Page 29 of The Sexy Part
Conversation revolves around Hailey checking in with each of her kids. They don’t seem to mind her questions, and everyone laughs a lot. It’s wonderful.
After dinner, Hailey brings out homemade apple pie with whipped cream.
“Dad made the pie and whipped cream from scratch,” Finn tells me. “You have to try it.”
I put a hand on my stomach. “Someone should’ve warned me. I’m so full.”
“You can take some home with you,” Hailey says. “It’s good for breakfast too.”
“True,” Josh says.
“Dad’s taken a bunch of cooking classes,” Cooper says. “He’s the gourmet in this family.”
“Helps at the restaurant,” Josh says. “You should take some too, Coop.”
“That’s what the chef is for,” Cooper says.
“It helps with menu planning,” Josh says.
Cooper clamps his mouth shut. I have a feeling they’ve had this conversation before.
Hailey guides the conversation to the latest at her work, where she’s landed a big client recently. A young senator with presidential aspirations.
“Have you been showing Rowan around?” Hailey asks Mackenzie and Cooper.
“I introduced her to Felix,” Mackenzie says. “I think he likes her better than me.”
“He’s a great cat,” I say.
“I introduced Rowan to the wonder of Shane’s Scoops,” Cooper says.
“Amazing ice cream,” I say. “I’m in heaven. Highlight of my day.”
Hailey smiles. “Agree. Their reputation is well-earned. Rowan, Cooper’s told me a bit about your situation, and I wanted to let you know you’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you like. We have two empty bedrooms. Plenty of space.”
“Absolutely,” Josh says.
“She’s already at my place,” Mackenzie says. “I have dibs. We told her she could stay for the next month while she waits to get her condo deposit back.”
“Oh. I didn’t know,” Hailey says with a sunny smile. “Glad to hear it.” Then she says to Mackenzie in a low voice, “If you’d let me know what’s going on in your life, I’d appreciate it.”
“I just told you,” Mackenzie says.
I smile. “Thank you for the offer, Hailey.”
Everyone goes back to eating in comfortable silence. Hailey has a wonderful caring motherly feel about her. I noticed it when she was my wedding planner, and now that I’m enjoying family dinner, I find myself wanting to be part of this lovely family.
“My place is also a possibility,” Cooper says, breaking the silence.
“That’s off the table,” Josh says.
“Why?” Cooper asks.
“You seriously have to ask why?” Josh says. “You have a one bedroom.”
“I’d give her my bed and take the sofa,” Cooper says.
“Stop,” Josh says.
