Page 79 of Just a Distraction

“You’d better,” I breathe, still breathless from the knowledge that Milo Tate is far more than I considered him to be. His depth and rich creativity are far more than I’d imagined.

I’m a woman of science who finds comfort in cold, hard facts.

Milo’s this intangible thing, a flurry of sunlight and laughter and creativity.

He squeezes my hand once before he clicks the door’s security pad with his badge and holds the door open for me.

And it makes total sense now. Everything in him is a steady whimsy. He’s brought excitement for the small and big things back to my life. Of course he’s a talented writer.

Of course I love him.

Chapter 31

Milo

While Rose works on a prerequisite online class, Callum and I set up and play an epic story complete with all the blocks he owns, some plastic animals, a few army guy figurines, and an old collection of Strawberry Shortcake dolls that Rose has had since childhood.

She crouches down beside us, laughing. “I can’t study anymore. This looks like too much fun.”

When I lie down on the floor on my stomach, Callum scrambles to mirror my pose. “Then join us, milady, as the dragon and the prince go head-to-head in a battle for the princess’s hand in marriage.”

“That’s a cow, not a dragon.”

I sigh, grinning. “Think outside the box.”

I hand the cow to Callum. “Here, buddy, you be the dragon. Can you say, dragon?”

Callum does and I beam with pride at his intelligent, early grasp of the human language.

“And I’ll be the princess,” I say, picking up the Strawberry Shortcake doll. “We don’t worry about gender norms around here.”

“I’ll be the prince,” Rose says, stretching out on her side and grabbing a green, plastic Army guy. She turns it so it’s facing the doll I’m holding. “Your highness Princess, don’t you know you don’t need a man to save you?” she asks in a gravely man voice. “You can save your own self!”

“Exactly,” I answer. I don’t attempt a princess voice because I have to draw the line somewhere. “I was just about to say that. In fact, in Thaddeus Blackthorn’s written works, he asserts this fact quite often. It’s a common theme.”

“I know,” Rose says, regarding me carefully. “We really need to discuss the complexity of the plotlines of the epic fantasy of Thaddeus Blackthorn.”

We haven’t discussed the whole Thaddeus Blackthorn thing since this morning.

“I can’t wait.” I cringe. “I think. I mean, I’m used to hiding behind my screen. And also, can I add that the princess doesn’t need a man to save her, I agree a hundred percent. But love and companionship? Mutual respect? Play? Someone to enjoy her life with?” My gaze lingers on her. “There’s nothing wrong with needing that.”

“I know,” she insists, a touch of frustration lining her words.

We share a look and then play some more until Callum needs a diaper change. “I’ve got it this time,” I say, stretching up and out of my prone position, taking him by the hand, and walking him over to the changing pad.

“I googled you,” she says when I have my back turned to her.

I was afraid of this. It’s been a long time since I’ve googled my pen name, so who knows what’s out there.

After a pause, I pipe up. “And?” This is new territory we’re in, one in which Rose knows my secret identity.

“Milo, you’ve won some awards as Thaddeus Blackthorn.”

“And?” I say again.

“That’s a big deal.”

I shrug. “It was an honor to win those. But it’s only a couple of steps along the journey. There’s still so much for me to learn.” I finish with Callum’s diaper and help him sit up. “I’ll go take this to the trashcan outside.”

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