Chapter 2

Two

Finn

I kept my fingers on the guitar and my head bowed, but I could feel Aria’s gaze on me like a caress. I loved playing for people, and I sensed when someone was enjoying my music, and she was.

The rest of the group was talking and laughing, eating cake, and drinking the leftover champagne, but Aria wasn’t paying attention to them. Her eyes had been on me the entire evening, even when she was talking to Harper.

I wasn’t cocky enough to think she was anything like a groupie at a bar I was playing. She didn’t like me, not after the ridiculous things I’d said to her. I couldn’t stop myself from spewing every single thing I was thinking when she was in my presence. It was like I couldn’t control myself around her.

Every time I snuck a glance over at her, she was lost in the notes and the lyrics I was singing. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes flared, and her lips slightly parted in wonder. She loved my music, and I couldn’t stop playing for her.

I played longer than I should have. I played until my fingers ached from holding the pick, and my neck was tight with being curled over the instrument. When the notes of my last song faded into the night, Aria stood, her untouched cake still on the table, and walked toward the summerhouse. It was a small building that Lily had renovated into a suite for the bridal party, but it also served as the restroom for the guests.

She was probably going to the bathroom, and I should leave her alone, but I couldn’t. I had to know if she liked my music. I wasn’t sure why I was so intent on getting a reaction out of her—good or bad—but I was.

I carefully set my guitar in my case and left it by my chair. The evening air was cool for fall, but my skin was overheated from performing for so long.

I was exhausted, and I should have headed home, but instead, I followed the path Aria took. Lily had renovated the smaller building after she started holding weddings on her farm in the spring. She lived in the main house, and it kept the bridal party and guests away from her personal space.

The farther I walked, the more the conversation and laughter from the group faded into the distance.

I told myself I wanted to talk to her about music, but my heart was practically racing in my chest. Why was I here? Why was I following this woman who drove me crazy?

I opened the screen door and leaned against the wall, facing the women’s restroom. My actions were a bit stalkerish, but before I could change my mind, Aria opened the bathroom door.

With her hand on her chest, she said, “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t move from my relaxed stance.

Her cheeks were still flushed. Had she been drinking the champagne, or was her skin naturally pink? “Does Gia need me?”

The implication was clear—I was acting weird, and I’d better explain myself. I stuffed my hands into my pockets. “You enjoyed me playing guitar?”

“I enjoy music,” she said carefully.

“It was more than that.” I wasn’t sure why it mattered, but I wanted her to say she enjoyed me playing.

Her forehead wrinkled. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I don’t know if you realized it, but your whole body was moving with the rhythm of the music. You were into it.” Why was I pushing her to say something I wanted to hear when I knew instinctively it was true?

“I love listening to you,” she finally admitted, her eyes darting around before finally landing on me. “Harper said you’re a band teacher.”

I tipped my head to the side. “You didn’t know that?”

“If Ireland mentioned it, I don’t remember.”

“Ouch.” I pulled my hand out of my pocket to touch my chest. I’m not sure why I cared. We didn’t see eye to eye on anything. Why would she care about me?

Aria’s lips twitched. “I think your ego can handle it.”

“I love teaching. Young kids are so eager to learn, and the schedule works for my daughter.”

Aria’s eyes widened at my words. “You have a child?”

I nodded, my heart picking up for a different reason. How would she feel about me having a child? More importantly, why did it matter? “Paisley. She’s six.”

Her face flushed. “That’s sweet.”

She thought kids were sweet, or was it the fact that I had a daughter? I hoped for the latter. I hadn’t done much to impress her, but maybe she respected the fact that I was a dad.

“I should probably get back in case Gia needs me.” She moved toward the door, but I didn’t want her to leave. I wanted her to see me differently, but I wasn’t sure why.

“It’s a party. You’re not working.” I pushed off the wall to stand but kept my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t reach for her.

Aria slowly turned to face me. “I want to make myself indispensable.”

