Page 27 of Snowed In With The Second Chance Daddy

“You’re getting too big forup,” I say playfully, then lift Hayden up so he can get a view of the snow globes on display.

“Whoa…” His eyes go wide. He starts to reach for one.

“Uh, uh, uh. You break, you buy, kid.” I yank him back. “Tell me the one you want to look at and I’ll help you.”

Hayden points to the snow globe that is Santa’s workshop complete with reindeer, elves, and Mrs. Claus.

“All right, good choice.” I grab it and hold it out to him. “Help me give it a big shake.”

Together, we shake the snow globe, Hayden a bit more enthusiastic than is probably necessary.

I hold it up for him to witness the magic. “Woo, look at that, blizzard!”

Hayden beams. “Cool…”

A laugh pulls my attention away from the snow globe and Hayden. Down the row of snow globes, Iris stands with Rowan and Rose, doing the same thing as Hayden and me.

I gulp down a swell of emotion.

I hate this. Hate that being around Iris has made me all confused over how I’m feeling.

I know I don’t want her in my life. She betrayed our relationship, betrayedme.

I thought I’d gotten used to betrayal, but then the love of my life did it, and it was devastation.

However, while my brain knows she’s not good for me, my heart and my bodyachefor her.

Just two nights ago at Oliver and Rowan’s I had her in my arms, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t awaken my body the way it always used to.

Iris glances my way, probably feeling my eyes on her.

I look away in a hurry. Not subtle at all.

Jarred arrives on my other side. “There you are! I’ve been looking for you.”

“Dad!” The four-year-old grins.

“We’re gonna head home, little buddy.” Jarred turns to me. “Thanks for keeping an eye on him.”

Hayden pouts. “But I’m not ready to go!”

I place the snow globe back in the display. “This is above my paygrade.”

Jarred laughs, patting me on the shoulder. “Yeah, I’ve got this, don’t worry about it.”

He takes Hayden from me and starts talking Hayden down from a tantrum of overexcitement and exhaustion.

I step away, looking around hurriedly for something to keep me at least looking busy. Which is when I see Iris again, except now she’s alone, another booth down, looking at Christmas ornaments.

Against my better judgment, I go over to her. “Rowan and Rose abandon you?”

Iris looks up at me.

Tonight, she’s fully made up with glittery eyeshadow and ruby red lips. Very much in the Christmas spirit. “Diaper change.”

“Always a diaper change with that one.”

“It’s almost like she hasn’t learned how to use a toilet yet.”

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