Midlife Valentine: A Later in Life Single Mom Romance

“They do not!” It wasn’t possible. “What makes you say that?”

“Honey, they may not know it’s love, but they know that he likes you and you like him, enough that even the girls want you to look extra nice for the dance.”

My shoulders sank a little in relief. “I’m not sure they’re ready for me to have a serious relationship yet.”

Pippa laughed again and shook her head. “I think you’re the one who thinks you aren’t ready.”

“What if I’m not ready?”

“You are,” she insisted with more confidence than I had. “The age thing is never going to go away, but you’ll get used to it. If I can forgive Ryan for leaving without me, you can get over the fact that a younger man wants to be with you.”

“You had twenty years to get over it,” I insisted.

“And it only took me a couple of months. You just have to decide if you want to wait twenty years to see what’s right in front of you.”

That sounded like a special kind of torture that I wanted no part of. “All right. Work your magic, but make sure it’s something I can recreate myself.”

Pippa flashed a satisfied smile. “This is going to be so much fun! Just like high school.”

Chapter 26

Trey

“Don’t be nervous, Uncle Trey. You look very handsome.” Keri’s voice was so mature and her words too wise for her years. “Go on and pick up Mrs. Berryman. I’ll wait by the car.”

I couldn’t deny my nerves were frayed. My palms were sweaty and my heart raced a marathon at the idea of walking across my lawn and then hers, to knock on the door.

“Yeah, all right. I’m going.”

Keri giggled. “Go get her, Tiger.”

A short laugh escaped as I walked across the yard and knocked on Valona’s door. I hadn’t seen her in a few days, and that was on purpose. She needed some time to figure out what she wanted, and more importantly, if she wanted me enough to deal with stares and comments on our age difference. If she didn’t, tonight would be a bittersweet night where I got to hold her in my arms one last time. But not before I told her, in no uncertain terms, how I felt.

The door opened and Valona appeared with a hesitant smile. “Trey.”

My mouth dropped open at the sight of the vision before me. “You’re gorgeous,” I told her as I took in the full picture she made in a green dress that was just the shade to complement her eyes. It hugged every inch of her curves. The front dipped just low enough to show off a hint of cleavage, leaving her arms bare and a slit up one side to highlight her killer legs. “Wow.”

Her cheeks blushed prettily. “Trey,” she sighed. “I’m just me.”

“You’re always beautiful to me Val, but tonight you take my breath away.” My gaze fell to her feet and I smiled. “Heels.”

She stood a little taller and squared her shoulders. “Yep.”

“My only regret is that you’re not wearing a short skirt with those heels.”

Her lips tugged into a satisfied grin, blush still staining her cheeks. “Maybe next time.”

I didn’t want to read too much into that comment, but my stupid heart galloped inside my chest at the hint of her promise. “Are you ladies ready to dance until your feet hurt?”

Belle and Bridget shouted their excited agreement behind Valona before they darted out of the door where they met up with Keri in the front yard. “I guess we’re ready.”

I stepped in close to Valona when she stepped outside and locked the door. “Your chariot awaits.”

Valona shook her head. “It’s just a couple of blocks, we can all walk.”

“In those shoes? I don’t think so, babe.” I offered her my arm and she accepted with a smile. “If your feet hurt, I want it to be from me twirling you on the dance floor all evening.”

She sucked in a breath. “Best offer I’ve had all day.”

As soon as we walked inside the community center, the girls took off to meet their friends, to coo over the different colors and styles of their dresses before they hit the dance floor. Val was stiff as we stood still and smiled for obligatory photos for the town record.

“Relax,” I whispered in her ear and nipped it just to make sure she followed orders.

“I’m relaxed,” she shot back with a breathless tone. “Totally relaxed, even though all eyes are on us.”

It wasn’t quite all yes, but we had drawn more than a few stares. “Probably because you’re the hottest woman in the room. Or because you’ve shocked them all by wearing just one color. My best guess though?”

She turned in my arms, green eyes wide with questions. “Well?”

“That amazing cleavage.”

A loud laugh burst from her and the photographer snapped the last photo. “Perfect. You can order photos at the table to your right,” he said automatically and waved us off.