Page 65 of Feels Like Love
“Wow, Riv,” I said, surveying the counter. A plate piled high with pancakes, sliced fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice. “This looks amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
He beamed. “Thanks, Mom! Does this mean I can have a puppy now?”
I laughed. River was obsessed with the idea of getting a dog. We’d been talking about responsibility and what it took to care for a pet, and he’d been doing everything to try to prove that he was ready to take that on.
“We’ll see,” I said. “Keep up the good work.”
We were just about to sit down to breakfast when the doorbell rang. River hopped off the step stool and ran over to the window to see out front. I frowned, wondering who it was. But then I peered through the peephole and saw Liam standing on the porch.
Huh? What’s he doing here?
Not that he didn’t pop by from time to time, but still… I hesitated a moment, knowing the dynamics would change the minute Liam crossed the threshold. There would be no more flirting with Bennett or stolen kisses. And as much as I loved my brother, I wished I could stay in this bubble with River and Bennett. Pretending we were a family eating pancakes on a Sunday morning. Not feeling guilty about what I’d done.
River practically yelled, “Mom, what are you waiting for?” and I knew I had to open the door. The neighbors at the end of the block had probably heard him.
“Liam, hey.” I forced a smile.
“What the fuck are you wearing?”
I glanced down, noticing the same pajamas I’d had on the night before. A silky button-down shirt and a pair of matching shorts that came about mid-thigh.
“Pajamas.” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “And watch your language around River.”
Liam glared at me, and I could feel the anger vibrating off him. His shoulder brushed against mine as he marched past me to join River and Bennett in the kitchen.What’s his problem?
“Good morning to you too,” I muttered.
“Uncle Liam!” River skipped around the living room before giving my brother a hug.
“Hey, kiddo. What are you up to?”
“Bennett’s teaching me how to make pancakes. I get to flip them and everything.”
“Wow. That’s pretty cool.”
“Do you want to try some?” River asked Liam before turning to me. “Mom, pretty please. Can he stay?”
“What?” I snapped before taking a breath and smiling. “Yeah. Of course. Come in. Come in. River, set another place at the table.”
My phone chimed from the bedroom, and I called, “I’ll be back in a second,” before I went to check it.
Harper: Looks like you’re a local celebrity.
Huh?
I clicked the link she’d sent, and it opened onThe Vineand a blurry image of Arlo and me outside the bakery, side by side with one of Bennett and me walking in downtown Alondra. Was this a joke? Thankfully, River wasn’t in the shot, or I would’ve been even more pissed. But I could see the flutter of his hand from behind Bennett’s leg.
I stared at the photos, horrified. And then I forced myself to keep scrolling.
Lucky in Love
Issweet Wren Beaudin finally getting lucky in love? After years, it looks like the single mom and resident town photographer has taken on the role of AV’s local bachelorette.
Who willshe give her rose to?
The mysterious newcomeror our beloved local vet, Bennett Nash? Neither is a bad choice. Though I, for one, would be sad to see Dr. Sexy off the market.
<3 V
