Finding the Missing Piece: Book 6

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Peeta POV-

"Daddy!" Willow gasps and runs full speed towards me, attacking me in a hug.

I kneel down the best I can, "Hey, Princess." I say, hugging her.

"What are you doing here?" She asks me.

"Thom got sick so I had to go to work today but I wanted to come pick you up. Is that okay?"

"Well, yeah!" She giggles and kisses my cheek.

I smile and stand back up.

"Daddy, you're not apost to be walking without your crutches." Willow says.

I sigh, "I know but it's only for a few minutes. Let's go tell Bristol goodbye." I say.

We walk back over to her line and Bristol smiles, "Hey, Peeta." She hugs me.

"Hey, sorry I'm late."

"No problem, I still have a kid here."

I nod.

"How's it going?" She asks me.

"Pretty good. What about you and the girls?" I ask her curiously.

"We're actually really good and I haven't been this happy in awhile."

"That's great, how's Carter taking everything?"

She sighs, "She's still having to adjust to some things and still thinks a lot of it's her fault."

Willow frowns, "I try to tell her but she don't believe me."

"I know, sweet girl but she will be better soon." Bristol assures her.

Willow begins talking to her classmate so Bristol sighs, "Listen, Peeta. I remember the promise I made to you and I intend to keep it."

"Bristol, you don't have to-"

"No, I'm going to keep it. I completely agree with what you said. I move too fast and I can't afford another wedding or kid."

"At least you've been married to each other their dads."

"I know but I just-I'm ready for a break. I want to be a mom for awhile."

"That's good."

"And your cousin is-"

I laugh, "Mason is a really great guy and he's related to me so of course he's attractive. Just contain yourself."

She snorts, "I'm talking about him being so kind to me."

"I wouldn't be mad if you gave him a shot but I still think you should take things slow. If it works out between you two, it'll be great but there's no reason to rush."

"I just want you to know I haven't forgotten my promise to you."

"I appreciate it. I really do, but it's your life and you can make your own decisions."

"And I'm obviously oblivious to total jerks, even if they seem to be nice at first."

I sigh, "No comment but I can assure you Mason is not like Brandon or Blake."

"I sure hope not."

I shrug, "Trust me."

"I guess we will see what happens, do you think Mason will want to just be friends for awhile?"

"We've talked about it and he's willing to wait. He will be patient with you and won't rush into anything." I say truthfully.

I know my cousin and he's not just some jerk like people she's been married to.