Page 8 of Big Bad Single Wolf Dad

“And Mia just started learning about dinosaurs. Her favorite is the triceratops, but she’s indignant that so many older texts don’t illustrate them with feathers.”

Greg laughs while finishing his pasta. “Noah had that moment, too. His favorite is the T. Rex, but he also likes any dinosaur that can fly.”

My cheeks go warm, but I can’t say if the wine or the heartfelt discussion of our children is the reason. I feel relaxed here. I’m just being myself, talking about what’s most important in my life, and eating the most incredible pasta I’ve ever had.

I almost can’t believe how well this is working out.

“Can I see more of this fairy garden you’ve built?” I ask over a dessert of lavender vanilla creme brulee.

“Oh, of course. I insist!” Greg stands and offers me his arm, and I take it at first. But I keep finding myself getting distracted by everything I see. Even the grass on the lawn is dotted with different kinds of clover, and the lights are highlighting everything beautifully. I get so wrapped up in the whimsical beauty of it all, in fact, that I completely miss the hidden fountain I step backward into.

“Sarah!” Greg yells and runs over to me. I’ve fallen right on my ass inside the water feature, and a small stone toad spits water right onto my head. Greg offers me his hand and I quickly take it, but as I stand my high heel shoe slips right off and sends me tumbling back down. Greg included.

I sit up again, spitting water out of my mouth just like the frog. Greg fumbles around and tries to catch his bearings. He looks at me with wide eyes, like he thinks he just completely wrecked any chance he had for a second date.

And I simply can’t help it, I start to laugh.

“Is that…is that good?” Greg asks.

I laugh so hard I choke on more water that gets into my mouth. “You…your face!” I gasp, holding my sides and making no attempt to get away from the very rude frog. “Oh, my. Greg, it’s fi – ha ha!” He looks like a sad, wet dog, and it’s just too fitting.

Greg’s face goes through a series of emotions that finally ends with a smirk. Then he starts to chuckle, which only makes me laugh harder. This ridiculous feedback loop continues until we're both laughing so hard, we can’t even pull ourselves out of the pond!

“I should probably put some kind of light fixture on this,” Greg finally says as he wipes water from his face and helps pull me back out. I push my dripping-wet hair out of my face and smile at him.

“That might be a wise decision,” I say, holding back any further laughter. I already feel like I cracked my ribs.

Greg smiles at me, gentle and sweet. And I can feel something stirring in my heart. Something bright and freeing.

“Is there any chance I can make this up to you with a second date?” he asks smoothly.

I bite my lower lip and nod. “Why not?”

5

GREG

Knowing Sarah has children is more than just a blessing for me. Now that I think about it, a woman with responsibilities of her own is the perfect one for me. Sarah’s just as hands-on as I am, which makes socializing with Mia and Ethan a breeze.

“Is it true what they say?” Mia asks me, her polished-pink fingernails glistening in the sun.

“I’m going to need more information in order to answer the question,” I say.

“Mia, don’t be vague. It’s rude,” Ethan chides, rolling his eyes and looking up at me. “She means ‘is your nose as good as the stories say?’”

“Only one way to find out,” I reply, winking Sarah’s way.

She waves back from her seat on a nearby bench, no doubt listening to the rest of whatever story Lily’s currently telling her. I smile as my daughter giddily jumps up and down as Sarah laughs. I’d bet half my wealth that the smile on her face is genuine. It warms my heart a little.

“You look sad,” Mia observes, her own face contorted in anguish. “Are you okay?”

“Better than okay. I’m ready,” I reply.

“Huh?” Both of Sarah’s half-vampire younglings look up at me confusedly.

I grab the tennis ball I’ve been keeping in my jacket and hold it out to Mia.

“Ready to play hidden fetch,” I say, sniffing the ball, then tossing it up in the air.

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