“This job is important to you.” It was like getting a puzzle piece to what made Aria unique.

“It is.” She didn’t elaborate, but I wanted—no, I needed to know more.

“Why?”

Aria shrugged. “I worked as an instructional assistant at a local school for years, thinking I wanted to be a teacher, but when the funding decreased, my job was the first to go. Now I don’t know what I want to do. I don’t have a talent like you do for music.”

“You enjoy planning weddings?” I said, my tone a little disbelieving. For Gia, it was a business, and that made sense to me.

“Why do I get the feeling you disapprove of everything I say and do?” Her tongue darted out to lick her lip, and I wanted to chase it with mine.

“I don’t disapprove of you.” I wanted to crush her against my body and kiss her. I wasn’t sure where the desire had come from, but my fingers itched to touch her.

“It seems like you do,” she said hesitantly.

“I just don’t understand you.”

Her nose scrunched. “You don’t have to. We’re nothing to each other.”

She opened the door to leave.

“Wait.”

She paused but didn’t turn around.

“I followed you because I wanted to apologize for what I said earlier. When I implied you didn’t have anything to worry about in your life. That was unfair of me. We don’t know what anyone else is dealing with on any given day.”

She turned to me, her eyes soft in a way they never were in my presence. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

I wanted to say I needed to get to know her better, to understand why she was so hopeful and positive about relationships and marriage, but I shouldn’t. She opened the door and slipped out before I could say anything else.

I needed to chalk it up to a weird personality clash. We didn’t agree on anything. Despite this physical attraction, we had nothing in common.

I had a daughter to care for. I worked the teaching job because I enjoyed it, and it provided steady income and insurance for me and her. I did the gigs on the side to pay for her activities and to save for the future. I didn’t have a lot, but I had enough.

I prided myself on not touching my trust fund unless I needed it, like I had for the house we lived in. I wanted Paisley to live in a nice home in a good school district. But otherwise, I relied on my income for living expenses.

I watched Aria cross the yard to the barn, her long dress skimming the grass. A sense of loss shot through my chest, and I wasn’t sure why.

Early the next morning, my doorbell rang. When I checked the video feed, it was Paisley and her mother, Naomi.

I asked Naomi to marry me when she found out she was pregnant, but she’d wisely said no. She said she didn’t love me, and I knew I wasn’t capable of long-term commitment. I had my parents to thank for that.

Marriage was nothing more than a legal piece of paper that contractually bound you to someone else. My intention was to protect Naomi and Paisley, so I shared custody, paid generous amounts of child support, maintained good health insurance, and co-parented like a boss.

I opened the door just as Paisley launched herself at me. I lifted her, her curls falling around my face. “I missed you, baby girl.”

She lifted to see my face, a huge smile spreading over her face. “It’s been like two days.”

“That’s two days too long.” And that was the reason I’d wanted to marry Naomi, so I’d never have to be separated from her. I hated it, but I didn’t have a choice. We made it work and kept the upheaval to Paisley’s life minimal.

I let Paisley down, and she ran into the house, probably to turn on the TV for cartoons. She was used to me and her mother taking this time to discuss any issues that arose during the week.

“I wanted to talk to you about something,” Naomi said as I closed the door to the house and stepped onto the front porch. I sensed this was something she didn’t want to talk about in front of Paisley.

Naomi smiled. “Chris asked me to marry him.”

I had a feeling they’d be getting married soon. They’d been dating for several years. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.”

“I know how you feel about marriage,” Naomi said carefully, as if she were walking through a verbal minefield.

I shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I asked you to marry me.”

Naomi shot me a disbelieving look. “We both know that was out of a misguided sense of obligation.”

“You don’t know that,” I said stubbornly, even though it was partially true.

“Don’t I? I know what happened with your parents and you not believing in love.”

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work out for other people,” I said, the words falling like ash from my mouth. “I’m happy for you and Chris. I want the best for you guys.”

