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

“All the flower talk, right?”

I elbow him playfully. “Be nice.”

“Let’s see if we can get into the Eagle,” Drew says.

“Oh, they have the best chicken, Dad,” Neomi says.

“We have to get an order of candied bacon.”

“Candied bacon?” I ask.

“You’ve never been?” Drew asks.

“No.”

“Oh, you’re in for a treat then.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders, and the girls proceed to make my mouth water with glowing reviews about the restaurant located in the Over The Rhine neighborhood. I hang back at dinner, allowing the family dynamic to flow as I occasionally add my two cents in. I can feel the chill coming from the girls, who remind me in subtle ways that I’m an outsider. Drew navigates the icy waters like a pro, but I don’t want to push. I’m the intruder. I don’t want them thinking I’m trying to come in and take over. I’m slightly relieved when the bill is paid, and we’re heading back to my house.

When we reach my house, I turn around in my seat. “I had a great time today, girls. Thanks for letting me come with you.”

“You’re welcome.” The words are muttered, and I try not to examine the level of sincerity as I exit the car.

“Well, that wasn’t too painful.”

“I don’t know … toward the end it was pretty ouchtastic,” I say as we walk to my front door.

“It’s going to take time.” He twines our fingers.

“I know.”

“Are you still up for it?”

I glance at him in the fading light and squeeze his hand. “Andrew Hunter, I’m not going anywhere.”

His lips twitch up. “Just checking.”

We reach my door, and I unlock it and step inside.

“I miss the feeling of your lips on mine,” he says.

“I know, but I’d rather not make your daughters dislike me any more than they already do.”

“I’ll give them time to adjust, and then the frequent kissing will resume.”

“I’m down for that.” I kiss my fingers and place them against his lips. I don’t know if there’s anything sexier than a man being a good father.

As he walks away, I let the word love marinate in my brain.

Chapter Five

Drew

I hit ignore on the phone. I know the number by heart; Monica is trying to call from prison. I don’t have a damn thing to say to her. It’s time to cut ties. She received the papers stripping her of her parental rights. The calls are for one of two reasons: she’s trying to cuss me out or talk me out of it. Either way, I’m over it. This is our chance for a clean break. If the girls ever decide they’d like to reconnect, I’ll support it. For now, I return my attention to my mother.

“The girls told me you took them out with your lady friend.”

“Girlfriend, and yeah I did. I felt all of us one-on-one was the best way to introduce her to the family. What did they say?”

“She seemed nice, but they don’t trust her.”