Page 157 of One Big Little Secret

“It’s not just you. And we should tell him, Salem. I know it’s early, but it’s killing me to spend time like this without him knowing.”

Like I said.

Lunacy.

She tenses.

“I know, I get how you feel, but…” She hesitates. I know her answer before she gives it. “It’s just so soon.”

“You said you wanted to wait until we were sure.” I push my forehead to hers, kissing her, pulling back only to lock eyes. “In case you couldn’t tell, I’ve made up my damn mind.”

“I know, and I—well, I did, too. But I think we should wait, Patton. Just a little while longer to be safe.”

Bitter disappointment churns in my throat, but I keep my voice level as I say, “Okay. I get it.”

“Please just give it time. It’s not like I don’t want to.”

“I will. You’re right, Lady Bug.” There’s nothing to do now but agree with the voice of reason.

She has ten thousand times more experience raising this boy than I do.

Also, it’s a big adjustment. So mammoth it could crush the poor kid if it isn’t done right.

She kisses me again, tracing her fingers along my jaw. “It means a lot that you want to step up,” she murmurs. “I just want to help you do this right.”

I smile into her teasing touch, everything tempting my mouth to want to blow her to pieces again.

“I know. We can’t rush into this.”

“You’re just impatient,” she teases, flashing her tongue.

“He’s my son, Salem, and he doesn’t know it. He doesn’t recognize me.” I take a breath before I can tell her the dream I’ve had damn near every night since Utah.

It’s the one where Arlo sits at my breakfast bar, drawing one of his masterpieces. He’s busy scribbling and he calls me“Dad.”

“I hope this is enough for now,” she whispers, kissing the corner of my mouth, then the tip of my nose. “This right here. You and me. This is good.”

It is, and it should be the world.

Just having her safe in my arms like this is one dream come true.

But I’m an impatient creature.

I’m not stick-up-the-ass Dexter or boring levelheaded Archer.

I know Arlo’s mine. I can see myself mirrored in everything he does now. His love for pizza, the way he’s into superheroes, how he throws himself into new experiences so fearlessly.

His life.

His eyes.

Fuck.

Before, life was all about making money and trying not to shit things up like the spoiled brat most people think I am. Whether that was thanks to Higher Ends or the Navy or just growing up in a house where money and wealth were piled on my shoulders from day one.

Until now, I didn’t have a clear idea of what the future should look like.

It was always vague, caped in fog like the early mornings this time of year. But the sun has risen and I see what’s nearly in my grasp.

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