If Naomi was happy, that meant Paisley was too.

Then Naomi cringed. “I want to make sure you’re nothing but positive about it in front of Paisley.”

I bristled at that. “I wouldn’t say anything bad about you.”

She held up her hands. “I didn’t say you would. I just worry you’ll relay your negative feelings about love and relationships to her, maybe not even meaning to.”

“I don’t talk about that stuff in front of her.” It was rare for one of us to criticize the other. We respected each other’s parenting styles, but we kept the same schedule and discussed everything from discipline to food choices.

“I hoped you didn’t. I just—I don’t want our daughter growing up believing that love isn’t possible. It would be sad.”

“You think I’m sad?” At her uncomfortable expression, I dropped my head back.

She threw up her hands. “Are you dating anyone seriously?”

“No.” For the first time, I felt uncomfortable admitting that. Something fluttered in my chest, and my mind flashed to the moment with Aria in the hallway of the summerhouse. I’d felt something, but it wasn’t anything serious.

“I’m not going to ask if you’ve changed your mind about relationships because I’m sure you haven’t, and I don’t blame you. I just don’t want that relayed to Paisley.”

“I won’t.”

“Thank you.” Then Naomi relaxed and said, “We’re going to have a wedding, and I want her to be the flower girl.”

“You don’t need to clear it with me. Whatever you need, we’ll be there for you.”

“I guess a part of me wanted to make sure you’re okay with me and Chris. You did ask me to marry you once upon a time.” She smiled to soften her words.

“We both know it wouldn’t have worked out.”

She moved closer and placed a hand on my arm. “I want you to be happy too.”

“I am.” I shifted on my feet.

Her brow arched. “Are you?”

“I love Paisley, my job, and my house.” I was proud of everything I’d accomplished. Being a single father wasn’t on my bucket list, but it was the best surprise I’d ever had in my life, and I couldn’t have picked a better woman to co-parent with.

“I want more for you. I want our daughter to see healthy relationships in her life.”

“You want me to bring women around her?” I’d never do something like that.

“Not unless you’re serious about someone. I hope it happens for you, one day.”

“I wouldn’t hold out for that.” I didn’t want a serious relationship. I couldn’t even envision it. I was content coming home and spending my time with Paisley, or at gigs to earn a little extra money.

Naomi sighed. “I’ll let you know as soon as I figure out a date.”

“You know you can schedule it on my weekend. We can always switch.”

“I appreciate it.” And then she hugged me. “You know, you’re nothing like your parents.”

I rocked back on my heels, unable to say anything over the tightening in my throat.

She gave me a sad look that I didn’t want to think too hard about. “Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.”

“Congrats again,” I said as she got into her car and backed out of my driveway.

I turned back inside, determined to put the idea of marriage and relationships out of my head. She was crazy if she thought I’d ever get married. I had everything I’d ever wanted. Paisley was enough for me. Sometimes I thought about what it would be like to have more kids, but then I was sure Chris and Naomi would be doing that soon.

I sat on the couch next to Paisley, and she cuddled into my side. “What are we doing today, baby girl?”

“Watching TV,” she said without blinking.

“We can’t watch TV all day. Maybe there’s something going on in town. A festival or something.”

Paisley lifted her head. “The kids said the fair was in town.”

“You want to go to that?” I asked, pulling out my phone.

“Uh-huh.”

“Then it’s settled.” I looked up the times and parking information. Then I sent a message to Ireland to see if she wanted to join us. She loved to spend her spare time with me and Paisley. She adored her niece.

We watched TV for a little while longer, and then I made her a snack before we left for the festival. It was downtown on Main and Dock Streets. Hay bales were tied to the street posts, and there were stands lining the sidewalks, selling everything from crafts to apple cider.

I was standing in line to buy apple cider when Ireland approached, with Aria trailing behind her. “How’s my favorite girl?”

