I wish I could see Molly’s face, but I don’t have to because her body stiffens, letting me know she’d rather walk there than have me drive her. “I can take her.” Grace runs her hand down her daughter's back. Had she noticed how tense Molly got and was trying to soothe her? That same irritation I felt when my father called Molly sweet yesterday hits me again. I want to be the one that soothes her. Too bad I’m the thing she needs soothing from.

“I can take her. It’s no big deal. I was going to be heading out for the morning anyway.” I move to come stand at the kitchen island.

“The party planner will be here any minute,” Grant reminds Grace.

“Right. I’m sure she can wait while I take Molly to school.”

“I can take her,” I say again. “It’ll give me a chance to get to know my new stepsister.”

“Are you still picking me up, Grant? For driving practice?”

“Honey, we have the final fitting today. The seamstress will be here right after school.”

“Right. Then I can ride home with Emily?”

“Yes, she should be heading home right after school too.”

“All right. Then I guess that’s all settled.” Molly takes a bite of her croissant while her mom leaves me with a hard glare filled with warning. Up until now, Grace has been almost overly nice to me. I can’t blame her. I was a dick and cold to her. I’m sure she thinks I’ll be the same with her daughter. And she might grin and bear my bullshit, but I can tell she’s not going to put up with any when it comes to Molly.

Honestly, when it comes to women, that’s all I really know how to be. The only exclusion to that is Emily. I’m in new territory and have no fucking clue what I’m doing.

“I’m ready whenever you are,” I tell Molly. She picks up her orange juice and finishes it off before slipping out of her chair. Her mom gives her a kiss on the cheek before she finally turns to give me her full attention for the first time today.

Fuck, she’s stunning. It’s not in a flashy way. It’s soft and all her. “Ready?” she says. I realize I’m standing there staring at her.

“Yeah,” I reach up and undo the top button of my shirt. She follows me out to the garage. I grab the keys off the hook for the Land Rover. I go around to the passenger side and open the door for her.