Charming Hannah (Big Sky #1)(49)

“I agree.” I kneel in front of the stroller and smile at the little girl and little boy who stare back at me with curiosity. “Hello there, Sarah and Miles.”

They grin and Miles offers me a high five.

“They’re adorable,” I say as I stand to talk to Jillian. “I can’t believe how big they are.”

“They’ll be three soon,” she says, sighing. “And I’m going to have to come see you soon as well.”

“Check up?”

She shakes her head no and gives me a happy smile. “We’re expecting.”

“I think at least eighty percent of the people I know are pregnant,” I reply with a laugh. “Congratulations.”

“What are the odds that it’s twins again?” she asks nervously.

“Not high,” I assure her. “Even though your husband is a twin, the odds are low.”

“Thank God. I love these two, but they’re a handful. Having just one infant will be a walk in the park.”

“That’s the way to look at it. How is Cara?”

Cara and Jillian are best friends, and each married twin brothers a few years ago. They live out at the King brothers’ ranch, in separate homes, of course. The Kings own thousands of acres just west of town.

“She’s great. I think she and Josh are finished having babies. Two are enough for them.”

“Well, I’d love to see you all soon,” I reply. “And I’ll look for you on my schedule.”

“Thanks,” she says with a smile. “And now we’re off to the park.”

She walks away, in the direction of the city park down the street, and I walk into Dress It Up to see if I can find something new. I’ve shopped like a pro today, I might as well keep it going.

“Hannah,” Willa says with a smile. “It’s nice to see you. Can I help you find anything?”

“I’m just out shopping today,” I reply. “I know I said this the other night, but I have to say it again. This store is so pretty.”

“I know. My inner girlie girl went crazy when we were decorating. And I just can’t be sorry.”

“You shouldn’t be. It makes me want to buy pretty things, and I would think that was the intention.”

“Absolutely, and it’s good to hear that it worked,” she says, nodding. “Plus, when you’re a single mother of a little boy, it’s nice to be around girlie things sometimes.”

“I’m sure. You have a son?”

“I do. He’s eight.” She reaches behind the glass display case that she uses for the cash register and grabs her phone, pulling up a photo. “Alexander, but we call him Alex for short.”

A brunette boy with dimples and a mischievous grin stares back at me. “He’s a cutie.”

“He’s a terror,” she corrects me and tucks her phone away. “But he’s eight, and he’s a boy, so I’m told that being a terror is normal.”

“I think so.”

“So, you’re dating Brad?” she asks without apology. Her chin is up, her eyes on mine, and I respect her even more. She’s not trying to gossip, she’s asking for information.

“We’ve been dating for a few weeks. Geez, more than that now, I guess.”

“I’ve known the Hulls for a long time, and I can tell you, they don’t get better than Brad.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Don’t worry,” she says, waving me off and straightening a shirt on a hanger. “I don’t have a crush on him. If anything I feel sisterly toward him. I dated Max for a while a million years ago.”

“I heard,” I reply and then shrug when she raises a brow. “Small town, Willa, and I’m friends with Jenna.”

“That’s right.” She nods and then laughs. “Max was a long time ago, but I still have a soft spot for his family. They were nice to me.”

“They’re nice people.”

“Exactly. So, I just wanted to let you know that Brad is what you see. He’s a good man, hard worker, handsome fella. And good for you for snagging him.”

“Dating in this town is hard,” I reply and she emphatically nods her head.

“Tell me about it. I’m either related to half the town, or I know too much about them. Or they’re only here on vacation. Not to mention, I have a kid, and he comes first. Always.”

“As it should be.”

“A lot of men don’t get that.”

“A lot of men aren’t worth your time then.”

She stops and smiles at me. “I like you.”

My phone pings with a text from Brad. Meet me at your place at 5:00?

“Speak of the devil,” I murmur and reply with sure.

“Enjoy him,” Willa says. “Make him loosen up a bit. He’s so stuffy.”

I nod and wave as I leave her store and decide to head home for a shower before Brad arrives.

Funny, he’s not stuffy with me.

Hot. Sexy. Funny. But not stuffy.





Chapter Fourteen


Brad

“THIS IS… INTIMIDATING.” I’m standing next to Jenna and Max, staring up at the tree houses that are currently under construction. They are about thirty feet in the air, supported by metal beams that will eventually be hidden by faux bark, making the supports look like trees.