Worth the Wait (Picking up the Pieces #4)

by Jessica Prince

  “That’s the friggin’ understatement of the century. You must hate me right now,” he mumbled with his head hung, but I pushed forward, ignoring his statement.

  “And you have to watch your language. I know it’s hard, trust me, but they’re like little sponges. Those damn kids soak up everything.”

  “Ain’t that the damn truth.”

  “And last…thank you.”

  His head shot up as he stared back at me with his wide brown eyes. “Thank you? For what? I’m the worst babysitter in the history of babysitting.”

  I couldn’t help myself; he was just so damn cute standing there all down on himself. I stepped up to him and cupped his cheek. “Thank you for liking my kids so much that you wanted to spoil them with pizza, even though it wasn’t the best idea since they’ve been sick to their stomachs. Thank you for playing princess tea party with my little girl. I promise you, that made her entire week. Thank you for sitting through God knows how many kids movies just because it’s what they wanted.”

  “I think I might just puncture my own ear drums if I have to listen to that fu-friggin’ awesome song again.”

  I was definitely of the same opinion on that.

  “But mostly, thank you for giving my kids such a good day that, even though his foot was lodged in a toilet, my son couldn’t stop going on about how much he liked you. There were a few bumps in the road, but you are far from the worst babysitter in history. They’ve been lacking when it comes to having a man who cares in their lives, so I can’t tell you what that means to me.”

  Brett reached up, placed his palm against my hand on his cheek and leaned further into my touch. “So you’ll let me babysit for you again?”

  A laugh escaped my throat. “You mean you’d actually want to do this again?”

  “Are you kidding me? Those kids are awesome! I loved hanging with them today.”

  The enthusiasm in his voice caused my chest to tighten, my heart thumping in a quick rhythm. I had to pull my hand away and take a step back. If I didn’t put space between us, who knew what I’d end up doing. Something that I’d no doubt regret. This was friendship, nothing more. That was the only way I could keep this incredible man in my life. Anything else and I’d most definitely end up destroying him.

  I smiled to try and cut the tension that suddenly enveloped the room.

  “Maybe after a few more practice runs. You know, with me only a few feet away.”

  I decided to take my lunch hour at Virgie May’s to try and get some planning done. The twins’ fifth birthday was just around the corner and I wanted to do something special for them, but the longer I sat, the more that lead weight in the bottom of my stomach grew as I realized my budget wasn’t going to allow me to do for them what I really wanted.

  “Whatcha doin’?” Emmy’s sing-song voice came from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see her and Stacia standing there with smiles on their faces. I’d gotten to know Stacia and the rest of their group pretty well over the past few weeks, mainly because of the drama that had taken place with Trevor and Lizzy almost divorcing not too long ago. I’d stood by and watched as Lizzy crumbled over the loss of the love of her life, and it ripped something apart inside me. Finally, after two weeks of seeing my friend self-destruct, I’d had enough. I’d taken it upon myself to step up to the plate and reach out to everyone who loved her. Seeing as her friends were loving, kind, and all around nosey as hell, we’d staged an intervention for the slightly insane couple to help them see how perfect they were for each other. I couldn’t begin to describe how good it made me feel to witness two people madly in love get the happily ever after they truly deserved. And finding myself being pulled into the fold with these wonderful people was a blessing for me and my kids. It was beginning to feel like I was a part of a family.

  “Making a list.”

  “Checking it twice and all that jazz?”

  “Something like that,” I smiled. “How you doing, preggo?” I reached out to rub her belly.

  “Ugh,” she groaned as she and Stacia took a seat in the empty chairs around me. “So ready for this to be over. Every time I sneeze and dribble on myself, I pray it’s my water breaking.” Stacia and I both laugh at her over-share. “How did you do it with two of these things cookin’ in you?”

  “Just be thankful, that’s all I can tell you. You don’t have much longer.”

