I shoot him a look with my lips in a tight line. He just shrugs.
“Sounds like I have two very willing babysitters.”
“You know the choice is yours, Aubrey. I’d never force you.” He whispers into my ear.
“I know. I want to.” I say quietly, staring up at him.
The pull to kiss him is strong, but I’m acutely aware of my audience that no doubt has all eyes firmly planted on both of us.
Before leaving he kisses my cheek and pulls away. “I can’t wait.”
He joins Tommy, grabbing supplies to put wire around the trunks of the fledgling apple trees.
When they’re gone, Aggie is on me instantly. “Girl. What was that? The tension was so hot, I thought we might have to cover someone’s eyes and haul tail.”
I scoff. “Please. It was not like that.”
“It was. That man has it bad for you, Aubrey. Let him in.”
Stopping what I’m doing, I look at her. “What about Jack? Isn’t it too soon?”
“Oh my girl, I love Jack, but I’m also under no delusions of the type of man he was. He wasn’t like my Tommy in any way. But, you seemed happy, and we love you. And Lily May. But I see it in your eyes how Cooper makes you feel. Cooper will love you like Tommy loves me. You deserve that type of love. No matter when it finds you.” She pulls me in tight for a hug.
With tears streaming down my face, I hug her tight back. “Thank you so much, Aggie. I think that’s just what I needed to hear. I’ve been so afraid to hurt you by moving on.”
“Nope. We aren’t doing that. Never feel bad for being loved.”
Lily squeezes between us, looking up at both our faces with her eyebrows furrowed. “Why awe you sad, Mommy? Why twying?”
“I’m not sad, love. I’m just happy. Mommy’s heart is just so full of love, I can’t hold it in.”
She hugs both our legs. “My heawt is full too! I wuv evewyone!”
Can this really work with Cooper? Could he really want an overwhelmed single mom who’s trying her best to make it through each day?
It took less than an hour for Aggie to spread the news that I agreed to go to Rebels. In two hours, I had a whole day planned on Friday to go shopping with the girls for the occasion.
Now I’m in the car with Emma, Violet, Evelyn, and Willow driving to Tidal Rose Boutique.
“Soooo you and Cooper?” Emma smiles at me in the rear view mirror.
“It’s not like that. We’re friends.”
Evelyn snorts. “With benefits.”
I choke.
“Told you.” She smiles at me.
“It’s not… not like that.” I try to redeem myself.
“Bullshit.” Willow turns from the passenger seat and smiles at me just like Evelyn.
“It’s not. We’re not dating. We haven’t had the conversation yet. Besides, we've only hung out once without Lily. You can’t date someone you only see with your kid.”
“I heard he kissed you on the cheek… in front of Aggie and Tommy. Sounds an awful lot like he’s claiming you as his, girl.” Violet leans forward from the third row of Emma’s mom-mobile, making kissing noises.
“Ugh. I don’t know why he did that.”