Free One Day at a Time (Starting Over Series Book 4) by Evan Grace

coloring with Parker while she finished eating. Parker was a combination of both of his parents. He had Dylan’s dark hair, but JoJo’s pale blue eyes. He was the little snuggle bug out of all of them. It was so sweet to watch Abby be the little momma bear to him and Joey, but Joey was now showing his independence more, and the kid was only five.
    “How are you feeling? I know you said you weren’t getting sick anymore, but you had me worried there for a while.”
    “I feel lots better, but I’m tired. Dylan helps out a lot with the kids.” Before he knew it, his sister started crying.
    “Hey, hey, hey! What’s wrong?” He reached out, grabbing her hand.
    “Cash, look at me. I’m a cow. I’m tired all the time. Dylan won’t even touch me. He thinks I’m fat and ugly!” She buried her face in her hands, but her shoulders were shaking. He got up and slid in next to her.
    “Now, you know that’s not true. You’re beautiful, and I know Dylan thinks you’re beautiful. You’re carrying his baby. How could he not think you are the most beautiful woman ever? Why don’t you let me take Parker with me for a few hours? You go home and take a nap or a bath and relax. I’ll bring him back later.” Parker had finally noticed his momma getting upset, and his chin was wobbling.
    He handed Journey a napkin to dry her face. “What about your work?” she sniffed.
    “That’s the great thing about being my own boss. I can start my day a few hours later. Go relax, and I’ll bring little man back to you in a bit.”
    “You must think I’m a terrible mom.” She hung her head.
    “Are you freaking kidding me right now? Sweetheart, you’re the best momma I’ve ever met. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you. You’re just tired, nothing more.” He wasn’t stupid. He wasn’t going to tell her it was probably hormones because he didn’t have a death wish.
    He paid their check and carried Parker outside to his truck. Journey brought Parker’s car seat and hooked it in for him. She kissed both of their cheeks, and he watched her climb back in her van and drive away. As soon as his nephew was settled into his seat, Cash pulled out his phone.
     
Cash: Hey, Dylan. Your wife just had a hormonal pregnancy meltdown. I’m taking Parker for a couple of hours. You may want to go home and show her you don’t think she’s a fat cow. Her words, not mine.
     
Dylan: I knew she seemed down the past couple of days, but swore she was fine. Thanks for taking him. I’ll go home and check on her.
     
Cash: I’ll text you when I’m bringing him home. Later.
     
    He decided to take Parker with him to see Tessa. Sure, he just saw her this morning, but he missed her whenever they weren’t together. Pulling in to the parking lot of Java Drama, he and Parker made their way to the front door. As soon as they stepped inside, he found Tessa behind the counter going through a box of books.
    A small smile played at her lips as she read the back of the book in her hand. Smiling, he watched her open the book and put her nose to it. She glanced up and did a double take when she noticed him standing there.
    She came around the counter, “Oh my gosh. Is this Parker?” She got down on her haunches. “Hi, thweetheart. You are so cute.” She stood up and kissed Cash’s cheek. “Hey, you,” she whispered.
    “Hey. Is this okay? Us dropping by so early? My sister kind of had a mini-meltdown at breakfast, so Parker and I decided we needed to come see my beautiful bookstore manager.”
    Tessa reached out, rubbing a hand through Parker’s hair. It warmed his heart to see the tenderness she showed his nephew. “I’m glad you stopped by and brought this cutie pie with you.” She held her arms out to the little squirt, and he immediately reached up so she could pick him up.
    He followed her as she walked over to the children’s section. She sat Parker down and pulled picture books out. She showed him different pictures and spoke to him in a