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

the recital was over. Abby and Journey and Dylan’s nieces all did such a great job.
    When Journey brought Abby out to them, she eyed Tessa curiously. “Abby, this is Cash’s girlfriend, Tessa. Tessa, this is our oldest daughter, Abby.”
    “Hi, Abby, it’s nice to meet you. You did such a wonderful job dancing.”
    “Thank you.” Her voice was so soft Tessa had a hard time hearing her. “Hi, Uncle Cash.” The little girl went over to her uncle, and he scooped her up in his arms. It was so adorable watching Cash interact with her. There was other family for her to meet, but they were going to wait until they got back to Journey and Dylan’s. She decided to wait until they were at their house before she gave the kids their flowers.
    She smiled as they walked hand in hand back to Cash’s truck. “I told you my sister was going to love you.” They rode in a companionable silence to his sister’s place. Her nerves returned, knowing this was going to be a more intimate setting, but she was looking forward to getting to know everyone better.
     
    ***
     
    Tessa gathered up her plate and Cash’s after they finished eating. His sister certainly went crazy with the amount of food. There were burgers, hot dogs, chips and dip, pasta and potato salad. The conversations were halted as everyone stuffed their faces. Even most of the kids were silent as everyone dug into the food. Joey had sat on one side of her while Cash sat on the other. The little boy was five but a shameless flirt. Every time she and Cash started talking to one another or someone else, Joey would grab her arm and in his cute little boy voice, ask for her help. First it was helping him sit down on the bench next to her. Then it was help cutting up his food, and then it was to tell her all about kindergarten and his many, many girlfriends.
    She was the only one who didn’t realize what he was doing when she looked up and everyone was smiling at her.
    “Little dude, are you hitting on my woman?” Cash asked, leaning against her back.
    The boy looked at them with a straight face and then said, “I don’t see a ring on her finger. She’s fair game.”
    Tessa knew her face was probably beet red. Everyone around them started laughing, even Joey was giggling. Burying her face in Cash’s neck, she started laughing herself.
    Now she cleared up their plates while the guys shot hoops in the driveway. She grabbed her lemonade and watched as the kids all chased each other.
    “Are you having a good time?” She turned and found Journey standing behind her.
    “I am, thank you. You have a lovely family.” She meant it too. They were a loving group and it was beautiful to watch. It made her a little envious and sad that she, Jonathon, and Josie didn’t have that. It would be wonderful to belong to such a large family.
    “I do. I’m very lucky. After our parents died, it was just Cash and me. I lucked out meeting Dylan and his family. Cash says you live with your brother and niece.”
    They talked for a few more minutes before Journey had to go take care of some things. Taking a sip of her lemonade, she noticed Abby coming toward her. “Hi, Abby.” The little girl sat down on the bench next to her.
    “Thank you for the flowers.” The flowers had been a hit. She’d been so worried they would perceive her as trying too hard. The little girls had all squealed as they each took the flowers to their parents.
    “You’re very welcome. So what grade are you in, Abby?”
    “I’m in third grade.” The little girl swung her legs back and forth. “Are you going to marry him?”
    Oh boy, she didn’t know what to say. “Uh—well, I don’t know, sweetheart. We’re taking things slow for now.” She started when Cash came up, kissing her cheek. She smiled at him as he sat down facing her on the bench, with Abby in between them.
     
    ***
     
    Journey was getting the desserts laid out when she looked up to catch Abby and Tessa sitting together and talking. She was