Page 7 of Merry with a Brewmaster
“I’m not sure why that’s so funny,” I huff, offended, but not entirely sure for what yet. I don’t have to wait long.
“She’s a little feisty for you, isn’t she?” my cousin says, wiping a tear from her eye.
Awesome.
“It was only for the summer and I’m allowed to?—”
She holds up her hands in surrender. “I’m proud of you for getting out there and having fun after finally divorcing”—she looks behind her to make sure Haven is still occupied before lowering her voice and hissing—“the wench.”
I snort. “You’re gonna get caught calling her that.”
Saige lifts one shoulder and lets it drop. “I’ll say it to her face. It’s no secret I never liked her.”
“You were never subtle.”
“She cheated on you and you took her back and married her.”
“I got Haven.”
“She’s the only bright spot.”
Kim had decided somewhere around Haven’s fifth birthday that she wanted more from life than just being a mother. It was a punch to the gut but not entirely surprising, and if I’m honest, I’d been relieved when she finally asked for a divorce.
The problem now is that Kim only comes around when she feels like it, missing the majority of her court-appointed weekends and holidays, leaving Haven wrecked each and every time.
The move to Love Beach had been Saige’s idea, and I jumped at it because I needed the change.
Weneeded it.
“When do we close on the house?”
“Next week.”
“I can’t believe you made that happen,” I say but she just shrugs.
“It’s what I do.” Her expression softens. “I’m sorry I can’t help more with Haven.”
“Don’t,” I say firmly. “We crashed into your life, and you’ve already done so much. I don’t want to impose any more than we have.”
“You’re not imposing,” she hisses and looks back to make sure Haven isn’t listening. “I love having you guys here.”
“I know and honestly, I love being here too. It will just be nice to have our own space—let Haven decorate her room the way she wants.”
Saige’s lips curve up into a soft smile. “You’re a really good dad, Wells. She’s amazing. This is going to be really great for her.” Her words warm my heart, but it only lasts for a minute before her expression becomes more amused. “And I get to watch this whole thing unfold between you and Vienna.”
“There’s nothingand there’s no unfolding,” I grunt. “If she agrees, everything will be strictly professional.”
“Yeah, because single dads never hook up with the nanny.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I say wryly but also hating how easily I could fall into that stereotype. “How was I supposed to know he was talking about Vienna? Seriously, what are the odds? I never saw her here—only in Magnolia Point where her sister lives.”
“Normal people usually ask who’s being recommended to watch their kid.”
“You’re not helping.”
Lifting a shoulder, she lets it drop. “There are worse things. After the wench, it’s all uphill from here.”
Groaning, I shove her shoulder and she laughs. “Whatever. Grab your coffee and let’s go watch the movie for the hundredth time this week.”
