Chapter 16
Maria
Declan is charming, with his easy smile and warm eyes.
He’s the kind of handsome that doesn’t try too hard.
As I sit across from him on our double date with Maeve and Tanner, listening to him spin a story about his last writing conference—complete with exaggerated voices and flailing hands—I should be all in.
Heck, I want to be all in.
But instead, there’s this quiet, persistent thought threading through everything he says.
He’s not Tuck.
Stop it, girl. Don’t do that.
I drag in a slow breath, forcing my shoulders to loosen, forcing my attention back to the man in front of me. This—this—is what I said I wanted. Someone steady. Someone grown up. Someone who isn’t going to disappear the second things get complicated.
Someone who doesn’t look at me like I’m just a moment. Someone who sees the kids, the chaos, the responsibility, and stays. Not someone chasing the next hook-up. Even if those hook-ups are…epic.
Nope. Not going there.
I blink hard, like I can physically reset my brain, and lift my wine glass, letting the cool rim press against my lips as Declan throws his arms up dramatically.
“—and then all the books just toppled over,” he says, eyes wide, like he’s reliving the horror in real time.
I laugh with the rest of them. Around us, the restaurant hums, low conversation, clinking cutlery, a burst of laughter from a nearby table. Candlelight flickers between us, catching in the deep red of my wine, in the soft gold of Maeve’s hair.
Declan’s gaze lands on me again. “What do you like to read, Maria?”
“I used to belong to a book club,” I say, turning toward Maeve, grateful that she’s here with me tonight. “But now, with classes…” I huff out a small laugh. “I barely have time to read for pleasure.”
“Book club was tonight, actually,” Maeve adds, and guilt pricks at me. I open my mouth to apologize for dragging her here, for making her choose me over something she loves, but she squeezes my hand before I can get the words out.
“I didn’t even finish the book,” she says easily. “So honestly, I’m happy to be here.”
“What kind of books do you read at book club?” Declan asks, leaning forward slightly, like he’s genuinely curious.
“Romance,” I say, bracing myself. I wait for it, that flicker of amusement, the polite nod, the subtle dismissal. I’ve seen it enough times to recognize the pattern. Romance is fluff. Romance isn’t real writing. Romance is—
“I just finished a male/male hockey romance,” he says, completely unfazed.
My brain stutters. “What?”
He grins, like he enjoys surprising me. “It was actually really good. The author is from Nova Scotia.”
My jaw drops before I can stop it. “Tuck is from Nova Scotia,” I blurt out.
The second the name leaves my mouth, I want to grab it out of the air and shove it back in.
Every head at the table turns toward me.
Heat floods my cheeks as I drop my gaze to my napkin, suddenly very interested in the way the fabric folds between my fingers.
“I just mean, maybe he knows her,” I add quickly.
God, girl. You are on a date. Do not talk about Tuck.
“Tuck Delray?” Declan asks casually, lifting his beer like I’m not sitting across from him on a date thinking about another man.
I nod. “Yes.”
“I figured that’s who you meant.” He gestures with a small tilt of his head toward Tanner. “Considering I’m sitting beside Tanner Bang.”
We all laugh at that and then I change the subject. “You read romance?”
“I read everything,” he says easily.
Honestly he’s a very impressive man. “And you write children’s books.”
A warmth settles over his features. “Yeah,” he says quietly. “I love writing for kids. I love seeing their faces when they slip into magical worlds.”
It catches me off guard—that sincerity. That quiet kind of passion that doesn’t need to be loud to be real.
For a split second, a question rises—why doesn’t he have any kids of his own?—but I shove it down just as quickly. First date. Boundaries. Normal people don’t interrogate life choices over appetizers.
“Tell me about your boys, Maria.”
The server appears then, plates balanced expertly along their arm, and I lean back to make room as dishes are set down in front of us. The rich scent of garlic and butter curls up from my pasta. I inhale. “This looks delicious.”
“I love this place,” Maeve says, already reaching for her fork. “These days we just don’t get out enough.”
“Stella keeps us on our toes,” Tanner adds, shaking his head, but there’s no mistaking the love in his voice.
