Page 32 of Merry with a Brewmaster
It is both cathartic and terrifying, voicing everything out loud and giving life to something I never thought could happen.
“I’m going to check on something and then I’ll be in touch. The market here moves fast, so just keep that in mind when we start viewing properties.”
“Thank you. I can’t believe we’re finally here,” I gush as we stand, and she slips on a cropped black leather jacket.
“It’s my pleasure,” she says, leading me outside and pausing in front of the shop window. “I know I said it before, but thank you for everything you’ve done for Haven and Wells. She shines so much brighter these days.”
“Of course. She’s amazing and I love spending time with her. Plus, it’s been a while since someone was so interested in learning from me. Sewing isn’t usually a hot-button topic.”
Saige laughs and I grin. We’d spent plenty of time together over the last couple of months, making sure Haven was cared for while Wells worked at Love Beach Brews. We’d formed a routine of our own, and like I’d told Wells, spending time with Haven wasn’t a hardship.
“Well, I just want to say thank you. Haven’s suffered so much with Kim’s indifference, and it’s just refreshing to have someone else that’s reliable on our team.”
“I’m definitely on Team Haven,” I say with a chuckle as I shove my hands in the pockets of my coat.
“What about Team Wells?” she asks, not bothering to hide her amusement when my eyes widen and my lips part.
“So, he told you about the summer then?” Saige nods and I blow out a breath. “Things are complicated now.”
“Because of Haven?”
“Partly. She’s been through so much, and we’ve worked really hard to provide her with stability, and Wells and I being together would definitely shift the balance.”
“Sometimes it’s fun to rock the boat.”
“Maybe,” I relent with a shrug, “but the timing would have to be right, and Wells and I haven’t talked about any of that.”
“Well, let’s get you a flower shop and then you can figure out the rest.”
“Deal.”
17
WELLS
Ipaced the kitchen the entire morning, waiting for Vienna to get home. I’d barely seen her after she’d shown up at the bar with Jace. He’d ordered her drink—a Sazerac—like I needed him to tell me what she likes.
Vienna is spicy and, just like her drink of choice, goes down with a kick.
So many nights over the summer started with us meeting up for a drink, but eventually we weren’t able to keep our hands off each other long enough to even order one.
Having her in my space has been maddening in the best and worst ways. My daughter is thriving and Vienna’s made our house into a home. On the other hand, I’m constantly hard and frustrated and aching to be inside her.
But more than that—I miss her.
I miss the intimacy and the undeniable connection we’ve had since the very first night.
Which is why I’m wearing the shirt I swore I wouldn’t as I continue to wipe down the already clean counter while Haven just shakes her head at me.
“How was your meeting?” I ask, her eyes narrowing as her gaze locks on to my shirt.
“It was great. She’s going to pull some properties and set up a time to take a look.” Draping her coat over the kitchen chair, she adds, “How was your morning?”
“So fun!” Haven supplies, failing to read the room. “Daddy and I went for a walk, and there was this dog playing fetch with a stick as big as he was!”
“That sounds really fun!”
“And daddy said we can get a dog!”
