Page 9 of Most Likely to Fear Love

“Sure thing, buddy.” They were both gone on the promise.

“Sorry about this,” Sarah bounced Gracie gently. “She’s teething and nothing seems to help.”

I waved off her apology. “No worries. Can I do anything?”

Sarah’s eyes darted to the clock on the wall, then to the untouched dinner ingredients on the counter. “I was planning to start dinner, but...” She trailed off, frustration creeping into her voice as Gracie let out another wail.

I held out my arms. “Here. Let me take her for a bit. You get started on dinner.”

Sarah hesitated for only a moment, before carefully transferring Gracie to me. The baby’s cries softened slightly as I cradled her against my chest, her tiny fist gripping my shirt.

“You sure?” Sarah asked, already moving toward the kitchen counter.

I nodded, gently swaying with Gracie. “We’ll be fine. Uncle Harle’s got this, right sweetheart?”

I settled into a gentle rhythm, swaying back and forth with Gracie nestled against my chest. Her cries softened to whimpers, then quieted altogether as I hummed a low, soothing tune.

Sarah bustled around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and seasoning chicken. The familiar domestic sounds filled the air,punctuated by the occasional giggle or shout from the kids’ rooms down the hall.

Glancing over her shoulder, Sarah gave me a soft smile. “You’re good with her. Ever think about having one of your own?”

I chuckled softly, careful not to disturb Gracie. “You fishing for information, sis?”

Sarah shrugged. “Can’t blame a girl for being curious. You’re not getting any younger, you know.”

“Ouch. I’m thirty-five. I’ll have you know I’m in my prime.”

“Uh-huh,” Sarah’s tone was skeptical but fond. “And how’s that working out for you?”

I opened my mouth to fire back a witty retort, but the words died unsaid. How was it working out for me? The easy answer, the one I’d given a hundred times before, hovered on the tip of my tongue. But something held me back.

Maybe it was the warmth of Gracie sleeping on my chest, or the comforting sounds of family life surrounding me. Whatever it was, I found myself considering Sarah’s question more seriously than I had in years.

“I don’t know,” I admitted quietly, surprising myself with the honesty. “I guess I haven’t really thought about it.”

Sarah turned from the stove, her expression softening as she took in the sight of me holding Gracie. “Maybe it’s time you did. After everything you did for us, Harle, you deserve to be happy.”

“It was only money, Sarah. And I got some super cute niblings out of it, so it seems like a fair trade.”

“Don’t play coy. You know I don’t just mean the IVF. I mean this house, the kids’ school, all of it.”

I shrugged, regretting the movement when Gracie stirred. “Sorry, sweetheart,” I murmured into her hair, rocking back and forth until she settled again. “Like I said. It’s only money.”

My phone vibrated and I carefully shifted Gracie to one arm, reaching into my back pocket for it. The screen lit up with a new message notification. I swiped it open, my eyes scanning the brief text from Cassidy.

Cassidy:It didn’t take.

My heart sank. There was a world of pain in those simple words. Now how to handle it was the big question. I barely knew the woman. What did she want from me? One look at Sarah, humming to herself as she sliced the chicken, and I knew exactly what to say.

Me:I’m sorry for that, darlin’. How are you?

Cassidy:I’m okay. These things don’t always work on the first try. Thank you for asking.

Me:That’s no problem. You let me know if you want me to come by again.

Three dots appeared, disappeared and appeared again. She was overthinking it.

Me:Maybe second time’s a charm. It’s no hassle for me.

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