I laugh softly. “She’s a sweetie.” Then the next words slip out before I can stop them, softer, almost wistful. “Someday I’d like to have a little girl.”
The second those words are out of my mouth, my stomach drops. My gaze snaps to Declan. God, what must he think I’m saying…suggesting?
What is wrong with me?
“Careful what you wish for,” Tanner says, but he’s smiling, eyes bright with love.
Maeve nudges me with her elbow. “Honestly, little girls are the best. But someday, I want a boy.”
I smile, but my mind drifts—to Lucas, to Josh. To smelly skates by the door and video game controllers left on the couch and the constant, chaotic hum of my life.
And then I remember Declan’s question. “My boys are sixteen and fourteen,” I say, turning back to him. “They’re busy. Sports, gaming. Now girls.” I huff out a small laugh. “Lucas just got his license, so that’s made my life a whole lot easier.”
“They’re amazing boys,” Maeve adds, and something warm blooms in my chest as I glance at her. “And they’re so good with Stella. Honestly, they’d be incredible big brothers.”
“With the age gap…” I twirl my pasta, watching it wind around my fork, giving myself a second before I say it. “They’d practically be father figures.” I take a bit, chewing slowly, as I think about their need for a father figure. “You actually met Lucas,” I add, glancing back at Declan.
His brows lift. “I have?”
“When you did a school visit.”
He leans back slightly, considering, his expression thoughtful. “I do see a lot of students,” he admits with a small smile. “The name doesn’t ring a bell, but…maybe when I meet him, it’ll trigger something.”
Under the table, Maeve nudges me. I flick my eyes toward her, just for a second, and I know she heard it too. Declan is open to something more.
Isn’t this what I said I wanted? A man who doesn’t flinch at kids, or chaos, or the reality of a ready-made family. A man who leans in instead of backing away.
It should feel right. It should feel easy. So why does something inside me hesitate? Why does it feel like I’m standing in front of something good…while still looking over my shoulder?
God.
Has Tuck ruined me for anyone else?
We fall into our meals, conversation flowing as easily as the wine—writing, work, Maeve’s stories from the physio room with the team. Everyone here feels so established, so certain. It makes me wonder where I’ll land when my degree is done. What my life will actually look like?
Will Tuck be in it?
Stop thinking about him.
I’m just finishing the last bite on my plate when my phone buzzes in my purse. I ignore it. It buzzes again. Then it rings. And rings. A small knot tightens low in my stomach.
“Excuse me,” I say, pushing my chair back slightly. “Must be some sort of emergency.” I give a light laugh. “Maybe Josh can’t find the latest batch of cinnamon rolls.”
A ripple of laughter moves around the table, but my pulse ticks up as I glance at the screen.
Tuck.
My smile falters. Why would he be calling?
“It’s Tuck,” I murmur, more to myself than anyone else. I swipe to answer, my eyes lifting—and catching on Declan’s just long enough for something unspoken to pass between us.
“Hello?”
“Maria, I’m sorry to be calling during your dinner.”
Something in his voice—tight, controlled—slices straight through me. My spine straightens. “What’s going on?”
“First, let me say Lucas and Josh are fine.”
The words should settle me. They do the opposite. I’m already on my feet, my chair scraping against the floor. “Where are they?”
“They’re with me. They’re safe, but…they were in an accident.”
The room tilts, sound draining away until there’s nothing but the rush of blood in my ears.
“An accident?” The word barely makes it past my lips. I grip the table. Maeve is beside me now, her hand hovering near my arm, her expression full of concern.
“Lucas went off the road in the rain,” Tuck says. “They hit a lamppost, but they’re okay. The car’s being towed, and I’ve got them here at my place.” He pauses, softer now. “They’re okay, Maria. Just shaken up.”
I press a hand to my chest, trying to steady the frantic beat of my heart. They’re okay. They’re okay.
“Okay,” I breathe. “I’m on my way.”
“You don’t have to rush,” he says gently. “They’re a little rattled, but otherwise fine. They actually asked if they could stay the night. I think they want to be with Marbles. Is that all right with you?”
