Page 22 of Approved

This time, he snorted. “I am doing well, West. It was a long, busy day. I’m glad to be home even though Earl and Larry are complaining about wanting their dinner. How about you?”

The ability to speak seemed to be gone. Get it together, West.

“West?”

“Yeah. Hi. How are you?”

He sighed, “West, take a deep breath. Now breathe. I can wait a minute for you. Why did you call me?”

“Yes. On Saturday, there is an Art Festival and I wondered if you would like to join me. And after I can take you to dinner.” I held my breath, again. He had turned me down a few times but gave me a maybe yesterday, and I was betting on that.

“That sounds nice. I’ll take the day off. Yes, West, I will go with you.”

“Yes? You’ll go with me?” I felt my heart beat way too hard.

“Yes.” He giggled, which made my heart beat harder, and I worried a little that I might pass out.

“That’s wonderful. I am so happy. Okay, I will contact you more to plan time and stuff. Thank you so much, Tyler.” He really laughed this time, which aroused me more than it probably should. “I have to go, my niece and brother are coming over tonight.”

“Have a good evening, West. I’m excited about our date.”

“Me too. So much. Excited. Thank you. I’ll talk soon. Bye.” I hung up the phone. “Whoop!” He finally agreed, and I just knew in my soul that Tyler was special. Hopefully, I could get some sort of control over my nerves before we go out because Iwas completely aware that I hadn’t exactly been smooth when I asked him out. I danced back and forth a little bit, swishing my feet and moving my hips. It made me stupidly happy that he had finally said yes.

While I worked on dinner, I felt light, and my thoughts wandered to my upcoming date with Tyler—I couldn’t get enough of that word in my head. I imagined us walking hand in hand through the festival, and then I’d buy him sweet treats and share stories about the bar and my life. I hoped he would share with me, too. I put a ton of chicken nuggets in the air fryer just as the front door opened.

“Unkkie Wefst!” When she said my name, it made me feel good. She still added an ‘F’ in the pronunciation, but it was the best thing to hear.

East came around the corner and pulled me into a hug. He was my other half, and I wouldn’t trade him for anything. I picked up Allison and gave her hugs and kisses. “How are you, sweet girl?”

“I’m happy. Are you happy?” She asked while she looked at me, her eyes wide.

I kissed her cheek. “Yes, I am very happy. Go get your coloring books, and I have a movie on for you in the living room.”

“Nuggies for dinner?” She smiled up at me as I set her down.

“Yes. With lots of ranch.”

“Yaaay.” She ran out of the room, delighted with the plan.

“How are you doing, brother?” East asked. “You’re very happy?”

East knew if I said I was very happy, something must be behind it. He knew I wanted to meet the right guy and find my very own happily ever after. Even before he lost his wife, I had confided in him that I was tired of the hookups and wanted to settle down.

My heart broke for him because he lost his love, but he still supported me. At least East has been dating since his wife passedaway. I’d been too picky, too afraid. He wanted someone he could grow old with, maybe have another child, and help raise Allison. Sometimes it hurt to think he didn’t want me to help with my niece, but I knew I didn’t keep him warm at night. So far, though, nobody had filled the gap.

“I’ve got a date on Friday?” Waves of excitement traveled through me.

“Oh yeah? Is he cute? Would he like to be a co-parent?” I slapped him.

“Stop it. Just because we look alike doesn’t mean every guy I meet will like you too.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“I’m the handsome, friendly one. I could steal your man. Plus, I am pansexual, I can enjoy all people.”

I shook my head. “Nope. Not this one, I am going to make him mine. I really like him, East.”

“No shit? Where did you meet him?”

“You know that florist I told you about from Valentine’s Day.” I had told him the whole story, but hadn’t mentioned that the minute I met him, he made my heart flutter, and I was drawn to him. Admitting it to myself sounded a bit crazy, so I figured I’d just keep my feelings to myself, but now I had something to share with him.

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