Page 24 of Summer Nights

Dalton hadn't been looking for anything when Oakley got pregnant. In fact, he was going to break up with her when she relayed the news. It had changed everything.

How would I react in the same situation? Would I step up and do the right thing? I'd like to think I would. I was older than Dalton after all. I even enjoyed hanging out with Duncan. But that didn't mean I was ready to be a father.

I wasn't sure what I wanted. But with my siblings starting to settle down one by one, I was starting to question my bachelor ways.

Chapter Seven

Ivy

By the time I ironed out the details of the offer with Dalton, the sun had started to set. I was surprised to discover that Cooper was in the kitchen.

"You're still here?"

Cooper lifted his gaze from his phone. "Brady had somewhere to be. I can take you home."

Dalton nodded. "Ivy's going to put in the offer, and then we have to wait for the response."

"You anticipate multiple bids?" I asked Ivy.

"This one isn't on the market yet, and the owner is motivated to sell quickly. I think there's a chance she'll take this one without soliciting more offers."

"Even if this doesn't work out, we'll find you something," Cooper said to Dalton, and my heart contracted.

I admired how Dalton's brothers rallied around him, helping him find a house, and offering to do the work so that he could have a fully renovated house before the baby came. It would be amazing to lean on siblings. At least my brother and sister would have that.

I could take care of myself. Isn't that what I'd been telling myself forever? The Kingston brothers were the exception to the rule. I'd never have what they did, and I shouldn't want it.

I'd worked too hard to let it all go for the promise of an extended family or a relationship with Cooper. Those kinds of things never worked out anyway. People broke up and moved away.

"I'll be in touch as soon as I hear anything," I said to them.

"Thank you. I wouldn't even have a shot at this house if it wasn't for you."

I was known for knowing everything that was going on around the island when it came to real estate. I'd networked extensively so that when sellers were even thinking about putting something on the market, I was one of the first to hear about it. "I'm just doing my job."

"Thank you, Ivy," Cooper said, and I nodded, my throat feeling a little tight.

He thought I was doing his family a favor, and I was. But I wasn't part of his family, and no matter how attractive it was, I wouldn't give into the fantasy of something more happening between us.

Happy endings didn't happen for girls like me.

"I'm going to call the listing agent," I said, disappearing into the living room to make the call.

Cooper walked Dalton outside, and I fully expected they'd leave. I was used to being in houses alone.

I told the realtor that the offer was in her inbox and to call me as soon as she knew anything. "The buyer is having a baby and wants to get settled as soon as possible."

"I'll let my clients know."

"He's related to Kingston Construction. They want to update everything." That was my hint that they wouldn't back out of the deal if something came up at the official inspection. I wasn't worried about that anyway because Cooper had already taken a look at the house.

"Good to know. You know my clients are eager to sell. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."

When I turned, Cooper stood in the doorway watching me. I was a little surprised that he was still here. "I appreciate that." I hung up and asked, "What are you still doing here? I thought you left with Dalton."

"I didn't want to leave you alone in the house."

I shook my head. "I'm used to it."

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