Chapter 7

Eden

The day of Blake's party comes around too soon, and even though I'm an events planner for a living, you'd think I could coordinate my own daughter's birthday party. I'm seriously wishing I'd taken the day off and hired someone else so I could enjoy it.

Still, I put a lot of pressure on myself to make everything perfect.

Blake is an easy-going kid — some say she takes more after her father than she does me — whatever that's supposed to mean.

I have just about everything organized and the barn looks amazing. We've decorated with gold themes, including balloons and streamers which Georgia and Callan's little sister, Trudy, have spent most of yesterday and this morning putting together. I don't know where I'd be without the two of them. Jodie has also been instrumental in keeping me awake with plenty of caffeine and pep talks along the way.

"She's going to love it." Georgia clutches me by the shoulders as she faces me. "You have that look on your face."

I frown. "What look?"

"That look that spells trouble."

I snort. "I do? You know, I had no idea I made a face like that."

"Blake has the same look. And don't worry, this is going to be perfect. It looks amazing."

We stand back to check our handiwork.

Oak tables line the large area of the barn floor, with a dried flower centerpiece on each, giving it a fall vibe which I'm totally digging. Alongside that are the three-tiered high-tea trays where the finger food and sandwiches will go when we're ready for them. Each place setting has a plate and a gold napkin along with recycled paper cups for soda.

The wishing well is the real main attraction. Especially since Brook made a mini-barn lookalike box out of some of the off-cuts Callan didn't need from the barn repairs. The roof is the lid, fastened with a couple of hinges at the back, so it opens up and the donations can be put inside. My heart tugs when I think about my little girl only wanting her friends to give to the pet rescue, instead of receiving presents. It makes me feel proud that she's such a thoughtful child at this young age. I feel like we did a lot right when it comes to parenting. I'm not saying we're perfect, far from it, but Brook and I worked hard at keeping our family a strong unit, despite our divorce. I take a deep breath.

There were so many things about me and Brook that worked, and so much that didn't. We were never enemies, and I thank everything down to my toes that we kept on amicable terms. I know I'm being nostalgic today because of Blake's birthday, but I'll always love Brooklyn — he's the father of my child. One we both love dearly. Sometimes people don't get why we broke up, and at times I often wonder if we'd have stuck it out when times got tough, would we have come out the other end?

Still. I shouldn't be thinking about that today, especially when Kirk's coming from Atlanta. I'm excited that this is the first time we'll get to spend some quality time together over the weekend. It's time we started moving in the right direction and while I've not had sex in forever, I'm looking forward to the fact that it might happen.

It's not until I'm helping Verne set out the cupcakes on a larger three-tiered cake stand, over by the one of the long trestle tables away from the fray, that I hear my name across the barn and I see Kirk standing by the doors. He has a huge present in his hands, wrapped in horseshoe wrapping paper.

I set the cupcakes down and tell Verne I'll be right back. I practically sprint over to him, excited that he's here. He grins down at me, giving me a one-armed hug, juggling the present he's holding.

"I missed you, Cupcake."

"That's fitting, since I just helped Verne ice fifty of the damn things."

He kisses my nose and my heart falters just a little that he doesn't sweep me into his arms and kiss me passionately. Not that I want to put on a huge display, but that electricity I think I should feel, never comes. I brush it off. It's been a long morning and I'm already tired and drained.

"I missed you too," I quickly add.

"You look pretty."

I smile. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

He presses his lips to mine for a kiss, but doesn't deepen it when I swing my arms around his neck. "You don't want the whole town talking, do you?"

I roll my eyes. "Like I care."

"Which one is the ex, just so I can avoid him?"

My eyes widen. "Very funny. He's not here yet, and I'm sure you can find it within yourself to be civil. He's Blake's father after all, and we're on good terms."

He gives me a lopsided look which tells me he doesn't believe me. "No exes are on good terms, Cupcake. Not really. It's for the sake of the kid, which I get, but you don't have to make it okay with me. I get it."

