She pats my hand. "I tried. Motherhood isn't easy, is it?"
"No," I admit, letting my guard down. "It's beautiful and exhausting, and sometimes it feels like I'm doing it all wrong."
"If your daughter smiles the way you say, you're doing something right. Just keep showing up. That's what matters most."
I nod, grateful for the quiet encouragement. Janet's eyes crinkle at the corners as she pulls a slip of paper from her purse.
"You should meet him, Bear. Even though he's got a few rough spots, he's got depth. The kind you don't find in many men anymore. Here."
Before I can react, she scribbles a number on it and hands it over.
"That's his number. Tell him Janet said to say hi. Maybe the two of you can get coffee or something."
I take it, stunned. "Thank you."
"Any time. It's nice seeing a new face around here. Especially one that asks good questions and listens with both ears."
Tucking the number into my pocket, my mind is spinning. I don't know what I expected tonight, but it sure as hell wasn't this. I thank her again and excuse myself to the restroom, needing a second to breathe.
Splashing water on my face, I stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror.
The number burns in my pocket, more than a set of digits. I close my eyes and try to breathe past the nerves fluttering in my stomach. This isn't like me. I don't usually take numbers from strangers or consider blind connections. Not with everything I have on my plate. Especially, not when I have Emma to think about.
But then I remember Janet's warmth. The way she talked about her son with pride and affection, not just like he was good-looking or successful, but like he was someone who stood for something. That kind of character is rare. And it's been a long time since I let myself even wonder what it would feel like to talk to a man who's more than just surface-deep.
I tell myself I shouldn't. That I have enough chaos in my life. That the last thing I need is another variable. But I don't throw the number away either.
Maybe it's loneliness. Or maybe it's hope, flickering faintly in a dusty corner of my chest. But I press the paper deeper into my pocket and hold on to it.
Bear.
I don't know what I'm going to do with his number.
But I know I'm not throwing it away.
When I step back into the main room, Candy is immediately by my side. She raises an eyebrow and bumps my shoulder with hers.
"That looked like a serious conversation. New friend?"
I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just a nice lady. Janet."
"She give you that look like she's about to set you up with one of her sons?" Candy teases.
I press a hand to my pocket, feigning innocence. "Maybe."
"And? You gonna call him?"
I glance around the dance hall again, at all the people laughing and dancing as if they've lived here forever. Then I smile, just a little. "I haven't decided yet."
Candy smirks and links our arms again. "Well, decide after one more drink. And maybe a dance. Come on, Kassi. You're not getting out of this night without a little fun."
Chapter 4
Asher
I'm hauling a busted fence post out of the ground when my phone buzzes in my back pocket. It's early evening, and the last streaks of sun are dragging shadows across the pasture. Sweat drips down my back, and my hands are covered in dirt, but I pull off one glove anyway to check the screen.
Unknown number.