Page 50 of A Very Daddy Christmas

“But I’m telling you, despite everything, we’re on the right track. I can feel it in my bones.”

I can also recognize when I’m lying to myself. Whatever helps me cope, I’m going to do it until that finish line is just within my reach. And when it’s over, I’ll be able to think clearly again.

Until then, I’ll keep struggling and loving Sebastian, Riggs, and Waylan in secret. I’ll get used to the idea that we’re not together anymore.

And I will find a way to push forward while I prepare to bring a new life into the world.

15

Cora

It gets even more difficult when I arrive at the house. The atmosphere feels different. Or maybe I’m the one who’s different because of the secret I’m now carrying. Either way, it’s odd and pressing as I walk into the living room to find Dario playing with Sherry.

“Welcome back,” Sherry greets me with a soft smile. “How was your day?”

“Weird. Let’s go with weird,” I chuckle softly.

“Cora!” Dario exclaims and rushes into my arms.

I laugh and scoop him up, welcoming his warmth and affection like some sort of cure-all. “And how’s my little guy? All good?”

“Yeah, school was fun today!”

“Oh, really? What did you do?” I ask.

“Finger painting!” he wiggles his cute little fingers at me. I spot traces of color here and there and make a mental note to give him a good scrub and some hand cream later tonight before bed. “Teacher said I’m a great artist!”

I nod in agreement. “I’m sure she did because you are. Did you bring any of your paintings home?”

“Yeah.”

Sherry holds one up for me to see, smiling broadly. I look at the smudges of green and yellow spread across the paper, recognizing the shades still imprinted on his fingers. “Oh, wow, that’s really cool!” I say, then give Dario a kiss on the forehead. “Do you mind hanging out with Sherry for a little while longer so I can grab something quick to eat?”

“You didn’t get a chance to eat at the bakery?” Sherry raises a wondering brow.

“You’d be amazed by how much food comes out of my hands that I don’t get to actually eat on a daily basis,” I shoot back, half-joking.

“Don’t worry about it,” she says. “I’ll stick around while you eat.”

“Thanks.”

I leave Dario in Sherry’s company and head into the kitchen. To my surprise, the guys are there, gathered around the dinner table. Their eyes light up at the sight of me. Slowly but surely, smiles bloom on their handsome faces, making my skin tingle. A familiar and much-needed feeling, it seems.

“Hey,” I mumble. “What’s up?”

“Can we talk?” Sebastian asks as the three of them get up.

I nod slowly and take my seat at the table. My growling stomach will have to wait for a few more minutes. “Sure,” I say, my voice low.

“I know it’s been a tough month,” Sebastian says, reclaiming his seat along with Waylan and Riggs. “For everyone here.”

“It has been tough, yes,” I reply.

“And I know we ended our personal relationship on a rather unpleasant note,” he adds.

“I thought it was amicable,” I say.

Waylan scoffs lightly. “Polite, maybe. Not amicable.”

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