Read Online Vivian by Bernadette Marie - Free Book Online Page A

she knew what that really meant.
    “ Are you going to marry my mom?” Emma had her hands fisted on her hips looking up at him after the other three girls had run toward the bedroom.
    Vivian covered her mouth as she watched his face contort into one of shock.
    “ Well…um.”
    “ Penelope is having Daddy’s baby. Are you and my mom going to have a baby?”
    “ Oh! Well…we haven’t talked about that.” His cheeks had gone straight to red and his eyes were wide.
    “ I think Penelope is having a sister. If you marry Mommy then, I’ll have four sisters. I think I’d like a brother.”
    Clayton looked at her with a look of horror before turning back to Emma. “A brother is nice. Maybe Penelope will have a brother instead.”
    Emma shook her head. “No. That’s for you and Mommy.” And with that she retreated with the others to her bedroom.
    The burst of laughter that escaped from Vivian couldn’t be helped.
    “ I’m so sorry. I didn’t know she was going to quiz you.”
    “ That was intense.”
    “ You teach third grade. I’m sure you get worse.”
    “ Yes, well it never has anything to do with me having sex with their mothers.”
    The laughter that rolled from her came harder. “I’m so sorry.” When it moved through her—cleansed her—she let out a breath. “I laugh more when I’m with you.”
    “ You also cry and get upset.”
    “ Hmmm, I was trying for the compliment.”
    Clayton moved to her. “Listen, lady.” He tucked his hand up into her hair. “I have a lot on my plate. I have two little girls, a demanding job, and a whole bucket full of new feelings. That little girl is wanting a brother. What am I going to do about that?”
    The humor in the moment was gone and fear pierced her in the chest.
    “ Clayton, stop.”
    He dropped his hand. “I’m sorry. I was just…”
    “ I know. You were just kidding. I just don’t know how to handle it.”
    He raked his hands through his hair. “Can we set some terms here?”
    “ Terms?”
    “ Yes. I’m mourning my wife and my life. You know that. You’re in a whole different kind of mess with your mourning,” he said holding his finger up. “And just go with me. I’m not saying you’re a mess. It’s just different.”
    She gave him a nod and urged him to continue.
    “ I like you.” He let out a solid breath. “I mean, I really like you.”
    She didn’t laugh, but a smile forced its way onto her lips. “I like you too.”
    “ Well, now we’re making some positive moves.” He wiped his hands on his thighs. “I can’t tell her we’ll get married and those girls will be her sisters. That wouldn’t be fair.”
    “ We haven’t known each other long enough for that.”
    “ Right. But you need to know that when I’m in a relationship, I’m very serious about it.”
    “ Honorable.”
    He moved to her and gathered her hands in his. “What I’m saying is, I’ve never been with anyone but Linda. I’m no good at this. I’ve never played the field. Had a one-night stand. Nothing. When I’m with someone, I’m with someone.”
    She nodded trying to keep up with his babbling. It was what he did when he was nervous. It was what she did too. What a pair.
    “ Clayton, I’ve never been with anyone but Adam. And that’s been a long time. Even when he wasn’t here I never went looking or moved on. I guess that was his way.” She shook her head as if to erase the thought. “That’s not fair. Now that I know what was going on.”
    “ I think we’re on the same page. When either of us enters a relationship, we’re serious about it.”
    “ Right.”
    “ I want a relationship with you.”
    A smile found its way back to her lips. “I’m not an easy person to have a relationship with. I’m sure Amelia and Penelope can vouch for that.”
    He laughed easily. “I’m willing to see how it goes.” He moved in closer. “What I’m saying is I want to try. I’m not asking for marriage or little brothers. I’m asking you if