  She rubbed her hands over her belly. “Nah, not much longer at all.” Her face became solemn as she looked down and traced a pattern on her tummy with her index finger.

  Reaching over, I placed my hand on hers and stopped its movements. “Hey, you okay?”

  Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I was pregnant once before,” she stated quietly, stunning me speechless. I knew there was a story about her and Luke’s past. I just didn’t know what that story was. And I definitely didn’t expect news of a previous pregnancy. “I was only a few weeks further along than I am now…” Her words trailed off as her voice broke. When her next words came out, my heart cracked for her. “I lost Ella.”

  “Oh, sweetheart.” Stacia and I both stood and wrapped Emmy in our arms, holding her silently for a bit.

  When she pulled out of our grip, she was slightly more composed as she smiled and brushed a tear from her cheek.

  “I’m okay,” she promised. “I’m just…” she huffed out a breath. “I guess I’m just scared. I don’t…”

  She stopped talking completely and I knew exactly where her mind was going. There was no way I letting her stay there.

  “Hey, nothing is going to happen,” I told her adamantly. “You hear me? Nothing. Your doctor knows what she’s doing. She knows your history and she knows how to prevent it from happening again. You can trust her.”

  “She’s right, babe,” Stacia agreed. “You have a high-risk OB and she’s already promised that everything is perfectly fine with this little dude. It’s all gonna be great.”

  Emmy inhaled deeply, closed her eyes and exhaled. “You’re right.” The strong chick I had grown to know reappeared before my eyes. “This little spud’s gonna be terrorizing his mommy before we know it.”

  We all laughed, and I released a relieved sigh knowing Emmy was all right.

  “So, what’s your list about? Emmy asked, quick to change the subject as she pulled the pad toward her. “Ooh, fun! A birthday party!”

  “Yeah, I’m not really sure how much fun it’ll be,” I lamented as I pulled my notepad back.

  “What are you talking about?” Stacia chimed in. “All parties are fun. Even if they’re for five-year-olds.”

  My discomfort with the conversation was made even worse when Brett, in all his sweaty construction worker glory, came sauntering into the diner.

  “Well, if it isn’t my lucky day.” He shot a devastating grin toward our table before leaning down to plant a kiss on Emmy and Stacia’s cheeks. “Ladies, you’re looking beautiful as ever.”

  An unwanted pang of jealousy spiked through me at his flirty banter with the girls. But before I even had a chance to remind myself we’d agreed to be just friends, he stopped at my side and leaned in, whispering in my ears only, “Beauty, you’re the most gorgeous of all.” The kiss he placed on my cheek lingered a little longer than a friendship warranted, and I felt an instant heat throughout my entire body.

  With the new rooms at the salon being finished, I’d begun to really miss being able to see Brett every day. Every morning I walked into work and didn’t see his smiling face was like a punch to my chest. I hadn’t realized just how much seeing him all the time brightened my day. Despite the fact we’d both said we could be nothing more, my traitorous feelings for him refused to go away. Trying to maintain a healthy friendship with him while picturing our one night together over and over was proving to be exceedingly difficult. Especially when he flirted so easily, or said things to me that made my body quiver.

  “So, what’s going on?” he asked casually as he took the empty chair right next to me. />
  “We’re just talking about the twins’ birthday party,” Emmy replied before I could come up with a believable lie and switch the subject to something else.

  Brett’s bright eyes met mine as he asked, “Cool, so what’s the plan then, Momma?”

  I tried not to sound upset as I told them, “I’ll probably just take them to Chuck E. Cheese.”

  “Oh, no! You have to have a party,” Emmy told me. “They’re turning five. We need to have a big blow out.”

  My shoulders slumped. That was exactly what I was hoping to give them but the money just wasn’t adding up. “A big blow out isn’t something I can afford right now,” I spoke in a hushed voice, embarrassed to admit I couldn’t throw the big party that turning five warranted.

