Three Makes a Family--A Clean Romance Cari Webb (short books for teens txt) 📖

Molly as an aspiring wannabe lawyer. Followed her legal career over the years. But now he found himself intrigued by the woman Molly had become. Thinking of what had become of his own life meant he couldn’t afford any distractions though, like the one Molly was presenting.

Suddenly Molly chuckled. The soft sound added warmth to the bare marble foyer and flowed over Drew like a balm. Molly grinned. “And this definitely isn’t how I planned this introduction. Drew, you’re holding my nine-month-old daughter, Hazel.”

Drew peered down at Hazel. “Nice to meet you, baby blue.”

Hazel’s happy babble released a trail of drool down her chin.

Molly wiped a bright pink burp cloth across Hazel’s mouth, mopping up the drool. “Sorry. It’s a teething hazard.”

Drew’s sudden interest in Molly and her daughter could prove a hazard too if he weren’t careful. He eyed Molly over Hazel’s head. “Not that it isn’t nice to see you again or to meet Hazel, but what are you doing here?”

“I invited Molly to join us for the gala. It’s a good place for her to network.” His mother swept into the foyer and touched Hazel under her damp chin. “How is my sweet baby girl?”

His mother acted as if she already knew Hazel. Wariness tapped between Drew’s shoulders. He eased away, closer to Molly. “How did you know Molly was in town?”

“You know I’ve been a fan of hers and followed her career the same as you have over the years.” His mother waved a hand and a trio of silver and diamond bracelets slid toward her elbow. “You finished top of your class thanks to Molly.”

His mom wasn’t wrong. Molly had pushed Drew to achieve more in school than he’d ever thought possible. He’d always wanted to impress Molly. And get her attention. He felt Molly’s gaze on him now. Now, he wanted...

“Molly was such a good influence on you in law school. I contacted her when the district attorney accused you of witness tampering.” His mom played a quick round of peekaboo, earning a squeal from Hazel. “With Molly as your legal counsel, I know she will have an even better influence on you now.”

Legal counsel? Drew’s mouth dropped open. Now his mother had his full attention. “What are you talking about?”

“We can discuss it all later. First, we must get Hazel settled.” His mom spoke to Hazel, lifting her voice into the high-pitched levels of baby-cute. The peekaboo continued.

But his mother had never played baby games; Nancy Harrington played in the political arena, taking down opponents and gathering the support of as many constituents as possible. They were sort of like chess pieces to her. Except, after his brother had gotten married to Sophie Callahan three years ago, and Mayor Nancy had gotten Ella Callahan as a step-granddaughter, his mom had softened considerably. With Sophie expecting twins soon, his mom seemed more determined than ever to embrace her inner grandmother.

At least, that’s what he’d thought up until a moment ago. Turns out his mom had intervened in his case, which meant he had to stop her at all costs.

He’d vowed to protect his family from his own legal trouble. He pushed aside the frustration rolling through him. His voice was dry and flat in comparison to his mother’s. “I think we need to discuss this now.”

“We’re running late for the gala I’m being honored at.” His mother linked her arm with Molly’s and walked down the hallway toward the state-of-the-art kitchen and the newly constructed playroom right next to it. “Hazel has not yet met her babysitter, Evie. And babies always take precedence.”

Hazel reached again for Drew’s tie and crumpled it in her fingers. Drew dipped his chin. Hazel giggled, ruining his attempt at a stern face and scrambling his irritation. He whispered, “Okay, baby blue, you’ve got five minutes to settle in with Ms. Evie. Then the adults have some serious talking to do.”

His mother and Molly glanced back at him. His mom said, “That’s nonsense, Drew. Hazel gets all the time she needs. We will review things when it’s an appropriate time.”

Drew lifted Hazel until they were eye to eye. Drool had covered her chin again and her too-long lashes framed her big searching eyes. “It’s never too early for lessons, baby blue. Here’s the first one. It’s important to always let your mom have the last word.”

“It’s equally important to follow your mom’s advice.” His mom tilted her chin at Drew. “Mothers tend to know best.”

Perhaps. But the stakes were too high, and Drew had to trust his own counsel. He shifted his gaze to Molly. “You’re a mom. Do you always know best?”

“I know when it’s best not to argue.” Molly arched her eyebrows and angled her head toward his mom.

Molly would have to argue on his behalf if she remained his attorney. And if she remained his attorney, she could become a target too. And in that, Drew knew what was for the best. Relieving Molly of her responsibility as his attorney. Now he just needed to find the appropriate moment to do that.

Drew followed his mom and Molly into the brand-new playroom. The walls were color-blocked in lavender and yellow. Wide windows filled one wall, and would bathe the entire space with natural light during the day. An oversized couch, fluffy pillows and toys in every shape and size filled the vibrant space. A kitchen set complete with a shopping cart waited patiently for a young chef. A castle-themed jungle gym claimed the far corner. Electrical outlets had been covered. The room had been made entirely childproofed and ready thanks to his mom and her best friend, Evelyn “Evie” Davenport.

Evie set a plastic green bucket on a mat spread on the floor and walked over to them. She kissed Drew’s cheeks and squeezed his shoulders with the same affection she’d shown him since he’d been a toddler. “This must be Hazel.”

“Hazel, meet the best baker in the city.” Drew tipped his head toward Hazel and whispered, “Blink at