I frown. What is he talking about?

"Uh, Brook and I don't make it okay. We really are friends. We always have been. Some people can't really understand the dynamics of it, but we really do get along." I've told him this before so I don't know why he's saying this now.

He regards me for a moment, leveling me with an unimpressed look. "As long as he's not getting any funny ideas. I'm a jealous man when it comes to things that belong to me."

Things that belong to me?

I swallow hard, unable to answer. My mouth runs dry as my eyes skate over the slight pout on his face. I haven't seen him act like this before.

Brooklyn was never overly jealous, but that was because nobody ever dared come near me. I guess he also had no reason to be; we only had eyes for each other.

I'm about to summon the courage to tell him that I'm nobody's property when Georgia-Blue approaches. I don't even have time to warn Kirk.

"Hey, Eden," she says, looking directly at Kirk. "And you must be Kirk, we've all heard so much about you."

He turns to look down at Georgia and rewards her his signature smile. The one that caught my eye all those months ago. "All good things I hope?" He holds out his hand to shake hers, and she reciprocates.

"Of course. I'm Georgia, by the way, her ex-sister-in-law."

I roll my lips. "We're still friends," I add.

"More like Sisters." Georgia bumps my hips as she focuses on Kirk. "So, Eden told us you're a doctor?"

"That's right. I'm a surgeon."

"Holy cow. Isn't that stressful? Having people's lives in the palm of your hands?"

"It can be." His eyes skate back to me where I give him an apologetic smile. "But the rewards are worth it, of course."

"Don't surgeons get paid a shit load?"

I bite my lip. That's Georgia for you. She has no filter.

"We're compensated generously, some would say. But when you play God for a living, the stakes are pretty high."

Georgia's mouth falls slightly open and I want to crawl under the table with embarrassment.

When you play God for a living?

I never realized until this moment that Kirk can be kinda arrogant. I don't even think he realizes he's doing it, but he comes across as a little pompous in social settings.

I clear my throat. "Kirk, can I get you a drink?"

He smiles. "Please. They still serve beer down in the sticks, right?"

Georgia snorts. "Beer is for breakfast around here, K. We distill bourbon out here in the sticks." She leans closer to him and whispers loudly, "This shit'll put hairs on your chest. Don't go away now, I'll be right back."

Kirk stares after her as I pinch the bridge of my nose. Georgia disappears across the barn toward the bar at the back.

Great. This is going to be the party from hell.

"She's a hoot." Kirk's tone doesn't match his words. Nope, he does not sound impressed.

"She's a really lovely person," I tell him, not wanting to hear anything bad he has to say about Georgia. We've always been close and she's the sister I never had. "And really sweet. She looks out for me."

"She's also really nosy."

"She was only asking what you did. I've been telling everyone about how wonderful you are."

His eyes find mind again. This makes him smile as he pulls me into his chest. I take a much needed sigh that we're finally having a proper cuddle. "You have?"

I nod. "Yes. But playing God sounds a little… cold."

"I came here for you, not them. I don't care what they think. I also didn't realize I had to impress your ex's siblings."

"Kirk…"

"I'm kidding, cupcake." He kisses my nose again and this time I find it a little irritating than when he did it before. "If these people are important to you, then so be it. I'll play nice."

If they're important to me?

These people?

He'll play nice?

He's just tired… That's what I tell myself.

I've always known Kirk lives in a different universe to my own, but it's becoming a little more apparent that he thinks a little highly of himself. Still, he's never acted this way before. He's always been generous and kind. But ever since he walked in the door, he's been acting like he's better than anyone else. Maybe that's just because he's uncomfortable? I try not to think too much of it as I take deep breaths.

It's wildly uncomfortable with him being here at the same time as the Bassetts, and my parents, while I introduce them to my new boyfriend, but it had to happen sometime. And Kirk insisted that he come along to Blake's birthday, which I thought was sweet at the time. Now I can't help wondering if he has some other ulterior motive.