My heart is still racing, still trying to catch up to the fear that hasn’t fully left my body.
“Tuck, you don’t have to keep them there,” I say, already reaching for my coat. “I’ll come get them.”
“I’ll drive you,” Tanner says, already tugging on his jacket.
He’d given me a lift here, and the last thing I want is to drag him away early, but I barely get a shake of my head out before he’s flagging down the server for the bill.
“I’ve got this,” Declan says smoothly, pushing to his feet. His gaze finds mine, and I see the deep concern. “You guys go.”
“I’ll get the next one,” Tanner tosses over his shoulder as he moves around the table, coming to stand close, like he’s worried I might crumple.
“Thank you,” I tell him softly. “Tuck, I’m on my way.” Before Tuck can protest, I end the call just as Declan steps in, handing me my purse.
“Get home safely,” he says, his fingers closing briefly around mine. I nod, swallowing past the tightness in my throat. “Thanks for coming out tonight.”
“It was lovely,” I manage, and I mean it, even if it now feels like it happened hours ago, in a completely different life.
His mouth curves. “Okay…you’d better go. We’ll talk soon.”
Outside, the night hits cold and damp. Rain pings steadily against the pavement, turning the street into a blur of reflections and mist. Maeve and I hover under the awning while Tanner jogs toward the car.
“I shouldn’t have let him take the car tonight,” I murmur, scanning the foggy street like I might somehow see the accident from here. “Not in this weather.”
“Maria.” Maeve’s hand settles on my arm. “Accidents happen. They’re not hurt, and that’s what matters.”
I nod, but the guilt still claws its way in. “Why didn’t they call me?” I whisper. “Why Tuck?”
Even as I say it, I know. Because they trust him. Because they look up to him. Because somehow in the last couple of weeks, they started seeing him as…more.
“Maybe they didn’t want to bother you on your date,” Maeve says gently. “I think the boys like seeing you out there again.”
Josh would prefer it if I were dating Tuck.
The thought flickers through me and I shove it down hard.
Headlights sweep over us as Tanner pulls up.
I slide into the back seat, the door shutting out the rain but not the tension coiled tight in my chest. Fog clings to the road as he drives carefully, wipers beating out a steady rhythm.
I text the boys to let them know I’m on my way. Two bubbles pop up almost instantly.
We’re okay, Mom.
Promise.
My chest loosens a little. Twenty minutes later, Tanner turns into Tuck’s driveway. The house glows warm against the dark, rain-slick night, and I’m already reaching for the handle before the car fully stops.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say, glancing between them. “And…for the double date.”
“Do you want us to come in?” Maeve asks.
I shake my head. “No. They’re okay. That’s what matters.”
“You want me to wait? I can drive you and the boys home after.”
That’s when it hits me. My car is damaged. I don’t have transportation.
“Maybe you should stay here tonight,” Maeve says gently, like she can read every thought on my face. “They’re probably shaken up, and Marbles will help. I can call Gina. She won’t mind opening the café tomorrow.”
I hesitate for half a second then nod. “Yeah. That’s probably a good idea.” I don’t normally work on Sundays anymore, but we’re short-staffed with Zack away on his honeymoon.
“Text me when you’re settled,” she says.
“I will.”
I step out into the rain, barely feeling it as I hurry toward the front door. It opens before I can knock. Tuck is already there. Waiting for me, and I like it. A lot. I go straight into his arms.
“Hey,” he murmurs, his voice low as he wraps me up, one hand coming up to cradle the back of my head.
From somewhere deeper in the house, I hear the boys—laughing, arguing over something with Marbles—and the sound cuts through the panic still lingering in my chest.
“They’re okay,” he says softly.
I nod against him, breathing him in, letting that truth settle. Slowly, I pull back. His hands stay on my arms, his eyes searching my face.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For taking care of them.” I honestly don’t want to drag a man into my life if he doesn’t want to be there, but I’m so truly grateful he was there for my kids tonight.
“Of course,” he says. His gaze softens, something shifting there as his thumb brushes lightly along my sleeve. “And now…” he adds quietly. “It seems to me, you’re the one who needs to be taken care of.”