  “Well what the hell do you think you have us for?” Emmy asked. “Sorry, babe. When you stepped up for Liz, you officially became part of the family. That means we all chip in to throw those precious little hellions a kickass birthday.”

  “I can’t ask you to do that—”

  “You didn’t ask,” she interrupted. “That’s the beauty of this little gang right here. We horn in and take over before you even get to ask for the help. We’re awesome like that.”

  “And I throw amazing parties,” Stacia chirped excitedly. I could practically see the ideas floating around in her head.

  “But where will we have it, huh? I live in a two-bedroom apartment, guys. On the second level! A bunch of kids running around like crazy is just screaming, ‘hey, evict me! Evict me!’”

  “We’ll have it at my place.” Brett’s gravelly voice jerked my attention his way.

  “What?”

  “That’s perfect!” Emmy cried. “Brett has the best backyard EVER! It’s huge and backs up right to the woods behind his house. Great idea, Brett.”

  “You guys, I can’t—”

  Brett leaned in so close I could smell the strong sent of laundry detergent and fresh air that came off him. “Yes you can, beauty,” his tone soft yet commanding. It was a tone that garnered instant attention.

  “We’re offering because we want to. That’s all. I want to help give Callie and Cam a great party any way I can. Just let us help, babe. Those kids mean something to us. They mean something to me.”

  There was no way I could stare into those rich brown eyes after hearing him say such wonderful things about my children and deny allowing them to help in any way.

  “Okay, fine.” Stacia and Emmy let out squeals of delight. “But let’s not go overboard, okay? I know it’s a big birthday, but they’re still just five. No need to get crazy.”

  I got the distinct impression that the girls chose to stop listening as soon as I agreed. They leaned in together and scribbled frantically in my notebook, saying words like “petting zoo” and “pony”, and the scariest of all “Elmo performers.”

  When I looked away from them, Brett’s eyes were still on me and that smile that made my insides melt was at full wattage.

  There was no fighting my smile in return.

  Brett: Where are you?

  I’d exchanged numbers with everyone so we could all stay in contact while planning the kids’ birthday party, and for the past week, I’d been getting at least one text from Brett a day. Some were sweet, wishing me a good day, some were teasing, some asked about the kids, and some were flirty and playful—those were my favorite.

  Me: At the park with the kids.

  When we woke up, the sun was shining brightly in the sky. The temperature was just perfect, humidity low, with a nice fall breeze; it was the perfect day to get the twins out for their daily dose of vitamin D.

  Brett: Awesome. On my way.

  Me: I don’t recall inviting you.

  Brett: Didn’t have to. I can read your mind. You want me there, admit it, beauty.

  Me: You’re an ass. Also, don’t you ever work?

  Brett: I could ask you the same thing.

  Me: Ha! Day off, asshole.

  Brett: See you in 5. Try to hold your enthusiasm in.

  “Mommy, watch!” Callie called out as I laughed off Brett’s last text and dropped my phone back into my purse. I spent the next few minutes watching Callie and Cam take turns going down the slide. So far, the trip to the park had been successful with only one wrestling match breaking out between the two over who got to slide first.

  “Cameron Michael. Don’t pull your sister’s hair!”

  “But she’s bein’ a poop face!”

  “No name calling or I’m taking away your Spiderman toy when we get home.”

  Good Lord, where did kids come up with these insults?

  “Got to give the kid an A for creativity. Don’t think I’ve ever heard the name ‘poop face’ before.”

  I let out a started yelp and spun around at the deep rumble of Brett’s voice in my ear. Only an inch or two separated his body from mine, and the close proximity was doing crazy things to my head.

  “Don’t sneak up on me like that,” I grumbled, trying my best to ignore my body’s desire to lean in closer to him. “You scared the crap out of me.”

  His gravelly laugh was like music to my ears. “Sorry, beauty. Didn’t mean to startle you.”

  He reached up and brushed a strand of hair from my face and it took everything in me to suppress the shiver his touch caused.

