Page 27 of In this Moment

“It’s fine,” Mitch said. “I don’t want to keep you. I just wanted to make sure you knew that we are really sorry for being assholes last night. After you left, we all talked about it and we’re really glad you’re happy, man. And Evie? She’s awesome. I don’t think you could have found a better woman. She’s really great.”

Declan’s eyes didn’t leave Evie as she made her way through the crowded cafe. “You got that right,” he told his brother. “She’s the most amazing woman I’ve evermet.”

She blushed when she realized he was talking about her. Declan winked and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek. The best part of their little charade was getting to touch and kiss Evie, but he was cognizant that her son was standing there as well. He gave Jonah a high five and finished his call with his brother. “Mitch, it’s all good. Don’t worry about it. But I’ve gotta run now. Talksoon.”

He hung up before hearing Mitch’s response and turned his attention to Evie and Jonah. “How’s it going this morning?”

“I’m going to meet my dad today!”

Taken off guard, Declan looked to Evie, who only shrugged. “I’ve told him about Tony since he was old enough to remember. There are no surpriseshere.”

“That’s a good way to be.” Declan nodded. “How about a hot chocolate while you wait?” He handed Jonah a five dollar bill, and the boy made a beeline for the counter. “How about you?” he asked Evie. “Can I get you a drink, too?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly. My stomach is in knots.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I don’t even know why I’m so worried. Jonah is so excited, it’s like Christmas for him. All he’s ever wanted is to meet his dad.” She shook her head sadly. “I called Russ this morning and he said I’m doing the right thing by letting it happen. That the more cooperative I can be regarding issues like this, the more likely it is that the judge will see reason. I just…” She dropped herhead.

Declan moved quickly around to the other side of the table and wrapped her in his arms to hold her close. There was still so much he needed to know about Evie, but without a doubt, he knew she was doing her best to be strong and the last thing Evie would want to do is cry in front of Jonah.

“You’re doing the right thing.” He spoke softly in her ear. “I can’t even imagine how hard it is for you, but you’re an amazing mom. Jonah is going to be just fine.” He kissed the top of her head. “And so areyou.”

He made it feel so natural, as if she belonged in hisarms.

The second Declan wrapped her into a hug, her nervousness and worry eased. It wasn’t gone. As far as Jonah was concerned, she’d likely never stop worrying. But it was so much better knowing that Declan was there to supporther.

Even if it wasn’treal.

“Thank you,” she whispered into his chest. “It means a lot that you’re here today.”

“Of course I’m here.” He chuckled. “After all, if we’re going to get married, you’re going to have to get used to having me around.”

She lifted her head with a start, and immediately saw Jonah next to Declan. Evie forced a smile. Declan played their little game well. Maybe too well. But she wasn’t about to complain.

“I will have to get used to it,” she said. “But I’m looking forward tothat.”

He kissed her forehead. “So amI.”

“You guys are gross.” Jonah groaned and looked away. “When’s my dad gettinghere?”

Not even a public display of affection could distract Jonah from the reason they were there. Evie had to smile at his enthusiasm. As stressed as the entire situation made her, at least her son was happy. Ultimately, that was the only thing that was important.

“It looks like he’s here already.” Declan gestured over her head. She turned, and sure enough, Tony and his wife Lauren were walking in. Tony looked unsure, maybe even nervous. Lauren, on the other hand, wore a broad smile that only got wider the second her eyes landed on Jonah.

A moment later, the woman had her arms around Jonah and was squeezing him tight. “It’s so good to finally meet you, darling. You’re just so big. I can’t believe how big youare.”

“He’s eight.”

Evie bit her lip to keep anything ruder than that escaping her mouth. If Lauren noticed the sarcasm in her voice, she ignored it. Evie wasn’t convinced she’d noticed. But Tony had. He was giving her an annoyed look, but Evie didn’t care. The woman was fawning over her son as if he were a newbornbaby.

She reached out and gently but firmly removed her son from Lauren’s embrace. “Jonah,” she said. “I’d like you to meet your father. This is Tony.” She gave his shoulders a quick squeeze and Jonah extended hisarm.

“It’s nice to meet you, Tony. I mean, Mr. Clarke. I mean…” He looked back up to Evie quickly. “Should I call himDad?”

She smiled. “Whatever you’re comfortablewith.”

“Okay.” Jonah nodded with a maturity far greater than his years. “It’s nice to meet you, Tony.”

When Tony took his hand and smiled, the resemblance between them hit Evie with a force that took her off guard. She took a step back, but before she could stumble, Declan was right there behind her, holding her up. She leaned into him, thankful for his support.

After a few minutes of small talk, it was Declan who suggested that Jonah take Tony and Lauren to a separate table so they could talk and get to know one another. A little something inside Evie broke a little as they walked to the other side of the cafe, but she needed to get used toit.

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