Page 9 of Soren the Single Dad
A bark of laughter erupts from his barrel chest, and the sight of his amusement— so different from his usual stoicism—brings a pleased blush to my cheeks. I did that. I brought on that happy flush to his tanned skin.
“That ‘soulmate thing’ is what Suitor’s Crossing is built on. People meeting, the famous bridge,heart sparks.”
Now that he mentions it, I do remember the huge sign welcoming people to town, hyping some legend of love. “You don't believe in it, though.”
“Let's just say I thought I found mine early on and was sorely mistaken.”
“Sara Beth's mom,” I venture.
“Yeah.”
“Does she still live in town?” If he wants to avoid gossip, going on a date with another woman while his baby mama lives nearby is a recipe for disaster.
“No, she lives in Seattle. She comes down every once in a while to see Sara Beth…” Soren trails off, then changes the subject. “So, that date. How about six o'clock tonight at Hatchet Crazy? I know it's a little early, but—”
“That's fine. I go to bed early anyway. I am not made for staying out late anymore. Not that I ever really did.”
“Same. Responsible eldest child syndrome.” We share a laugh of commiseration. “I’ll pick you up from the Duncans’.”
“Should we exchange numbers in case something happens?” I ask.
He agrees, and we switch our phones to input the numbers, then a minute later, I'm walking back to my car.
What an interesting turn of events.
Soren may doubt the credibility ofheart sparks, and I can't say I've ever experienced love at first sight, or anything close to the feeling of a soulmate, but a seed of excitement burrows in my belly at the possibility.
Soulmate.Heart sparks.
Talk about romanticizing your life…
I got a new job in a new town, and a new love would be the perfect cherry on top.
CHAPTER EIGHT
SOREN
Axe-throwing for a first date may not be traditional, but I figured it might make conversation easier if we’re focused on an activity. Hatchet Crazy opened seven months ago and has a lot of town buzz because of its mix of fun and food.
“This place is amazing.” Diana looks around the rustic bar and grill in awe. It’s not the fanciest place to take a woman, but I’m relieved that doesn’t seem to matter to her. “Have you been here before?”
“My siblings and I will meet up every once in a while when we’re feeling extra competitive. My brother Beckett is a beast with an axe, which shouldn’t surprise me since he’s a firefighter.”
We take a seat at a wooden high-top table in front of an empty axe-throwing lane. For a Saturday night, it’s not as packed as usual due to our early arrival, so we don’t have to wait for one to become free.
“Really?” Diana glances up from the laminated menu in her hands. They serve basic burgers and fries with a few local specialty items, like Miss Patty’s Rose Lemonades, which are usually only available in the fall at Apple Fest. “Do firemen require the use of axes a lot on the job?”
“According to Beckett, you’d be surprised,” I drawl. Our family hears all sorts of crazy stories from him about the calls he gets on duty. “But enough about my brother. I want to learn about you.”
Diana blushes and waits for our waitress to write down our drinks and food order before leaning forward. “There’s not much to tell.” She shrugs. “I’ve always loved animals, so vet med seemed like the natural path to take. I used to work at a super busy clinic in Everton. My boss pushed for long, strenuous hours, though. Which is why when my aunt suggested applying for the vet tech position here, I leapt at the opportunity.”
I nod, grateful for her Aunt Linda’s suggestion. If it weren’t for her, we never would have met. “That’s the job, but what about outside the nine to five?”
“Like, have I ever been married?” she asks with a raised brow. “The answer is no, and I’ve never gotten close either. I wasn’t kidding about Dr. Marshall. I barely had time to relax on the couch and catch up on my favorite TV shows. My work-life balance was shit, so dating fell by the wayside.”
“I get it,” I say. “Dating hasn’t been a priority for me either. Granted, my job is fairly flexible since I’m fortunate enough to work at our family’s lodge, but Sara Beth’s well-being has been my focus for the last decade.”
“As it should be.” Our food arrives—the Quadruple Slider Sampler for her, a buffalo burger for me—and Diana hums in delight at the tempting aromas wafting from the steaming baskets. “You’re a good dad, and this looks damn delicious.”