Paisley squealed and hugged her.

When Ireland pulled back, she said, “This is my friend, Aria.”

“Nice to meet you,” Paisley said politely.

I didn’t praise Paisley for using good manners because I was a little surprised to see Aria here.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“We were just going to get apple cider.”

“You like apple cider?” Aria asked Paisley.

Paisley nodded. “Uh-huh. It’s delicious.”

Aria smiled at her, and a strange sensation filled my chest. “You guys want some too?”

Aria nodded, and Ireland said, “I’ll take one.”

I stepped forward when it was my turn and ordered four cups of hot apple cider. It was the perfect fall day. The sun was shining, yet the air was cool. I handed out the cups, cautioning Paisley against drinking the cider right away because it was hot.

We moved off to the side, and when Paisley saw a friend from school, she handed the cup to me. I watched her play with the boy with glasses from school—I thought his name was Vincent.

Then Ireland said, “I see someone I know. I’ll be right back.”

I let out a breath, a little nervous to be left alone with Aria after last night.

Aria stepped closer. “You said you were a dad, but nothing prepared me for seeing you with her.”

“What?” I asked, not understanding where she was going with this.

“It’s—” Her cheeks flushed, and I wondered what she was thinking. “You’re a good dad.”

“I get her every other week. My ex, Naomi, dropped her off this morning.” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to let her know I wasn’t with Paisley’s mother. Maybe I hoped if I told her some of my history, she’d tell me hers.

“She seems like a sweet girl,” Aria said as we watched her chase the boy and tag him.

“She is.”

“You’re a musician, a band teacher, and a dad.” Then she waved a hand in front of me. “You’re like the whole package.”

I leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Are you saying you’re interested in my package?”

She flushed just as Ireland appeared in front of us. “What were you two talking about?”

I straightened and cleared my throat. “Paisley. What else is there to talk about?”

“She’s great, isn’t she?” Ireland asked Aria. “I’m sure all six-year-olds are good kids, but I think she’s the best.”

“You’re biased.” I bumped my shoulder with hers.

Ireland smiled at Aria, and I was jealous of their easy camaraderie. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to our family.”

My heart clenched. When Naomi got pregnant, we were just out of college, old enough to have a kid, but not sure we were ready for one. I worried my parents would think I was irresponsible for getting a woman pregnant, but they supported me and adored Paisley.

“I love kids. I watched my younger sister and babysat a lot when I was younger.”

My heart picked up at the nugget of information she’d revealed. “You have a little sister?”

“Yeah, she still lives at home. Now that I’m working with Gia, I’m hoping to get promoted so I can afford a bigger place. Then I can ask her to move in with me.”

That was interesting. She was always so put together with her makeup and clothes; I assumed she didn’t have any money worries, but that was a stupid assumption. “How old is your sister?”

“Twenty-two. She works as a waitress in a café but wants to go to community college.” Aria flushed slightly and looked away just as Paisley bounced up to us.

I had a feeling Aria revealed more to us than she intended.

“Can you go with me over there?” Paisley pointed to the arts and crafts tent.

Aria looked at me for approval, and when I nodded in assent, she took Paisley’s hand and led the way.

I watched as Aria guided her to an open seat, talked to the instructor, and gathered the supplies they’d need.

Ireland stepped closer. “You don’t mind that I invited her, do you? She asked to hang out, and I already had plans to join you guys.”

“Of course not.” Although my stomach was rolling with indecision. “What do you know about her?”

“Honestly? This is the first I’ve heard anything about her sister or family. She’s not exactly forthcoming with information.”

“Yet you consider her a good friend?”

Ireland was quiet for a few seconds before she said, “I get feelings about people, and Aria is a good person. I think she might be going through some things, and she’ll share when she’s ready. I don’t think she’s one to ask for help.”

That hit me in the breastbone. Did Aria need help? I had so many questions, but I suspected Ireland didn’t have the answers.