Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
I’ve already lost their momma. I can’t lose them too.
“Ready?” I ask, pulling open the door. I lift Hayden out first, and just like I’ve taught her, she wraps her arms around my leg while I lift Harlow out.
“Hold hands, sissy,” Hayden says, and they link hands while Hayden reaches up for mine. That’s how the three of us walk into Java while I hold the door open with my free hand.
“Miss Waken!” they exclaim, dropping my hand and running across the small dining area to get to Laken.
“Girls!” I call out, but it’s no use. Laken has already pushed out her chair and is embracing them both. All three of them are wearing huge smiles.
“Hey, ladies,” she greets them. “Are you here for breakfast?”
“Yep,” they reply proudly.
“Girls, you can’t run away from me like that,” I scold.
“But, Daddy,” Harlow protests.
“It’s Miss Waken,” Hayden adds.
“I understand that, but you know the rules.”
“Sorry,” they mumble.
I nod and then make eye contact with Laken. Her hazel eyes are bright as she glances up at me. “Hey, Grayson.”
She’s beautiful.
It’s not the first time I’ve had that thought, but it ends there. She’s easy on the eyes, but I don’t have time for more. My daughters are all that I have time for after a full week at the station.
“The three of you should join us.”
I turn to look at who offered the invite to see Justine Samson.
“We don’t want to impose,” I say, placing my hand on each of my daughters’ shoulders, ready to guide them to the counter to order.
“Please, Daddy,” my twin angels plead.
“That’s crazy.” Justine smiles. “Do they do that a lot?”
“They do,” Laken answers before I get the chance. “It’s really something… the way they are connected.”
“Miss Waken, we wroted a story,” Harlow tells her.
“You wrote a story?” Laken corrects while managing to ask with interest while pretending to be surprised, even though she told them to do so. “Hayden, did you help?”
“Yes. We tolded it to Daddy last night when the sky was angwy,” Hayden tells her.
Laken smiles at them, and then me and my breath hitches in my lungs. “You told your daddy,” she corrects her gently. “I’m sure it was the best story ever,” she says enthusiastically.
“It was,” they tell Laken.
“Come on, girls, let’s get some breakfast.”
“And you need coffee, right, Daddy?” Harlow asks.
“That’s right, baby. Daddy needs coffee.” I laugh.
“We’ll be right back, Miss Waken, and… what’s your name again?” Hayden asks Justine.
“I’m Justine. Miss Laken is my best friend.”
“My sissy is my best friend, oh and my daddy,” Hayden tells her.
“And Miss Waken too,” Harlow announces.
Justine and Laken chuckle softly. “Come on, monkeys, let's get some breakfast.” I guide the girls to the counter and order breakfast and a large black coffee. By the time we’re through the line, Laken and Justine are standing to leave.
“You’re leaving?” Harlow asks, sounding on the verge of tears.
“I’m sorry. Justine and I are going shopping in Billings today. I’ll see you Thursday when you visit me at the store. I want to hear that story.”
“Daddy, can we go shopping in Biwings?” Harlow asks.
“Not today, sweetheart.” I let her down gently.
Laken bends her knees to talk to them at eye level. “You two need to keep your daddy company. I think he’s been missing you while he’s at work all week,” Laken tells them. She glances up at me. “I think he needs lots of hugs and maybe even for you to clean your rooms.”
The girls gasp in surprise. “How did you know about our messy room?” Hayden asks her.
“I was a little girl once too. Do you think you can do that for me? Then on Thursday, I want to hear your story,” she reminds them again.
“Okay.” My girls agree all too easily and wrap their arms around her neck. “Bye, Miss Waken,” they say, stepping back.
I watch as she stands to her full height, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. “It was good to see you, Grayson.”
“Laken.” I nod. I can’t manage more than that as I process how easily she handled my daughters and how good she is with them. “Be safe,” I manage to add.
“Always.” She nods, then turns her attention back to the girls. “See you soon, ladies.” With a final wave from both her and Justine, they walk out the door.
By the time we get home, I have a text message from Ryder.
Ryder: You might want to take a look at this.
Attached is a link for the MC Scoop. I fight the urge to roll my eyes, but I click the link anyway, knowing without even looking it’s going to be about me.
Love Jitters
One of Mason Creek’s most eligible bachelors, a single daddy of two adorable little
girls, just might be off the market. Rumor has it he and our town’s beloved bookstore
owner have been getting well acquainted. From story time to breakfast at Java. There