  I tried my hardest not to notice how sexy he looked in just a plain white t-shirt and jeans, the perfect amount of scruff that covered his cheeks and chin, those gorgeous brown eyes of his hidden beneath the brim of a tattered ball cap, but I just couldn’t do it. His clothes did wonders for his body. And even if I didn’t know the perfection that lay beneath, I’d still have found his body mouthwatering. Self-consciousness hit me like a freight train as I glanced down at my frumpy get-up. A day off for me meant yoga pants and ratty t-shirts, my hair up in a sloppy bun and I wore no makeup whatsoever. Why, oh, why couldn’t I have been bothered to put just a little effort into my outfit?

  “Brett!” the kids shouted boisterously as they came barreling toward us.

  I took a quick step back, immediately missing the heat from his body as they plowed into his strong legs, not even budging him a muscle.

  “Did you come to play with us?” Callie asked with a bright smile.

  “Of course I did. I missed my little buddies.” He swooped down and grabbed Callie by the waist and tossed her in the air, delighting in her shrill laughter before putting her safely on the ground and doing the same to Cameron.

  “Come slide wiff us!” Cameron shouted before he and Callie took off in that direction.

  Brett followed after, shooting a wink at me over his shoulder. Damn that sexy wink! Being friends with this man was killing me. If him being hot as sin wasn’t bad enough, watching him climb up that stupid slide and go down with both kids in his lap just about did me in. That was it. I needed at least an hour alone with my vibrator if I was going to make it through this friendship. It wasn’t lost on me that every other mom in the park was keeping a close eye on Brett’s every movement. I couldn’t blame them. There was nothing more attractive to a mother than a sexy man getting down in the dirt, not the slightest bit embarrassed to sit in a sandbox if that’s what made the kids happy. But that didn’t stop the nagging jealousy from rearing its ugly head every time one of them dared to get a little too close. Thankfully, I had to hand it to him; he had a talent of smiling politely as he brushed them off and went back to playing with the twins.

  I watched as he made my children laugh and squeal in delight as he spent time following them from play set to play set, never once losing his patience like Lance had been so prone to doing.

  About an hour later, Callie and Cam came running back over to me, out of breath and smiling a mile wide, with Brett trailing closely behind.

  “Mommy, did you see how high I swinged?”

  I scooped my little girl up in my lap and gave her a nuzzle, earning myself a laugh.

  “I did! I was afraid you were gonna swing all the w
ay to the moon.”

  “Silly Mommy,” she giggled, kissing me on my cheek.

  “I’d have missed you soooo much if you went all the way to the moon.”

  I felt a shift on the bench as Brett took a seat next to me and pulled Cameron onto his lap, pulling his ball cap off and plopping it on my son’s head.

  “Hey, Mom. Brett said I can wear his hat all day!”

  “That’s really awesome, bub. It’s a great hat.” I smiled. “Did you tell him thank you?”

  “Yu huh. He said it has magical powers. It’ll make me strong like Spiderman!”

  “That’s right, bud.” Brett gave the brim a little flick. “My granddad gave it to me so I could grow up strong, and look at me now.”

  Cameron stared up at Brett in wonder, awed that the magic hat could possibly make him so big. “Wow,” he breathed out.

  “Yeah, my granddad was a pretty cool man.”

  Cameron turned back to me and asked, “Is my granddad as cool as Brett’s, Mommy?”

  I felt my smile falter at that question. I’d been dreading questions like that for the longest time, knowing I’d have to lie to them.

  “Yeah,” I croaked out, trying to maintain a cheerful face as I spoke past the lump that had formed in my throat.

  “How come we never seen our granddad?” Callie asked. My eyes went wide as I stuttered, trying to come up with an appropriate answer.

  Thankfully, Brett seemed to be in tune with my sudden mood shift and quickly jumped on a subject change.

  “Hey, guys, I’m starving. How about we go get ourselves something to eat, huh? I know Emmy’s dying to see y’all. We can head over to the diner for lunch.”