"Did you want to head back to my place, freshen up?" I ask, trying to change the subject. "I've still got a little bit of time before the party starts."

He looks around, and I try to imagine what he's seeing through his eyes. Of course Kirk is used to all kinds of fancy stuff being a surgeon; he can afford a luxurious lifestyle. But this just somehow doesn't seem to suit his tastes. He looks kinda out of place.

"I'm sure I'll manage. Is there anything I can do?"

I feel my smile soften my face. There's the Kirk I know. "That's sweet of you. I still have some balloons to blow up."

He frowns. "Balloons?"

"Yup. There's a machine. You don't have to blow them yourself."

"Whatever you say, Cupcake. I'm happy to help."

This man is sending so many mixed signals that I don't have time to decipher them. I'm pushing them to the back of my mind to sort through later. I just hope that he does play nice, because today is about Blake and her friends, not about him or us or if any of the Bassetts or my parents like him.

I try to remind myself that before I take him by the hand and lead him over to the balloon station.

An hour later

The party is in full swing and Blake is hugging her friends as the music blares and the kids are all bouncing around the barn having a great time.

I hug myself and feel proud that we managed to pull this off. Without Brook and the rest of the Bassett family, along with Autumn and Carrie, and my parents, I never would have been able to get everything ready on time.

In all the commotion and Blake being distracted by surprise presents and a round of cupcakes — courtesy of Verne — and some double chocolate layered birthday cake from Gayle, Brook and Kirk haven't had a chance to meet officially. I did, however, see Brook staring at him from across the other side of the room. When his eyes shifted to mine, he did not look pleased.

The last thing I need is two grown men acting like children. Maybe it's just my imagination, but Brooklyn has no reason to act any such way toward my new boyfriend. Giving him dirty looks is childish and annoying… Just as I think it, Brook approaches with a big smile on his face and I'm glad his frown seems to have disappeared.

"You look deep in thought, Mama." He tilts his head sideways, grinning wider.

"I'm just taking it all in. It's been fantastic, no hitches whatsoever."

"Blake's in her element," he agrees. A few awkward moments pass before he adds. "So, where's lover boy?"

"He has a name, Brook."

"Uh huh, but if I were named Kirk, I'd be glad if someone changed it for me."

"Be nice."

"Oh, I am being nice. Where is he?"

"He had to take a phone call outside. He's very busy…"

"I know, he's a surgeon. You told me like fifty times already." He's such an exaggerator.

I narrow my eyes. "Jealous?"

"Of him?" he sputters. "I don't think so." He leans closer, so close I can feel his body heat radiating off him. "Though, I have to admit, him sharing your bed is a little hard to get my head around."

My eyes grow wide. "You did not just say that."

"What?"

"Brooklyn." I lower my voice. "Please don't start something."

"I'm not starting anything." He holds his palms toward me in some attempt at surrender. "But if I don't think he's good enough for you, I won't be able to keep my mouth shut."

I put my hands on my hips. "It's not up to you, Brook!" I point a finger in his face. "Just keep your unwanted opinions to yourself and let's get through this."

"Uh, oh, speak of the devil." He looks over my shoulder.

I follow his line of sight and see Kirk coming toward us. My heart sinks.

When I turn back to face Brook, his stance has changed. For one, he's rigid and has his arms folded over his chest — very un-Brooklyn like. Secondly, he steals his jaw in a way that makes me want to close my eyes and have the ground swallow me whole. I know that look — it's his protective stance. And while it's sweet of him to care, it really isn't his business.

"Sorry, Cupcake," Kirk says, smiling down at me as he slides an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. He dips his head and kisses me on the lips which feels nothing short of awkward in front of Brooklyn. "Duty calls."

I clear my throat, glancing nervously back at Brooklyn who hasn't taken his eyes off Kirk, and now they're locked in some wordless duel that can only be described as testosterone on steroids.

Neither say anything, so after a few seconds of awkward silence, I say, "Kirk, this is Brooklyn, Brooklyn this is Kirk."

