“It’ll be fine because Mom is going to be focused on getting to know Sharon. She’s beside herself,” Nick says, warming my heart.
“I’m going to start dinner.” Bizzy gets up and runs her hand through Shaw’s hair before heading to the kitchen. He stares after her lovingly.
“That’s our cue. I’m taking Grace home.” Nick gets up and takes Brayden while helping me stand.
We say our goodbyes, and when we get into Nick’s truck, I announce, “I’m in love with him.”
“He’s a cute little guy.”
“Do you think about that, Nick?”
“What?”
“Children?”
“Sometimes. Never until Brayden came along, but now, it doesn’t scare me so much.”
“Their situation is a shame. They don’t seem to think highly of Sasha.”
His fists grip the steering wheel, and his jaw goes tight. “She’s a raging bitch that almost killed my best friend. None of us think highly of her.”
“It was insensitive for me to bring it up. I’m sure the memories are still raw.”
“You know, I was furious and terrified out of my mind, but it was nothing compared to what Shaw went through. Knowing now how much being in love can change a person, I’m not sure how he got through it.”
“I think they have a beautiful love story.”
He opens his mouth to say something, then shuts it, working his bottom lip between his teeth. The last thing I want is for him to be plagued with thoughts of Bizzy in the hospital, so I decide to change the subject quickly.
“How was MDN?”
“You’re coming next time. It’s decided. I was distracted all night thinking about what you were doing.”
“That’s silly. I told you I was at dinner with Logan.”
“Yeah, but I’m selfish and wanted you there with us.”
“We’ll see what happens next time.”
“Go ahead and mark your calendar. The next one is Tuesday after Thanksgiving.”
I want to debate the reasons this should remain a foursome, considering their history, but my heart is jumping for joy.
MDN is a big deal. This is one more step in integrating our lives together.
Of course, when I move in, it’ll be a big deal, too.
Chapter 23
Nick
Logan is sitting at his desk, papers strewn all over, and drinking a highball of dark amber liquid when I arrive. He barely glances up when I walk in, motioning to a chair across from him.
“You okay, man?” I choose to remain standing until I know what the hell is on his mind.
“Not really.”
My earlier conversation with Grace comes to mind; she said they had a great day. Business was good, and their parents and Roy are flying in Wednesday night to spend the long weekend here in Miami. Everyone is coming to the game on Thursday. Thanksgiving dinner is being catered. Her mom is even coming to the gallery to help on Saturday.