Page 113 of Single Mom's Guide to Love

“I am,” I say. “I know how hard you worked for this. And I’m bloody proud of you. But burnout is real. And you chose a career that has a younger retirement age than most fields of work. I just don’t want your career to come to a close and then suddenly you don’t have anyone around you.”

This is the most I’ve ever vocalized to Callum about the fear I’ve always had for him. Rugby is an insanely physical sport. Every match he puts himself at risk for injury. But this has been his dream since I can remember, so there was never a backup plan. He never even considered going to university as he knew he’d go to an amateur team, then pro as soon as he could. We both knew it was his path.

I’m just worried what his path will be once the game is up.

“Don’t worry about me, big brother. I’m fine. Trust me.”

“I do. I just…”

I trail off as I see Maeve peek her head around the corner, signaling that it’s time for dinner.

“Callum, I hate to cut this short.”

“No apologies needed. I’m glad you called.”

“I am too,” I say as I stand up. “Talk soon?”

“I’d like that.”

We say our goodbyes as I walk into the dining room where a feast is laid out on the table. I feel Maeve’s arm around my waist and I lean into her touch.

“Everything okay?” she asks.

I lean down and kiss the top of her head. “Everything is perfect.”

guide to love rule #25

When having relations with your husband in your childhood bedroom, remember the trick to locking your door.

32

maeve

“Maeve,I know you weren't looking for a husband, or even a boyfriend, but you sure did hit the jackpot with that one.”

I smile at Stella's statement as I look back toward the living room, where Logan, Jayce, Simon, and Emmett are all huddled around the TV, playing one of the video games Logan got Simon for Christmas.

But what I really can’t take my eyes off is Logan cuddling my niece Laney on his lap. She has taken quite a liking to the newest member of the Banks extended clan.

“Okay, now that’s an ovary buster,” Quinn says. “God, your children are going to be freaking beautiful.”

“Whoa! Slow down,” I say as I walk back into the kitchen, because she’s right, that sight was way too fucking cute. “I’m just getting the hang of being married. And being pregnant again? We haven’t even gone remotely there yet.”

“Did I hear the word pregnant?” That ridiculously hopeful voice comes from Mom, who, not shockingly, could have twenty grandchildren and still want more.

“Not yet,” I say. “Much to everyone’s surprise, this time I didnotget married because I was pregnant.”

“Damnit,” Quinn says. “I owe everyone ten.”

“Excuse me?” I look around to the numerous guilty faces of my sisters, sister-in-law, and mother. “Did y’all have bets as to why we got married?”

“What were we supposed to do?” Stella asks. “Justnottake guesses and try to make money off it?”

“Really, Maeve,” Quinn says as she shakes her head. “It’s like you don’t know us at all.”

I shouldn’t be shocked or surprised. If this was happening to any of my siblings, I’d not only be in on the bet, I’d be the one collecting the money.

“So are you ever going to tell us?”

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