Page 175 of Bossy Romance

“Mom, try this out. It tastesawesome.” Rowan tries to feed Alexa a piece of naan.

She scrunches her nose and shakes her head. Rubbing the back of his neck, she says faintly, “You… eat. I’ll get full… just watching you.”

“Go wash your hands before you eat, Rowan.”

“I don’t want to miss the movie,” he argues.

“You won’t.” I check my watch. “You still have a few minutes.”

“Go,” Alexa tells him.

“I’ll be back super quick.” He darts off, his feet pattering on the stairs.

I loosen my tie and settle into the chair beside Alexa. I’m not hungry either, but it’s mostly because the wedding is starting to sink in.

My eyes catch on the wedding ring glinting on my left finger.

Alexa turns to me. “Adam.”

“Hm?”

“Thank you,” she says hoarsely. “And… I’m sorry. I know I could have gone… about things… a different way. I could have… told you… about Rowan… sooner. Or at least… shown up with him and… explained things… personally.”

“Alexa, you don’t have to—”

“Let me finish.” Her voice is firm even though it sounds like it’s painful to speak. Turning her head with great effort, she watches me through hooded eyes. “I didn’t know… if you were still that… playful guy from college… who couldn’t take care of… himself, much less anyone else. And I was scared… that you would love… your inventions… more than Rowan. But I’m glad… that I was wrong. I see… how capable… you are of love, Adam. Nova has… a good man… in you.”

I squeeze her hand. She’s taking shuddering breaths between each word and it’s hard to watch. “You should stop talking and preserve your strength. After the movie, I’ll take you home. Greta already texted me. All the medical equipment arrived at the manor.”

“You think… of everything.”

The door opens and light spills on the stairs.

Rowan’s back.

Alexa squeezes my hand urgently when our son darts toward us. I glance down at her. The light from the movie screen throws her skin into shades of silver and white. Her lips are bright red and it only makes her skin seem more translucent.

“Take care… of our son, Adam.”

“I will.”

“Take care… of our son.”

“I promise, I will,” I whisper.

Rowan pops up in the aisle. “What are you two talking about?”

“How excited we are… to visit India through this movie.” Alexa musters up a smile. “Why don’t… you sit next to… me… while it starts?”

“Okay,” Rowan says.

“Wait, let me move this arm for you.” I fight with the cupholder so that Rowan doesn’t have to be separated from Alexa. As soon as the obstacle is gone, he curls up under his mother’s arm, eating and sipping on soda.

The movie starts.

I keep my eyes on the screen, getting sucked into the story. I’m surprised by how good it is. I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy it.

“Mom,” Rowan whispers, “are you hungry now?”

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