Page 7 of James

“I already do,” she instantly replies, her eyes locked with mine.

“I'll bring him over to see you, okay?” I tell her.

“As soon as possible. Oh, I must go shopping!” she says absently.

“Aren’t you going to ask why she didn’t tell me?” I ask her, my brows furrowed.

“I’m obviously not happy about it. My own grandson doesn’t even know me. There must be an explanation. Right now, I just want to see him, okay? Nothing is going to change the past, I just want to be in his life now,” she says as she leans over and hugs me.

“You're going to be an incredible father, James,” she says, placing a kiss on my forehead. I love my mum.

I’m her favourite.

***

I walk down the aisles of the toy store, picking up anything that catches my eye. Jye had a toy tiger in his hand that he seemed fond of, so I pick up any tiger toys I come across. I also get some toy cars, making sure the age recommendation is accurate. I see a few women eyeing me and sending smiles my way. I bite my lip ring and frown.

Isn’t it weird how women flock to men with children, but men run away from single mothers? Not all men, of course, but hell, I know a lot of men that steer clear.

I see a train set that catches my eye, pulling me out of my musings. I grab it, adding it to my trolley. Once it's overflowing and I can’t possibly fit anything else, I head to the check out. As I’m paying for the thousand dollars' worth of toys, a thought crosses my mind. How has Sasha managed financially all this time? The idea of her or Jye going without makes me want to punch something.

“Any suggestions on where there’s a good kids' clothing store?” I ask the girl at the checkout.

***

Sasha

To say I’m surprised when James drops by later that same evening with toys and clothes would be an understatement. I think he bought the whole damn shop, too.

“James, what is this?” I ask dryly.

“I wanted to buy my son some things,” he says, stating the obvious.

“Right,” I say, drawing the word out. I stare at my living room, now covered in shopping bags. My lip twitches, and I purse my lips together trying to stop myself from giggling.

“What’s so funny?” James asks, obviously offended.

“You are, this is all unnecessary, James,” I tell him, instantly regretting opening my mouth when I see the look on his face. He looks down, suddenly unsure. I realise James needed to do this; he needed to do something, because he’s lost. He's already missed out on so much of his son’s life, and has no idea how to make up for it, how to fit himself into our lives. I quickly backtrack, “But it was very kind of you. Thank you, Jye is going to love all of it, you spoiled him.” When James sighs in relief and his body relaxes, my heart melts.

“Where is he?” he asks softly.

“He’s asleep.”

“Can I go in and check on him before I leave?” he asks, and I can't miss the hope in his voice.

“Of course, go ahead. It’s the first room on the left.” I watch as he walks into Jye’s room, and gently kisses his forehead. He leaves with a smile on his face.

***

Chapter Three

James

I talked to Tatiana yesterday, but we mainly spoke about work related things. I know there is no point in denying that it’s Sasha I want, that I’ll always want. Tatiana knows all about Sasha and what happened between us, all about our history. We’ve always been honest with one another. And I’m not going to stop now.

I knock softly on her front door, not exactly looking forward to this conversation.

“James!” she beams, her face lighting up as she sees me. She looks sexy in her police uniform. Her short blonde hair is tied away from her makeup free face in a ponytail, and her eyes are warm and friendly.

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