Hudson scoffs, dismissive of my anger. “I can’t believe you’re being possessive over a woman you pushed away. Just text her, Vic. The worst she could do is not respond or cuss you out and tell you never to bother her again.”

“Text? You’ve got to be kidding! There’s no way an apology text gets you out of the doghouse that easily.” I reply. “I need to do something big, a grand gesture. Is that really all you do?”

He shrugs nonchalantly. “Works for me every time.”

“And that’s precisely why you’re still single, Hud,” Mom chimes in, her voice laced with teasing as she enters the room. “Vic, just call her. She really does seem like a sweet and understanding young woman. Just be honest with her. Tell her that despite that perfectly handsome face you inherited from your father, your social skills need a bit of work, and you’re nervous because she’s your first crush in years.”

My mom’s advice is even worse than my brothers causing my frustration to peak. “I’m pushing forty! I don’t have a crush. I’m a grown man.”

“Well, you aren’t acting like a grown man,” She retorts sharply. “Get up and get my granddaughters their teacher back. Surely, you can keep your hormones at bay for their sake. Get it together right now, Victor Grimes!”

I groan, rolling my eyes in exasperation. “Fine! Let me think for a sec. I clearly can’t be around her without wanting her, so I’ll just adjust my schedule. If she accepts the job, I’ll make it work. I need to start going into the office anyway. I can work there from seven to three, come home to cook dinner, wrap up some work in my study, and then spend the evening with the girls. Kerry can stay in the guest wing. That way, I can keep my distance and keep my feelings in check.”

Hudson bursts out laughing, clearly amused by my plan. “This is gonna be a beautiful disaster, but sure, Vic. Great plan. Now, go fix the mess you made.”

I leave my daughters at home, under the somewhat watchful eyes of my mom and Hudson to eat some humble pie.

First, I head to the local hardware store to pick up some tools, wood, and shelves. I haven’t built anything since…since I built one too many of Ari’s wooden dollhouses when she was a toddler. But I’m sure I can build something special for Kerry by tomorrow…I think.

After the hardware store, my next stop is Izzy’s Flower Shop. As I push open the door, the scowls from Izzy and Kiera are unmistakable. They must have heard about the trial day fiasco from Kerry.

“You’re not welcome here, Mr. Grimes.” Kiera states bluntly before I can even greet her.

Yep, she definitely told them about the trial day.