Page 172 of Small Town Firsts

Tears threaten when I see what he’s presenting her. In the center of his hand sits a rose gold charm bracelet with one single, solitary charm attached. Upon closer inspection, I notice it is a princess crown.Jesus, this man.

Tatum looks from the bracelet to him with awe in her eyes. “Dat’s for me?”

“It is,” he tells her, smiling at her reaction.

Just like earlier in the kitchen with me, she launches herself at him. Unlike me, he keeps his footing and hugs her close. After a small eternity, she pulls away and holds out her wrist like the little diva she is. Alden fastens the bracelet, his sturdy fingers fumbling a little with the lobster clasp. Once it is secured, she turns her wrist this way and that, admiring her new pretty.

“What do we say, Tater Tot?”

“Thank you! I loves it so much!” She hugs her wrist to her chest and bats her long lashes up at him. And just like that, I know he, too, is under her spell.

I check the time again and realize if I don’t get moving, I’m going to be late for my class. “Well, uh. I would offer you a tour but, I gotta log on…”

Alden shoos me away. “You’re fine. Go. Tatum and I have things on lock, don’t we?”

“On. Wock. Mama!”

“Okay. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

“I won’t. I haves Alden!” My heart rattles and I nod, turning to head down the hall.

CHAPTER 25

ALDEN

Tatum’s wordsecho through my mind, rocking my world on its axis.I won’t. I haves Alden.Already she trusts me to have her best interests at heart.Damn.I could tell from the guilt-stricken look Natalie desperately tried to hide, Tatum’s words affected her too.

Tatum, though? Not so much. That kid is business as usual. “Wanna see my room?”

“Sure, I’d love to.” She wraps her small hand around my pointer finger and pulls me behind her down the hall. Her door is the first on the right. She pushes it open, and the first thing I notice is that it looks like a rainbow exploded inside her room. Her walls and carpet are the only neutrals in the entire space. Her curtains are purple and blue, her rug is a rainbow shag, her bedding is pink and orange polka dots, and she has throw pillows in every color in the Crayola box. It’s a lot to take in, but it screamsTatum.

“Whoa, Tater Tot. This room’s amazing!”

She darts past me and climbs up onto her bed where she starts bouncing. “You likes it?”

I scoff. “Like? No. I love it!” I let her bounce a few more seconds before swooping her off of her mattress and into myarms. I set her down and take a seat on her bed, and she shows me her most favorite toys. After a few minutes, I ask, “You wanna help me make dinner?”

She looks up at me like I’m some kind of hero. “You likes to cook?”

“I do. I like it so much I went to school for it.”

“I go to school! But we just pway!”

“Oh yeah? Nothing wrong with that. What did you do at school today?”

She pauses, thinking over my question. “Today I got marrieds Clark, he’s my number two hubband.”

I practically choke on air. “Married, huh? Does your mom know?”

Tatum smiles a smile so saccharine my teeth hurt. “Nope. It’s our secwet, Alden.”

I lift my brows in surprise. “Got it.” I pinch my fingers together and hover them over my mouth and mime locking a key. “My lips are sealed. Now, let’s go cook!” I grab my bag from the floor by the door and meet Tatum in the kitchen. I’m immediately impressed by the way she knows where everything is—from pots and pans to utensils to spices. This kid is familiar with her kitchen.

I start arranging the items from my bag when Tatum tugs on the hem of my shirt. “Tie my apwon?” I look down, and clutched in her grasp is a miniature apron covered in flowers and polka dots.

“Of course.”

It’s then I notice she’s already wearing the apron she wants tied. Which must mean… “Here. Dis one for you.” Dutifully, I put on the child’s size smock with a smile. “Dat’s perfect! What’s we making?”

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