“You boys do not get anywhere near the bear once you let it loose. Do you understand me?” I point at each of them, and Hunter rolls his eyes while Steven looks confused, making me realize I’m not his parent and really have no right to tell him what to do.
“Mom—”
“Don’t ‘Mom’ me, Hunter. Nowhere near the bear.”
“Fine,” he mumbles, tucking his hands into the pocket of his hoodie and dropping his eyes to the ground for a second.
“Good.” With that, I send each of the boys one last look then turn to walk away and run straight into a large body.
“Ya not gonna even say hi to me, Shelby Lynn?”
Lifting my head up, and up, my eyes connect with Paul’s, and my face softens as I take in his shock of rusty hair and the beard covering his face. Over time, Paul became just one more memory for me, but when I was growing up, he was a constant in my life as my dad’s best friend. After my parents passed away, he would come visit me often and check in to make sure I had whatever I needed and that I was doing okay. When I told him I was pregnant, he gave me a fatherly lecture then supported my decision of adoption, even though a lot of other people at the time were against it. After Samuel’s birth, he was one of the first people I told about my plans to leave, and he tried to talk me out of going, but supported me when I told him I just couldn’t stay.
“Hey, Paul.” I smile, tilting my head to the side. “You’re still here,” I say softly, and his eyes scan over me from head to toe, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I am, and you’re back,” he replies, just as soft. “Your gramps would be happy you’re back where you belong.” Swallowing hard, I nod, and his arms wrap around me in a tight hug that lifts me off my feet. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too,” I admit, hugging him just as tight.
Settling me on my feet, he leans back and looks me over once more. “You’ll have to make time to come to my house for dinner. I’m sure Joe would like to see you.”
“Joe?” I ask, and his face softens further.
“Joanne’s my wife… A lot has changed since you’ve been gone.”
“You got married?” I’m not able to hide the disbelief in my tone. Paul was always single; even my dad said he would never get married, never settle down.
“Married and got a boy and three girls.” He grins, causing the beard covering his face to shift. “Den, come over here, boy,” he calls, and the young kid I saw out the window earlier saunters over, wearing dark jeans, a thin vest open wide, showing off a tight black Henley that accentuates his muscular teenage boy body. “Den, this is Shelby, Hunter’s mom.” He pats his son’s shoulder and I smile, thinking that even for probably fourteen or fifteen, he’s handsome with a strong jaw, full lips, dark hair, and brown eyes.
“Nice to meet you.” He smiles, showing off a dimple, and I smile back then look over at Aubrey, but find her eyes to the ground and her cheeks pink.
Hmm.
“So you met my son?” I question, and Paul nods.
“I did. You got a good boy,” he compliments.
“I really do,” I agree glancing at Hunter, watching him smile and his eyes light in a way I don’t see often enough, but want to see much more.
“And you’re back with Zach. Funny world we live in, don’t ya think?” My head swings back towards him and my heart rate kicks into overdrive.
“N-no, I’m not with Zach.” He scans my face and his smile turns into a grin as his eyes move over my head for a moment before coming back to me once more dancing.
“Whatever, I’m just glad you’re back.”
Letting out a long breath, I repeat, “Me too.” Silently wondering why my stomach feels the way it does.
“Zach has my cell.” He steps back, pulling a set of keys from his pocket. “Get it from him and we’ll make plans for you all to come over to dinner one night. I live in a nuthouse surrounded by mostly women, but it’s clean and smells good. Plus, they’re always cooking something that nine times out of ten taste good, so I can’t complain too much.”
I smile at that. My dad would love knowing his friend is married with girls. He would definitely think it’s some kind of karma for the way Paul used to get around.
“I will definitely call and set something up,” I agree, giving him one more smile.
“We better go before the bear wakes. We’ll catch up soon.” He lifts his chin to someone behind me then turns away, taking a step back I watch him and the boys start to load into the truck then turn to look for Aubrey coming face to face with Zach.
“We’ll be back soon,” His eyes drop the length of my body and his voice softens. “Get inside, baby, and take care of my girl.”
“Don’t call me baby.” I narrow my eyes, watching his lips twitch before he pulls his gaze from mine. “Stay with Shel, gorgeous.”
“I will, Dad,” Aubrey agrees, as I feel his fingers slide over mine briefly before he turns and starts to walk away.
“Make sure the boys stay away from that Bear Zach Watters.” I call out to his back as he heads for the truck.
“Will do baby.” He mutters back without looking at me and I huff in annoyance hearing Aubrey giggle behind me.
Turning I smile at Aubrey wrap my arm around her shoulders and lead her towards my house. As soon as we reach the steps and I know no one can hear us, I dip my face to her ear, and whisper, “Den is super cute.”