“Yes please. White tea roses, orchids, and white hydrangeas in white and gold vases.” A knock at my door makes me glance up from my messy workbench and I rise to look out my kitchen window to see who it is. Justin’s Audi is blocking my driveway. “I’m going to have to call you back.”

Hanging up my heart races. It’s been eight days since the last time he showed up here. I’ve barely begun to recover, finding only scraps of solace in the busy schedule I’ve formed for my new life.

Taking a deep breath I open the door and glance down to find Hannah on the porch, alone with an excited gleam in her beautiful green eyes. “Jaimie!”

God, I’ve missed her.

“Hi Hannah! What a pretty yellow dress. Is that new?” She nods, looking sneaky. Glancing to the hammock I find it empty. “Where’s your daddy?”

Her hands are behind her back. She extends them, holding out an envelope for me. “Okay, what’s going on?” I whisper, taking it from her. “Thank you.”

“Don’t open it!”

My eyebrows rise. “No?”

She shakes her head violently as kids do when excited. Then she runs to the driveway where Justin steps out, grabs her and lifts her up while she laughs, “I did it!”

“Yes, you did. Thank you.” He winks at me and heads to his car, so handsome in a new navy blue suit and tie.

“Hey!” I call after him.

He glances over on a sexy pause. “You have some free time tonight, Jaimie?”

Intrigued and wishing so badly he wasn’t leaving I answer, “I’m having dinner with my father.”

“Not anymore. I called him,” he smirks, tucking her into the backseat. Closing the passenger door he calls back, “Can you believe she knew how to buckle that car seat the whole time?”

With confusion I smile at him, as he walks around to the driver’s side.

Why is he acting like we’re okay?

“She could, huh?”

“Yep. Kids!” He holds my look and says, “I want to have some with you.” My mouth slackens in complete shock. “You can open it now, Jaimes,” he smirks, dipping into the car. It fires up and drives away as I rip open the envelope.

In Justin’s masculine, almost illegible scrawl is an invitation to a Cocker Family BBQ, tonight at seven o’clock with an address in Buckhead. He’s signed it, Love, Justin Cocker, and Hannah has written her name out in large, pink crayon letters, too.

Before I can move I re-read this invitation a thousand times

Love.

He used the word love.

Racing back to my phone I dial my father who thankfully doesn’t leave me waiting long. “Dad! Justin spoke to you?”

“He did? When? I haven’t talked to him in months.” There’s a smile in his voice. “Oh, Jaimie, I’m sorry. Lauren and I have to pass on dinner tonight. Something’s come up. Let’s get together this weekend, sound good?”

With a suspicious smile, I ask, “Oh, something just popped up in your schedule, did it?”

“Yes, you know how it is with retirement.”

“You’re not retired yet. He doesn’t take office until after the New Year.”

“I’m practicing,” Dad dryly shoots back. “Weekend good for you?”

God, I can’t stop smiling.

“Fine. Let’s plan for Sunday brunch.”

“Perfect. I have to go. I’m walking into a meeting in Washington.”

Surprised I pause. “You’re not in Georgia? Why didn’t you call and cancel tonight earlier if you knew —”

He cuts me off. “— Goodbye Jaimie!” And the phone goes dead.

To myself I say, under my breath, “What is happening?” Calling Kate I tap my foot impatiently and run a slow hand through my hair. “Kate!”

“Jaimie! What’s up!? You sound happy!”

Walking to my kitchen where photographs of Boston and Atlanta mingle on my wall, “He’s invited me to meet his family.”

“Oh my God!” she squeals. “Oh my God!!! I’m so excited for you! I knew it would work out.”

Laughing, I remind her, “You said the opposite. You said, start seeing other people!”

“Thank God you never listen to me. What do I know? I’m single!”

Staring at the invitation I whisper, “As if I could have seen anyone without wishing they were Justin.”