposed to it. I asked them if they wanted to meet you.”

“Oh?” Her voice shook.

“They’re thinking about it. I told them to take their time answering. Are you still on board with it?”

She nods. “I am. I just … I’ve never done this before.”

I reach my hand across the table and give hers a squeeze. “Neither have I. The other women I dated never got to the meet the kids stage.”

Her lips quirk upward. “So, you’r

e telling me I’m a special case?”

“You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

The timer dings, saving me from saying too much. “Dinner’s ready.”

***

Willow

“Okay, what’s the emergency?” Olive asks as she enters the room, completing the trio I’ve assembled with the promise of breakfast.

“I’m meeting Drew’s girls today.”

“Oh, crap,” Petunia whispers.

“Umm, yeah. Now you see why I’m trying not to lose it.”

“It’s time, babe. You’re about to hit … what, the four-month mark in a few weeks?”

“I know. I’m just nervous. They’ve got trust issues, understandably considering their mother. But still.”

“What did Drew say?” Olive asks.

“Not to take it personally if they freeze me out at first,” I say.

“So you know they’re slow to warm up to women. You’re an amazing person, all you have to do is be you.”

“Ugh.” I shake my head. “They’re Drew’s world. If they don’t like me, that’s it.” I draw my pointer finger across my throat.

“Girl, they’re not baby pirates,” Petunia says.

“Ha, that you know of.”

“Breathe, babe. Have you eaten yet?” Olive asks.

I shake my head. “I’m too nervous.”

“Where are you going?” Petunia inquires as I dish up stacks of fluffy, blueberry pancakes.

“The butterfly show at the Khron Conservatory.”