Page 23 of Returning to Everton

I sigh. “It’s okay, Declan. I’m not upset. Just a little embarrassed, I guess. It’s been a long time since a man has flirted with me. Well, if you don’t count the movers today that is. I just don’t know how to flirt. Or if I even should. I don’t know how to be single,” I admit nervously.

“I completely understand, Rowen. I haven’t been with a woman since my wife died seven years ago. Heck, this is the first time I’ve even flirted with a woman. I don’t know what it is about you, Rowen, but I can’t seem to help myself when I’m around you.”

That actually makes me feel better for some reason. Declan is a good man. I’ve enjoyed spending time with him tonight. I really hope we can spend more time together in the future.

We turn down Quinn’s street and walk the rest of the way in companionable silence. It’s such a nice night, so the walk is more enjoyable than I would have thought. When we get inside, I call for Violet and Declan calls for Logan. The kids come running into the room, both going on about some game they were playing.

“Well, it sounds like you two had fun,” I say. “Are you ready for your bath, Violet?”

She sighs very dramatically. “I guess, Mommy. But I can play with Logan again tomorrow, right? At the park?”

I chuckle and look at Declan. “It’s okay with me. Do you want me to text you when we’re ready to head to the park?” I ask him.

“That would be great. I’ll be looking forward to your text. Come on, Logan, it’s time to get home and get ready for bed.”

“Okay, Dad. Bye, Violet! I’ll see you tomorrow! Good night, Ms. Rowen,” Logan says.

Aww, he’s so sweet. “Good night, Logan. See you tomorrow,” I say as Violet gives him a hug, and then the boys head home.

“Okay, Violet, let’s get you in the bath and in bed so Mommy can have her turn, I’m tired,” I tell my daughter.

While Violet is in the tub, Quinn corners me. “So? What happened? You were gone an awfully long time,” she winks at me and giggles.

“Oh my god, Quinn! No. Nothing happened. He gave me a tour of the house. And it is huge, so it took some time. Plus, I had a momentary lapse in judgment and almost gave up the house,” I reluctantly admit. I know she’s about to yell at me.

“What do you mean you almost gave up the house?! That house is perfect for you,” she exclaims.

“I know it is, Quinn. It’s just really big. The whole thing. It’s a lot of house, okay? I kinda freaked out when I saw the kitchen. I mean that fridge is at least twice the size of our fridge at home. What am I going to do with a refrigerator that big?” I ask.

“I don’t know? Have the guys fill it with food so you can cook for them?” she suggests.

I laugh, “You know when I was thinking about how big that house is and what I would do with all that room, that’s pretty much what I thought, too. It’s big enough to have all the guys over and not be crowded, that’s for sure. I’m gonna have to buy some more furniture to fill it up though.” We both laugh at that. “Wanna go shopping with me?” I ask.

“Um, duh!” she says. “When are we going?”

“Let me get settled in and all the stuff I have unpacked first. How about this weekend?” I suggest.

“Okay,” she huffs. “I guess you can get situated first. And you know I’m free this weekend.”

“Mommy! Are you going to wash me?!” Violet calls from the bathroom.

Quinn chuckles, “You have fun with that. I’m gonna go to my room and get ready for bed myself. Good night. Good night, Bug!” she yells down the hall on her way to her room.

“Night, Aunt Quinn!” Violet hollers back.

After I get Violet washed up and settled into bed, I take my pajamas to the bathroom and go to the kitchen for a glass of wine. Once I’m submerged in the tub, I finally start to relax. I can’t wait to get all settled in at the new house. It might be bigger than I had planned on getting, but who knows, maybe I’ll end up needing all the extra room.

I get out of the tub and crawl into bed. I fall asleep thinking about the house and all the plans I have for it. I have dreams that night of all of the guys, including Declan, at my house. Everyone gets along so well, it’s like they’ve all been friends for years. I just slip into their group seamlessly. It’s like the six of us were meant to be together.

9

Declan

As we walk home, I ask Logan if he had fun with Quinn and Violet. The guys are hoping we’ll all be spending more time with Rowen, and that includes Violet. So it would be nice if she and Logan get along. From how they were acting at the restaurant, I don’t see that being a problem, but it’s best to check in with Logan and see how he feels about her. He could have just been being nice tonight but may not want to spend more time with her.

“Yeah, Dad. Violet is pretty cool for a little girl,” he says.

I chuckle. “Oh, is that right? She’s cool for a girl?” I ask him.

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