Page 14 of Reunited with the Soldier

I look up at Bailey. "He seemed to take that well. I just hope he likes Kash as much as he should." I grab the plates and take them out to the kitchen.

Bailey collects the rest off the table. "He will, from what I remember Kash was a lovely boy, I'm sure he's an even better man. How do you feel about having him in Elijah's life? You've made all the decisions for him and now you are going to have to consult someone else before making decisions. How does that sit with you?"

I never thought about that. "It will be nice to not have the full responsibility, but I'm hoping it might free up some of my time and that it will make life easier. He's staying in town you know. He's started working at Maddog Securities and he lives here now. That means we're going to see him around a lot."

"Yeah, but how do you feel about having him in your life again? Are you ready for a relationship, or is this purely a friendship where you share Elijah?"

I take a few deep breaths. That thought didn't occur to me either. "When I saw him, however angry I was, the strongest emotion I felt was that I still love him. I never got over him and all my feelings have rushed to the surface. It's like I can't be near him without all my feelings taking over."

"That's because you were so in love with him. Let him build a relationship with Elijah before you make any rash decisions. See how good he is with him and then you can let him into your life."

"You're right. I just needed to hear it." I smile at her and we finish cleaning up the breakfast plates.

"I'll take him upstairs, so that you and Kash can talk when he comes over and then bring him upstairs to Elijah's room and he can meet him there. That will feel safer to Elijah."

"Good idea, Bailey, thanks." I step closer to her and hug her. She is the mother that I never had and I love her so much. I'd hate for anything to happen to her, I don't know what I would do.

* * *

An hour later Kash knocks on the door. I know it's him, because I just watched as he got out of his truck and swaggered up to the front door. I remember watching him walk before, I'd stand behind him watching his ass and thick thighs as he moved. God, I want him so much, but I need to keep my emotions in check. Today is about him and Elijah.

"Hey, come in," I say as I open the door to him.

He steps inside and kisses me on the cheek. "Good to see you, Lo. I'm nervous and I'm worried I might say something wrong."

It's only then I look at his face and see the fear in his eyes.

"He's going to love you, Kash. I know he will." I close the door behind him and he brings his hands to the front of him. "I bought him a little something, but I don't know what he's into."

"He is into everything and I know that whatever you give him he will cherish it. He's wanted to meet you for a long time. He's nervous today because he's worried you might not like him. That scares him a lot."

"That would never happen, Lo. I know that I am going to love him so hard. I thought about him all night. I thought about the things I'd love to do with him and hope that I can do some of those things soon."

"Are you ready to meet him?" I look up at him. I just want to kiss him and help him with his nerves. I take his spare hand. "Let's go meet your son."

His palm is sweaty, he wasn't lying when he said he was nervous. We go upstairs and then stand outside Elijah's room.

Kash looks inside and see's Elijah playing with Bailey. I watch his face as he looks Elijah over. "That's my son?" His voice is quiet and I see tears in his eyes. I hate myself for keeping them apart for so long.

"It is, come on, let's meet him." I step inside the room. "Elijah, I've got someone here who wants to meet you."

He turns and his eyes light up when he sees Kash. He jumps up and runs over to him and jumps into his arms. I don't know who is more surprised, me or Kash.

"Hey, buddy." Kash holds him tight. "I'm so happy to meet you. What were you doing there on the floor?"

"I was so excited to meet you that I didn't know what to play with first." He squirms and Kash puts him down. Elijah grabs Kash's hand and pulls him over to his toys. "Help me choose."

Kash moves with him to the toys and they both sit down. Kash turns to Bailey. "Thank you for looking after Lo and Elijah for me. I owe you so much."

Bailey reaches out and pat his knee. "No, you don't, they are family to me and I look after them." She leans in close and whispers, but I hear what she says, "Don't you dare break either of their hearts or you will have me to deal with, right?"

He smiles at her. "I love you already. I won't hurt them, ever again. Either of them." He looks at me, smiles and then turns his attention back to Elijah.

Bailey joins me at the door. "He's more handsome than I remember." She laughs. "I see how keeping him in the friend zone thing is not going to work out for you."

I nudge her with my elbow and I can't stop staring at my two boys. If my ovaries were ever to explode again, it would be now. I feel so emotional I know that I need to get out of this room.

"Boys," they both turn to face me. "I'm going down to make some lunch for you all. You stay up here and play. I'll call you when it's ready."

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