Free Dare To Love Series: Daring to Chance It (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Desiree Holt

bud.”
    The entire scene was so unexpected to her. She had never been able to imagine Beau as a family man, even though she knew he’d been married very briefly.
    “This is the first time he’s ever invited a woman to the house,” Babs told her quietly when they were gathering things in the kitchen. “That’s how I knew you were special.”
    “You’re kidding!” Sarah was shocked.
    Babs shook her head. “Not at all. He’s very protective of Toby and determined he have a life that’s as normal in every respect as he can make it. The last thing he wants is for the child to see hot and cold running females here.”
    Sarah chewed on her lip for a moment before she asked, “What about Toby’s mother? Does she come here often?”
    The other woman’s face turned into a hard mask, the way Beau’s did when the subject came up.
    “She’s not permitted here at all. And Beau has sole custody of Toby. Period.”
    One of these times, Sarah was going to get the full story of that marriage, but not tonight. Tonight was about relaxing with Toby and Beau, a situation that barely a week ago she’d never dreamed she’d find herself in.
    They barbecued on the patio, hot dogs in deference to Toby.
    “We mostly stick with kid fare for meals around here,” Beau explained.
    “As a matter of fact, I happen to love hot dogs.” She crouched down to Toby who, suddenly shy, was clinging to Babs. “Do you know they are one of my favorite foods?”
    He giggled, hugging Babs’ leg. “Mine, too.”
    “Then maybe we can enjoy them together.”
    Toby stuffed his fist into his mouth and stared at her for a moment then reached his hand out for her to take. No way was Sarah going to refuse that token of trust just because it was covered with spittle. She closed her fingers around the tiny fingers and gently squeezed them.
    “Okay,” Toby said then looked at Beau. “Okay, Daddy?”
    “I think that’s a fine idea, squirt.”
    Dinner was relaxed and pleasant. Sarah enjoyed the interaction between Beau and his son, and was pleased when they included her in their byplay. Every so often, she caught Beau watching her with Toby as if assessing the situation. She was a little unnerved herself, not just at being here but at how much she was enjoying herself in this family situation. It hardly seemed possible that all this was happening after one short week. She could not believe how quickly the time passed, or how pleasant it had been.
    “I think our little man’s about ready for bed,” Beau said, noticing how Toby was rubbing his eyes.
    “I’ll take him upstairs for his bath and get him in bed,” Babs said, picking up the little boy.
    “Say good night to Sawah,” Toby insisted, reaching out his arms.
    Beau grinned. “I think you’ve made a conquest.”
    “He can have my heart anytime.” She gave the child a tight hug and a smooch. “Good night, sweetheart.”
    Then Beau bestowed more hugs and kisses before Babs carted Toby off upstairs.
    “Night, Daddy,” he called. “Night, Sawah.”
    “That’s some kid,” she told Beau when they were gone. “Nice job, Daddy.”
    “Thanks. He’s been the bright spot in my life.” He cupped her cheeks and tilted her face up to him. “Until you came back into my life, that is.” He brushed his lips over hers. “Will you ever forgive me for being such an ass and walking out on you the way I did?”
    “Hmm. Let me see. I might need some convincing in that department.”
    “How about I follow you home and get busy in that department?”
    She drew in a shaky breath and let it out slowly. “What are we doing, Beau? Where are we going with this?”
    “I know where I’m going,” he said. “And I want it to be with you and Toby.”
    “You don’t think we’re moving too fast?”
    He shook his head. “When something is right and you want it, there’s no sense waiting.” He gave her a piercing look. “I’m not the same guy who walked out on you, Sarah. I’m older and way wiser