Of Mountains and Men: A Why Choose Romance

Chapter 8

I'm practically shaking with nerves as I drive to the restaurant that used to be a lake house. It's a big log cabin style that has absolutely breathtaking views in the summer overlooking the lake. I went here once with David back when we were dating.

"Mom?"

"Yes, baby boy?"

"Why you nervous?" He asks, looking at me suspiciously.

I let out a strained chuckle, "Mommy hasn't been on a date since daddy left for war. It's normal to be nervous. I just want you to have fun."

He still has an eyebrow raised, "Daddy is dead, I want new daddy."

I shoot a sharp glance back at him, "Where did you get that from?"

"Other kids have mommy's and daddy's. I want too."

"We'll see kiddo, don't get your hopes up though alright?"

"Fine." He grumbles. Unbuckling himself as I park in the crowded lot.

Do the other kids talk that much about their home lives that he does really want a man in the house? The bigger thought, does he even understand what he's saying?

I snug my coat tighter around my slim body, the temperature dropped to negatives as soon as it got dark. I open Charley's door lifting him from his seat. "Just let me carry you inside. It's so cold." I tell him, giving an over exaggerated shiver. He giggles letting me take him inside.

Michael gets the door for us, "Thanks." I beam up at him, setting Charley down next to the girls. Charley hugs Lexi, she giggles and takes his hand.

Michael leans over to give me a kiss on the cheek, followed by James and Andrew. "We're glad you could make it." James says. "Let's go find our table."

They got us seats near enough to the big fireplace that I can take off the peacoat. Andrew helps me hang it on the back of the chair. "You look divine Charlotte." Michael's eyes are a bit glazed as he helps Lexi into her chair.

Amelia and Charley in his booster seat sit on either side of me. I'm so nervous my hand shakes as I go to take a sip of my water. "How are you liking Paleriver so far?" I ask to try and start small talk.

Andrew smirks, "It's peaceful." His voice is deep and soothing, helping calm my nerves.

I laugh, "So you find it boring."

"No." James protests laughing, "That's not it. We're used to the hustle and bustle of Seattle. It is truly peaceful, quiet and relaxing out here."

I give a small smile. "It is. That's why I've stayed so long."

Before the waitress comes to our table, Andrew leans over Amelia, "Order anything and everything you two want. I'm paying tonight."

I blush, "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Michael growls.

As the waitress arrives, I scan the menu, the waitress starts with James, he orders a smoke trout appetizer and a whiskey for himself and orange juice for Priscilla. Andrew orders the fried calamari appetizer, with a beer for himself and a milk for Ameila. I'm already shocked with how much they choose to spend. Can I really do the same and order whatever I want? I haven't even been out to eat at a restaurant in over two years. Michael orders the roasted garlic which makes Lexi wrinkle her nose, then a cranberry juice for Lexi and a vodka for himself. And then it's my turn.

"Ma'am?" The waitress says pleasantly.

"I'll take an order of steamed clams, a Dos Equis Amber for me and a milk for my son." I glance at Andrew who just smiles widely.

Once the waitress is gone, Amelia is the first to speak. "Charley says his dad is dead. What happened?"

Andrew's head snaps to his daughter, "Amelia that's rude." He turns back to me, "I'm so sorry for her-." He waves in her general area. "For her."

I shake my head slightly, "It's alright. Children have very curious minds I completely understand." I take a few deep breaths to make sure I'm calm enough not to break down. "David was an Army Ranger, he died overseas in combat, a year ago."

Andrew reaches over to squeeze my hand, "I'm sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how hard it's been on you raising your son by yourself."

I give him a small smile, "It's been just fine. Not like the three of you aren't in a similar position."

Michael's cheeks tint slightly red, "Our wives left us for a bigger paycheck."

Lexi shakes her head, "Mommy is on husband number four, she lives in L.A."

"Lexi," Michael softly chides her.

She rolls her eyes, "Dad you always it's better to tell the truth than lie."

I look at Michael whose face has turned a few shades darker, he clears his throat after taking a drink of water. "Lexi dear, Ms. Sheridan probably doesn't want to hear of our problems at the moment. How about you tell her about your pony."

I give him a wink looking expectantly at Lexi, who doesn't disappoint and launches into a lengthy description of said pony and all the competitions she's done with her. Which only comes to a stop when our appetizers arrive.