Page 47 of Shattered

“I’m sorry you didn’t have anyone, and that you became a father at such a young age without a support system.”

His features shutter over, the open moment between us fizzling away at the reminder. Releasing me, he steps back, causing my arms to drop to my sides, and then, with a silent nod, he moves toward his car, accepting my apology regardless of the tension still surrounding him. “Thanks. Well, I, ah, better get going.”

“Oh, right.”

He jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “I might take him to my parent’s place for a visit.”

“Well, I hope you guys have fun. I guess I should get back to work. Unless they’ve fired me for assaulting a parent.”

My attempt at lightening the mood appears successful when the corner of his mouth hitches up ever so slightly. I wish I could see a full-blown smile on him where that dimple pops out. Regardless, I take this as a little win.

“I won’t tell them.”

I grin back at him, not having the same control over my feelings as he does. “Thanks.” I take a few steps backward, watching him linger outside his car. “It was good to see you again.”

Finally opening his car door, he hesitates before getting in. “I really am sorry for what I said earlier.”

“I know.” With a final wave, I turn around and walk back toward the daycare entrance, even though I have the urge to prolong this moment. “Don’t be a stranger,” I call over my shoulder as I go.

It’s been a rocky start, but whoever said that a beginning always had to be smooth sailing?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Neilix

I’m woken by the not-so-gentle prodding of a little finger in my eye, and the subsequent giggling that follows. With a groan, I try to pull back, but the finger follows. Giving up on trying to get away, I swing my arm out, finding the little body it’s attached to, and pull him up onto the bed with me, smothering his face with kisses while tickling his sides.

“Daddy!”

Adi twists and squirms while laughing, trying to break free of my grasp, but is unsuccessful as usual. Pulling back, I smile down at him, grateful to have him with me again after our little bit of time together the other night. I ended up stopping at my parents’ place with Adi after all, but only my dad was home. Half an hour into our visit, and he fell asleep in his chair in front of the TV, leaving me feeling like shit as usual.

“You want some breakfast?” Adi nods up at me, trying to free his arms, probably to poke at my eyes again, which he seems to like doing when I’m not wearing my glasses. “Hey, that’s not very nice.” I pout, and he copies me in return, making me smile.

“I eat it outside?”

“Okay, but you have to put a shirt on first.”

I scoop him up while getting out of bed, then deposit him on the ground with a tap on his butt before grabbing my own shirt and sliding on my glasses.

While he goes into his room to pick out a something to wear, I head into the kitchen, pouring a bowl of Lucky Charms for myself and placing some bread in the toaster for Adi.

“How are you doing, buddy?”

When I get no response, I go back to his room to see if he needs help with his shirt, finding that in typical fashion, he’s gotten distracted and is now driving a car around the road mat on his floor, wearing his shirt inside out.

I lean against the doorframe and watch him for a moment. He may have come into the world under difficult circumstances, but I can’t imagine my life without him now, and I don’t even want to think about how much emptier my days would be if he weren’t in them.

Not for the first time, my mind flashes to seeing him curled up in Sienna’s arms.

Fuck, that sent me through a loop. Then I find out that she’s been taking care of him for the past year, and not only that, but she’s his favorite person there.

I shake my head at the thought.

Apparently, there is something about her that draws us Adams men to her. I know I’ve been struggling to think of much else since she came breezing back into my life, wanting to be friends again.

I’m still wary, though. How can I not be?

Keeping her at arm’s length is best.

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