Page 12 of Puck, Marry, Thrill

And he caught himself from laughing. She actually looked disappointed. That was not an aspect he thought about or even considered. Yeah, he’d married once for what they brought to the marriage bed. This time, he was looking for something other than physical attraction.

“I’d prefer that we were friends… and then we could always revisit this conversation later on during our marriage. I’ve got issues to sort through from my divorce – and let’s leave it at that.”

“Well,” Jamie began with a slight huff and frowned. “I appreciate that, but I expect fidelity too. If we are talking about marriage, then you should know that I don’t want to be shamed by my husband sleeping around, especially if I’m not the one you are sleeping with. Got it?”

“I agree completely.”

“And I don’t have a problem with Zachary being first in your life – that’s how it should be. You don’t know me. I don’t know you. But a child needs his parents to teach him, love him, and protect him, and he’s so sweet. I think all three would come easily.”

“Good,” he said hoarsely, nodding.

“I’m not a picky person or high-maintenance, despite what I look like now. I just need a break and…”

“I’m giving you one.”

“I know.”

“You aren’t scared about marrying a stranger because I’m not a hundred percent comfortable with the idea of remarrying.”

“If you played loud music, had women over every weekend, or I had to complain to the complex about you… things might be different. You’re a dad – no offense – and that means that some priority in your head is to take care of your son. If you can do that and let me exist in a little bit of a peaceful ring around your circle of priorities, then I’m cool,” she shrugged. “Besides, if you’ve been divorced once, then who is to say you won’t do it again later? It’s not like we are a thing. I mean, you are you – and I am me. We’re not in love. We’re neighbors – and I think we can keep it that way.”

“We can’t live here.”

“Oh?”

“My new job is in Quebec.”

“Oh, um, wow… did not see that coming, but that’s about par for the course. It’s been a long day, so why not throw another log on the fire.”

“Are you still good with this?”

“You know what? Sure. Why not? I’ve got nothing going here, so why not choose your own adventure… kinda like the books. I’m choosing to turn to page forty-eight to see if the prince is waiting or a dragon to eat me.”

And he fought a smile.

Gosh, it was nice to be around someone so positive with an outlook that was a little more laid back, more outgoing, and so much more giving than what Candi had been.

“I’m off tomorrow. I’ll accept the contract for the job and break it to my team immediately. It should go over like a lead balloon. Do you think you could be ready to go to the justice of the peace in the morning?” he exhaled.

The words lingered in the quiet room like a final breath before a plunge. He already knew what he had to do. The contract offer was sitting in his inbox like an unopened letter that could change the course of everything. And he would accept it—he had to. There was no turning back after tomorrow.

“I’m not going to work,” she chuckled, giving him a nervous smile.

“I’ll drop off Zachary with his sitter and…”

“Bring him,” Jamie interrupted and hesitated. “I’m probably speaking out of turn, but I would think you’d want your son there to see us get married. I know it’s on paper, but I’m going to be a part of this new world, and even if it’s for a year or ten years, I’ll be a part of his memories. We might as well start them on a positive note and make it a family thing.”

“You don’t mind?” he asked, stunned and inordinately pleased at this openness from her.

“Not at all,” she replied. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go burn this entire outfit, throw away my cookies so I don’t choke again, and get a shower. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure about this because once I put the plans in motion…”

“I’m no quitter,” she nodded easily. “You’ll find that out the hard way. Once I put my mind to something, I’m all in. Today was the first time I’ve ever quit a job – but when you give your boss the finger in front of everyone…”

Kenneth burst out laughing and didn’t hold back. This little woman, who was dressed like a modest hobo right now. She was so disheveled and looked like she’d been through the ringer, certainly had a spine of steel. It was nice that she didn’t back down or give in, and it would take a fighter to handle protecting his son if Candi ever came crawling back asking for money or taking him back to court.

Jamie rose to her feet, waved her hand in front of her like a courtier making an elaborate bow despite the stained shirt, and nodded – before turning to his son.

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