Page 102 of Single Mom's Undoing
Damon looks up at me. “Positive thinking. Attagirl.”
“I’m hanging on by a thread here,” I laugh nervously.
And trying to convince myself that everything will work out in the end. It has, up to this point. The universe would be particularly cruel if it didn’t wrap this up with a pretty bow and a clean bill of health.
Time slowsdown when my son’s life is hanging in the balance.
I’m lucky to have three incredible men by my side. Each of them strong in their own way, yet with carefully crafted soft sides that comfort me in my hour of need. Eventually, I become restless to the point where not even the food that Jodie and Margot brought can soothe my anxiety.
“If you pace any more, you’re going to carve a ditch in the floor,” Margot notes with a wry smile.
“You could pace with me so we could at least make it a two track,” I shoot back.
I have to admit, I like this version of her. She’s two weeks sober and already looking so much better. Her skin is brighter, and the blue in her eyes is more intense than ever. It’s as if she is slowly returning to life, slowly recovering bits and pieces of herself that she lost along the way.
“Any minute now, Dr. Radner’s going to come in bearing good news,” Carter says. “In the meantime, we should really talk about you moving in with us.”
“We’ve been putting this conversation off for a while,” Damon agrees.
“Yeah, well, you picked one hell of a moment,” I nervously laugh.
Jace whips up one of his debonair smiles. “No better way to take your mind off the unpleasant part of waiting, is there?”
“Okay,” I sigh and take my seat between him and Carter.Meanwhile, Jodie and Margot watch us with renewed interest. “I’m listening.”
“Well, we agreed to put together a list of pros and cons about moving in together,” Carter says. “Assuming you’re moving into the Vanguard Mansion, that is.”
Damon chuckles dryly. “There’s absolutely no point to the three of us moving into Stephan’s cabin, that’s for sure.”
“Pros,” Carter continues as he goes down the list. “We’d be able to spend a lot more time together. Matty would have his parents under the same roof. We’d have more space to unwind and enjoy each other’s company.”
“You’ll have your own bedroom, of course. Matty, too,” Jace adds. “You know he’s going to love it, especially if you handle the decorating part.”
“You bet your rock-hard ass I’m going to handle the decorating part,” I mutter, already envisioning a safari theme for my boy’s bedroom, with lions and giraffes painted on one of the walls.
“Then there’s the slew of amenities. The indoor gym, the pool, the gardens, the entertainment room,” Damon says. “You still have your office and studio there, left untouched and waiting for you to come back.”
“Sounds like heaven, if you ask me,” Jodie chimes in.
“And the cons? What do I do with Stephan’s place? I’m not selling it. It’s been in our family for generations.”
Margot leans forward. “You could always rent it out long- or short-term. Blackthorn Falls is still expanding, and the valley attracts tourists from all over the state,” she says. “Or you could turn it into a she-shed.”
“A she shed?” Carter laughs.
“Well, yes. You guys with your man caves, us gals like our she sheds. Clara could use it to get away from the mansion once in a while. We could have girl’s nights in there, with chocolate fondue and classic movies.”
“Oh, and buttery popcorn,” Jodie adds.
“And gallons of ice-cold ginger ale,” I mumble. “A she shed is sounding better and better, indeed. You know what? You’re right,” I turn to the guys and smile softly. “You’re absolutely right. Moving in together makes all the sense in the world. I trust you.”
“She said the magic words,” Jace gasps, feigning a rather emotional shock.
“She trusts us,” Damon falls in line, equally dramatic.
I burst into laughter, my cheeks burning pink, as Dr. Radner comes into the waiting room. Instantly, my anxiety returns with a vengeance, and I spring to my feet, my heart racing, beads of cold sweat blooming on my temples.
“Is Matty okay?” I ask breathlessly.
