Harper gives her a thoughtful look. “So, you wouldn’t mind if Ethan, say, fell for someone who already had children for you to spoil.”
I glare at Harper, while my mother says, “Hell, at this point, I’d take a couple of grand-dogs, a parrot, or even a gerbil.”
“I hear grand-gerbils are all the rage now,” Harper teases.
Digger gestures toward the lodge. “You two must be hungry after your long trip. Would you like to come inside for lunch?”
Harper interrupts. “That won’t work, honey. The restaurant is closed right now.”
Digger looks at her oddly. “Yes, but I own the place, I can open it.”
Harper waves her hand in front of her face. “Nonsense. Why don’t we just take them over to Moira’s place?” Digger shrugs in agreement.
Two things. One—I have a feeling my friend has every intention of involving herself in my love life. And two—get ready, Gamble, because Rose and Isaac have arrived.
Chapter23
Moira
Even though it’s only been three days, I miss Ethan way more than I should.
After the hospital confirmed Wyatt’s concussion, I took a few days off work to spend with him, as I can’t stand the thought of leaving my kids when they’re hurt. Edna takes great care of them, but I’m their mother. That privilege should be mine.
Once we passed the twenty-four-hour concussion danger zone on Tuesday afternoon, I asked Edna to come by for an hour so I could hit the only crafting store in a thirty-mile radius. As per Ellie Fansworthy’s advice, I bought supplies to make my own vision board. While it’s not something I would normally see myself doing, I’ve reached the point in my life where something has to be done.
At the Hobby Hut, I bought a white foam board, some scissors with fancy edges, and packages of stickers. At the checkout counter, I added several magazines that I was confident would have the kinds of pictures that would adequately portray my greatest desires.
When I got home, the boys questioned what I was doing, so I lied and told them that I was working on a project for Digger. Luckily, their complete lack of interest in all things crafty took over and they didn’t ask another thing about it.
I’ve spent hours cutting out pictures of happy families, full-on with a dad. I cut out pictures of houses that aren’t in horrible need of repair. I cut out pictures of indulgences, like people eating in beautiful restaurants, getting massages, and simply smiling. I cut out pictures of airplanes, yachts, and white sand beaches dotted with little tiki huts. Even though this vision board thing might be a total washout, I’ve enjoyed every single moment of putting my wildest dreams on display.
I’ve learned a lot about myself, too. I’ve discovered that I have a wide array of dreams that I haven’t let myself think about since I was a child. When my mom left, everything in my life got put on hold. I no longer talked about going to Paris someday or owning a fancy restaurant. It’s as though when she left to pursue her dreams, she packed up all of mine and took them away with her.
Every time I look at my vision board, it rekindles my ability to feel excitement and possibility. I’ve left enough space on it that I’m going to continue adding to it, and when this one’s full, I’ll make another one. I’ll fill my bedroom walls with them if I have to.
“Moooooooooooom!” Colton runs into my room and jumps on my bed on top of me.
“Is the house on fire?” I demand.
“Nope.” He crawls under the covers next to me and lays his head on my pillow.
“Then why are you so fired up?” I ask, pulling him close.
“I like having you home. I don’t want you to go back to work today.”
“Oh, honey, I like being home, too. But you know that I need to work to keep a roof over our heads.”
“I suppose.” He doesn’t sound like he’s buying it.
Before I can respond, Ash and Wyatt walk in. Once they see their brother in bed with me, they jump in as well. “This is nice,” I tell them. “I miss snuggling with my boys.”
“You’re the best, Mom,” Wyatt says. “Thanks for staying home with us.”
“It’s almost like we’re a real family,” Ash adds.
“Wearea real family,” I say a bit harshly.
Colton says, “Sure, we are. Ash just means that it’s nice to have a mom around.”