Page 120 of Almost Love

She bumped into him gently. “What’s on your mind?”

“Your usual fare was my original thought, you know, donuts and cakes. But now I’m thinking nothing food related, not directly anyway.”

“I have the utmost faith and confidence in you and your skills.”

“Fucking hell, now I’m stressed.” His accent crept out slightly, but his frown turned into a small smile.

“I know I haven’t said it in a while, but I’m glad you’re here with me.”

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you out?”

“With me inWildes, Mack. You didn’t have to move out here.”

His eyebrows dipped as he looked at her. “We promised each other that wherever one went with their dreams, the other would follow.”

“What about your dreams?”

“Hey.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, tugging her into his side. “I’ve got my kid and my best friend. Plus, my creative juices are flowing. I think I’m living my dreams.”

Her heart ached for this incredible man, but she nodded. “Be honest with me, how are you doing?”

“Ups and downs. But Dig and I are hanging in there. They really like Oakley.”

“And what areyourthoughts about Oakley?” She loved watching Indigo and Oakley interact, because it was pure and authentic. The two of them bonded over Gracie and he got to behave like a child with Dig.

“He’s a good guy. He’s stupid over you. That’s enough for me.”

“Heisa good guy,” she echoed and squeezed Mack’s side before letting him go.

With a pencil from his pocket, he started drawing on the wall. Clementine was glad that she had the MacArthurs in her life, but she could also not even imagine being a single parent and doing everything on her own. Mack’s strength as a father was commendable and she often worried that he was wearing himself out. Not that he needed someone to help him out, but a distraction wouldn’t hurt.

Then her mind wandered toherdistraction. That’s what he was meant to be. She wanted a little excitement and some fun, and he came along at the right time. Now he was so much more and while her fears that this could fall apart any minute lingered, she tried not to focus on that. Clementine had never said ‘I love you’ to anyone outside of her family, Mack and Indigo. While none of them had left or abandoned her, she hadthis niggling feeling in the back of her mind that told her once she gave Oakley everything, he would leave. All signs pointed to him staying, but she wouldn’t be Clementine Kinney if she didn’t worry about the silly voices in her head.

“What’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?” Mack asked, stepping away from the wall.

“Uh, menu finalizing for the Food Fling. And trying not to stress out about it.”

“It’s going to be fucking awesome, Tiny. I’m really happy for you.”

When she saw the weird teary expression on Mack’s face, she frowned. “No. Stop it.”

“I’m serious. You’ve been lighter and happier, plus, you’re fucking smiling and bouncing.”

She frowned. “Was it important that I smiled?”

“Fuck, no. That’s not what I meant.” He sighed and held her shoulders. “Listen to me, okay? You’ve been my best friend since before we could say each other’s names. I’ve seen you through various stages and versions. You’re my soulmate, Clem. So believe me when I say that I know what you used to be like before those fucking bitches broke your trust. I love who you are now, who you were then and who you’ll be in the future.

“But my best friend? The one who drops everything to help me with my kid, the one who never asks questions when I’m struggling and the one who went through shit as a teenager…she’s been struggling too. And you’re not struggling as much anymore. Whether that’s because of Oakley or because you’ve finally found your stride, it doesn’t matter. I’m glad that you’re not letting bullshit stop you from being whoever you want to be.”

Blinking back her tears, Clementine nodded. She knew that Mack would always be there for her, like she would always be there for him.

“I’m so grateful to have you in my life and in my corner. In case I haven’t said that to you enough.”

He squeezed her shoulders. “You never have to, Tiny. I’ve got you and you’ve got me. Just know that I don’t need you to be the happiest person in the world, but when you let yourself be happy, you’re fucking sensational.”

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she said, looking up at him. “One last thing before I go.”

“Nope. Don’t even think about it.” He shook his head, forehead crinkling.

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