Page 25 of Merry with a Brewmaster
“The school called because she had a fever, but when I got her she said her ear hurt so we got lucky with the pediatrician’s office because she fit us right in.”
“And?” I ask, already knowing the answer as I round the bar to rub Haven’s back.
“Ear infection and antibiotics,” Vienna says with a watery smile as Haven reaches for me. Pulling her into my arms, I wrap her in a hug and breathe in the comforting scent of her shampoo as I kiss her hair. “We have to go pick up the prescription, but I gave her medicine for her fever already.”
“Thank you,” I manage around the lump in my throat. “I’m so sorry I didn’t get the call…”
“She’s okay,” Vienna says with a small smile, and I want to pull her into my arms and thank her for taking care of my baby. “Just wants a popsicle before dinner.”
A surprised laugh escapes my lips but I nod. “Anything she wants.” Ducking my head, I tip Haven’s face up to look at me. “Do you need me to come home?”
“Vienna said we can snuggle on the couch and watch a movie after we get my medicine.”
“And popsicles,” Vienna whispers loud enough to make Haven giggle.
“Call me if anything changes or you need me, okay? I fixed the ringer so that won’t happen again,” I say, squeezing Haven tighter.
“Her prescription is ready,” Vienna says, looking up from her phone. “I’ll get her settled and we’ll see you at home.”
My daughter goes back to Vienna willingly, and my heart stutters in my chest at the picture they make.
“Text me when you get there,” I call out as they reach the door, Vienna nodding as she pushes it open.
“I will.”
Her easy agreeance has me halfway to palpitations as I watch them get into the car and drive away. We bicker and it’s the hottest kind of foreplay, but it’s also our norm, and having this version of her—even for my daughter’s sake—has me off-kilter.
“Do you need to leave?” Isaac asks from behind me. “I can call someone to come cover for you.”
“No,” I say, blowing out a breath that could knock a house down, “she’s got it.”
“She does,” Isaac says, his inflection making me turn and look at him, his lips twitching just the slightest bit.
“What?” I snap and he barks out a laugh.
“Oh man. You got it bad,” he says, looking far too gleeful, “and my only advice is to go slow and expect setbacks. I haven’t known Vienna to be with anyone, except you honestly, but from what I understand, she’s not the relationship kind of girl.”
“So, you’re telling me to stay away from her?”
He laughs harder and claps me on the shoulder. “Hell, no, I think y’all are perfect for each other, but Vienna isn’t a girl who is single because she can’t find a guy.”
“Thanks,” I murmur.
“It’s a choice she’s made, and she’s got dreams for her flower shop, and if you want to be the one to get her to settle down, you’re gonna have to make sure you’rein itwith her. She loves Haven—talks about her all the time—but it’s still a huge jump from single to stepmom.”
I open my mouth and then close it again because what do you say to that? Isaac is Vienna’s age—eight years younger than I am—but still seemingly so much more put together than I am.
I’m at thedivorced, single dad, relocating to beach town and living with cousin before landing a job and convincing summer hook-up to be nannytime of my life.
It’s a mouthful and far less satisfying than the one I give Vienna.
“If that look on your face is any indication, I’d start making a plan.” He winks as the door opens and a customer steps inside. “And a couple of backup plans too.”
13
VIENNA
Wells is vibrating with nerves as he enters the house, like he’s about to fall apart at the seams. And maybe he is—it’s been pretty much smooth sailing with Haven until today.
