After a twenty-minute wait in line, she had her purchases and loaded them in the trunk. Then she remembered she’d meant to grab wrapping paper and a card but had forgotten. Rather than wait in line another twenty minutes, she’d decided to stop at the dollar store in the same shopping center.
The coffee shop was next store. She hadn’t had a frappe in so long, and she rarely treated herself. Did she have time? She checked the time on her phone. If she could get in and out in ten minutes, she’d have enough time to get back to Jasper Lake and pick up Dex with several minutes to spare.
Her caramel frappe proved a refreshing treat as she drove home with the windows down. She played the radio station she liked and sang along at the top of her lungs. Her vocal cords might regret it later, but she felt years younger. Or maybe she was so used to feeling older than her age that she felt her real age for once.
She adored April and Dex, but even the best mom needed time to herself—that didn’t include working. When was the last time she’d gotten her hair done or had a manicure? Seen a movie that wasn’t a cartoon?
For three years, she’d lived in survival mode, ever since Kyle announced he would marry Elena. Addy’s had been a safe haven for her, but more than that, it had reinstated her confidence. Her poor choices had knocked her down and made her question every decision she’d made since leaving Buffalo, but running the bed and breakfast made her realize she could make good decisions that led to success.
Even though Addy would return soon and resume charge, Beth was grateful for the opportunity she’d been given the last four weeks. Though they’d been hectic and trying, she’d grown as a person, which was infinitely better than the extra pay. The increased salary was nice, but she wasn’t hurting for money.
If she ever needed to, she could dip into the money Kyle had left her. His “allowance” from his parents had been more than she’d ever made in a year. Of course, had they known most of it went to her and the children, they probably would have cut that off before resorting to threats of disowning.
Regardless, she had the money stashed in a savings account. She’d promised herself never to touch it unless an emergency arose, but she lived frugally and did fine with her earnings from the bed and breakfast. At one point, mad at Kyle and herself for living how they had, she’d contemplated donating all the money. However, she’d realized it would be a safety net for the children and their college fund. Why shouldn’t they benefit financially from their father?
She pulled into the building housing the new Mother’s Day Out program. A line of cars waited, despite there being twenty minutes until the official pick up time. A smile stretched over her lips. Wanting time away from one’s children but missing them when away was a time-honored maternal tradition.
Trixie waited two cars ahead of her. Beth put the car in park, walked up to her, and tapped on the window.
Looking up, Trixie smiled and put the window down. “Hi, I heard Dex was here, too.”
“I thought it was a good idea since he doesn’t get much socialization with kids his age other than church.” Thinking she heard the building’s door open, she glanced over but must have imagined it. “Plus, he’ll probably have more fun here than hanging out at Addy’s.”
“I’ll be honest, I need Trixie somewhere that she won’t be spoiled rotten.” Trixie sighed. “She’s become a handful.”
“She’ll outgrow it.”
“I hope so. She’ll throw an unbelievably loud tantrum, then look at you with a smile sweeter than molasses.”
Beth laughed. “That’s the beauty of children.”
An embarrassed look came over Trixie. “You should come to her party tonight. I handed out invitations at church on Sunday, and I meant to call everyone I didn’t see, but the week got away. I’m so sorry for the short notice, but please come.”
She faltered, unsure what to say, then opted for honesty. “Hunter invited me this morning.”
“Oh really?” Trixie’s brows shot upward.
Beth recognized that looked and squelched it quickly. “Don’t read into it. Your brother and I are co-workers and friends. He thought April and Dex would enjoy the bouncy house.”
“Sure, he did.” Trixie smirked, clearly unconvinced that was her brother’s sole motive. “My brother’s a good guy. He’s had issues in the past but haven’t we all?”
“I agree on both accounts, but trust me, I’m not looking for a romance.”
“He says the same thing, claims he needs to focus on rebuilding his life, but I think he needs a good woman to stand by him.”
“Maybe he does, but don’t get idea about me and him.” She heard the door again, and this time a lady walked out, with a line of children, signaling pick up time. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
She returned to her car, second-guessing her decision to attend. Would the rest of his family think there was something between her and Hunter? She counted on his friendship and didn’t want assumptions to make it awkward.
Chapter Seven
Hunter finished his workday, then rushed to clean up and ready himself for Alice’s party. He’d missed her first birthday, and nothing would keep him from attending her second party. Looking in the mirror, he ran a comb through this still-damp hair.
He needed a haircut, but he kept putting it off. For reasons he couldn’t explain, sitting in the barber chair transported him to the day of his arrest when he’d had to answer questions in the cold, sterile room at the sheriff’s department. It didn’t make sense since there was no comparison, but it kept him from getting haircuts until necessary.
Opening his closet, he pulled out Alice’s gifts. He’d purchased a savings bond for her, but also a toy as a fun gift she’d understand now. Alice was his first niece, and he’d run the gifts by Trixie first to make sure she approved. He couldn’t wait to see Alice play in the inflatable ball pit. It was decorated in princesses and had pink, white, and silver balls.
He carried the wrapped presents down the hall and knocked on Beth’s door. When she didn’t answer, he went to the children’s room next to hers. The door was open, and he spotted her sitting on April’s bed, brushing her daughter’s hair. Dex jumped up and down beside them.
Beth glanced sideways. “I’ve already told you to stay still. You’ll get a chance to get all that energy out soon, but your jumping will disturb the guests.”
Dex sighed and plopped on April’s bed beside his mom and sister. “How much longer?”
“As soon as we are ready.”
Hunter knocked on the open door to announce his presence. “How’s it going?”
“We’re almost ready.” Beth pulled April’s hair into a ponytail and gently pressed her to get up. “All I have to do is grab my purse and the gift.”
“I’ll take them to the car and get them buckled in if you want.”
“Sure. Thanks.” She stood from the bed. “I’ll meet you outside in a few minutes.”
April and Dex each held one of his hands as they walked down two sets of stairs and outside. He’d moved their car seats over earlier, and he didn’t take it for granted that Beth trusted him to drive her and her babies. With his history, he would have understood if she hadn’t been comfortable with him behind the wheel, but her confidence in him meant a lot.