I thought Kirk might be the bigger person and opt to break the ice, but it seems like he's lost the power of speech.

"I'm sorry," Brook says, holding out his hand toward him. Relief floods through me at the sight of him remembering his manners, until… "I've hardly heard anythin' about you. I would've dusted off the good cutlery and bone china if we'd have known a fancy surgeon was comin' to our little neck of the woods. I feel underdressed."

He didn't. He couldn't. Kill me now.

Kirk is rendered speechless yet again.

"Oh, I'm the ex-husband by the way, which I'm sure you've figured out, and Blake is our child together. Our pride and joy."

Oh. Lord. Help. Me. Now.

All that's missing is for Brooklyn to put his arm around my other shoulder, and pull me closer toward him, away from Kirk.

When did this turn into a pissing competition?

Kirk finally meets his grasp. I watch as he grimaces for a second as they shake. My eyes glance down to see Brook's hand squeezing the shit out of his. Oh, for heaven's sake…

"Good to meet you. And don't sweat it with the cutlery and fine china, Eden has done a wonderful job getting the party organized," Kirk says.

"I heard you blew up the balloons?" Brook cocks an eyebrow.

"I was happy to help."

"Nice work. Though, helium isn't good for you in heavy doses. I'd lay off inhaling it. Not that I need to tell you that, bein' a doctor and all."

"I'm a surgeon."

They're still shaking hands…

"Oh, that's right. I get the two confused. Education around here borders on hog calling and tractor maintenance, stuff I'm sure you know nothin' about."

"I'm actually handy with a hammer or two."

"Is that so?" Brook's eyes shift to mine and I give him a warning look, one that I'm positive he will choose to ignore. "Well, I'll keep that in mind. I have a few fences around the property that could do with a hammerin'…"

"I tend to hire people to do menial jobs like that around my place."

Brook's eyebrows raise. Oh, no.

"Menial? I guess using your hands to build somethin' isn't the same as havin' them inside somebody, right?"

"I'm a plastic surgeon."

Jesus.

They finally let go of the grasp thing they had going on. I watch in horror as Kirk shakes his hand out.

"Oh, so you lift people's faces and make them unrecognizable?"

Kirk's eyes narrow. "Actually, that's exactly what I don't do. I specialize in rhinoplasty. That's a nose job, in case you haven't heard the term before."

"You think you could do some work on my honker?" Brook turns on the side to showcase his nose, scrunching it from side to side. I shake my head in disbelief. "Accordin' to my sister, my nose is too big for my face."

Kirk is about to answer when I cut in. "Well, enough of that. Kirk's had a long drive. How about I show you around outside?" I look up at Kirk with pleading eyes, hoping he will take the hint and we can get out of this awkward back and forth thing they've got going on.

"Don't go whiskin' him away now." Brook smiles like a Cheshire cat. He leans closer and whispers behind his hand to Kirk, "I'd also be aware of old lady Verne, she's the one who made the cupcakes and may force feed one down your neck. Don't be alarmed, she likes older guys, though rumor has it she's frisky as a bobcat and has a thing for men in suits with tassels on their loafers…"

We all simultaneously glance down at Kirk's shoes. He's wearing gray loafers with tassels. Something so unassuming seems to now stand out like a sore thumb.

I curse Brooklyn to the pits of hell.

I link my arm with Kirk's. "Speaking of food, we should go and find a plate." I smile as sweet as can be. Kirk flicks his eyes to mine. He does not look happy.

"That sounds like a great id—" His phone rings loudly once again. He holds up a finger. "Sorry, honey. I'll be right back." He glances at my ex-husband. "Brooklyn."

"Kirk."

I watch as Kirk takes the call and wanders his way out to the other side of the barn while I try my best to keep a smile plastered on my face. Try being the word because I've no clue what the hell Brooklyn is playing at.

Today of all days?

I try counting to ten, but I get to five and then I let it rip…