Page 2 of Falling for Love

But seriously?

We made it through his toddler years to have him stick a snowman’s old carrot up his nose at age seven.

I pressed my lips together and tried not to laugh while I grasped at the orange sliver.

After several failed attempts, I shook my head.

“Sorry, buddy. We’ve gotta get you to a professional.”

“Ah, Mom.”

Lance came over and sat next to us. I spun around to the grill and turned it off.

“The good news is that dinner will be ready when we come back, " I said to Hayden, who slumped his shoulders.

He rolled his eyes, and I patted his back, trying not to chuckle.

“It’s okay. They’ll pull it right out,” I assured him, grabbing the plate, piling the bratwursts on the platter, and sliding the pack of onions next to them.

We went inside our cozy home with Lance beside us, and I put the food in the fridge before helping Hayden out of his snowsuit and into a fresh pair of jeans and a sweatshirt from the laundry room.

One more task I didn’t quite get to today.

Hayden pulled on his snow coat as I grabbed my purse, and we walked out the front door.

Another day in the life of a single mom, and I loved every second.

Lance howled from the living room window, his tail wagging like he had no idea his best friend had just made the Most Creative Urgent Care Visits shortlist while Hayden groaned in protest.

“Can’t I just sneeze it out?”

I chuckled. “Have at it.”

The brisk air stung my cheeks, but I was too busy keeping a straight face to notice. One part of me wanted to scold Hayden, but the other part was marveling at how typical this was for our life—a mix of chaos, laughter, and unexpected detours.

I’d finished up my last client early today and was thrilled to be in the comfort of my home before the evening had set in. As a horse farrier, my mornings were early, my hours were tough, and my days were long.

“Mom, do you think they’ll have to use one of those vacuum things to get it out?” Hayden asked.

“I hope not, but you’re definitely giving them a good story to tell,” I said.

I tried to sound serious, but my lips kept twitching.

Securing him in the car, I finally let out a little chuckle.

“You’re such a good kid. Don’t let this get you down.”

“I can’t believe I did it.”

I laughed. “Me either.”

“Mom,” he groaned.

I closed the door and glanced at our little house before backing out of the driveway. From the moment I got the keys last year, I’d been so proud.

All on my own.

I glanced at Hayden in the rearview mirror and smiled as he happily hummed to himself while looking out the window.

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