Tides and Tidings

Chapter 3

Charlie

W e were child and dog-free at last. Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter, but being able to dedicate all my attention to Blythe this weekend was what I was hoping for. The last few weeks have been insane for her at the bookstore, and I knew she needed some time for just the two of us.

She dove into the mother role for someone so deep in the “no kids” pool. In addition to my own, Blythe is the perfect mom. She cares for Wren like she birthed her. She takes her to school and picks her up. Blythe enrolled Wren in a ballet class. They read together. They laugh for hours. I couldn’t have picked a better person.

When Blythe rolled into town, I was a miserable person. Would I admit it then? Hell no. I was too proud for that shit. Then this annoying five-foot-two girl rolled into town with deep auburn hair and the biggest green eyes and I was a goner. I tried for weeks to keep the wall up but dammit, she took a wrecking ball to it. Honesty hour? Life has been a dream with her. Not only is she the best person I’ve ever met, but also a fine piece of ass. My fine piece of ass.

The ride home from my parents’ was quiet. Marsh had been dropped off and the weekend I had been waiting for could finally start. This weekend has been in the planning stages for the last two months, and somehow, I’ve been able to keep tight-lipped about it. I would rather die than have this weekend ruined for Blythe.

We pulled into the driveway and I slipped my hand into hers as we approached the front door.

“How romantic,” she joked.

I brushed my shoulder against hers, “I’m romantic sometimes.”

She turned to face me and crossed her arms, “Name one time.”

I feigned offense, “Sometimes!”

A wide smile spread across her face as we crossed the threshold. She was finally relaxed. Blythe stood by the door, listening.

“Do you hear something?” I went into protective mode.

“No,” she paused while she slipped out of her heels. “It’s so quiet in here. I don’t think it’s ever been the two of us in this house. Even when Wren is with your mom, Marsh is still here, barking at all the birds outside.”

I listened to the silence. “I think you’re right. What should we do?”

A yawn escaped her mouth. “If I’m being one hundred percent honest…”

“Do you want to take a nap?” I interrupted.

Blythe threw herself into my arms, “Can we please? I need a nap so badly.” She begged.

I brushed her hair off her face, “I was thinking we’d go get changed, grab some snacks, then plop on the couch and watch a movie. Just see where the afternoon takes us?”

She stood on her toes to plant a kiss on my mouth. I wrapped my arms around her waist to pull her against my body.

“Mmm, not right now. I’m too sleepy.”

“Let’s go get changed and start our perfect weekend.” I ushered her up the stairs to our bedroom.

Blythe shuffled through the clean basket of clothes that had been sitting in the corner of our room for four days. She shimmied out of her jeans and red “peplum top”—as she had corrected me this morning—and slipped one of my college T-shirts over her head. You have to be kidding me.

Blythe grabbed me by the hand and led me to the kitchen to get snacks. “Can we make popcorn?” Her face was brighter. I think the lack of jeans and bra was an instant mood booster.

“I was thinking popcorn, M&Ms, and that ice cream we have in the garage freezer that we hide from Wren.”

She leaped into my arms, “I love you so much. You’re the best thing ever.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the woman who saved me from myself.

She had no idea what I had in store for her this weekend.