Page 41 of Call it Fate

Reid approached Zach and held out his hand. “Thanks for keeping them occupied.” Zach nodded as he shook Reid’s hand with less hesitancy than before. “Lexi is visiting her grandparents tomorrow, and some of the guys and I are going out for a beer at Ferg’s if you’d like to join us.”

I worked to hide a smile. While I knew the offer was sincere, it was also Reid’s way of supporting me.

Zach had a harder time hiding his surprise. “Thanks. I’m not sure of my plans, but I’ll swing by if I can.”

“Good enough.” Reid said goodbye to Iain and me, then he and Lexi left.

“Mom! This was the best day!” He aimed his excited grin at Zach. “Can we do this again tomorrow?”

“Whoa, bud. Let’s let Zach have a breather for now, okay?” I said, but I smiled at Zach so he knew I didn’t mind the time they spent together.

Zach ruffled Iain’s hair. “Tell you what. If your mom agrees, maybe we can play some games or something.”

Iain’s eyes grew wide. “Really? That would be totes awesome! I’m gonna go change and start tomorrow’s chores now.” He ran out of the room and seconds later, I heard the breezeway door slam shut.

I shook my head. “You’ve started something, you know.”

Zach grinned. “It was fun. He’s amazing, Em. You’ve raised an incredible boy.”

My heart clutched. “He came from good genes,” I said, suddenly feeling shy.

Zach came closer and brushed his knuckles down my cheek. “Maybe, but his mom is something special.”

My heart lurched as he said words I’d longed to hear for so many years, dreamed I’d hear again someday.

I looked up at Zach, who was staring at me with a soft expression, the kind he used to give me. An old, yet familiar, urge made me want to stretch up on my toes and kiss him. Without conscious thought, my hand drifted up to hold his, and I allowed our fingers to entwine.

“Sunshine…”

My eyes teared at the use of the nickname I hadn’t heard in years. I watched as his head lowered. Closer and closer until I tore my head away.

But I wasn’t the same naïve girl I’d once been. I had a son. I had bigger responsibilities. I couldn’t risk my heart again.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, hating I’d once again caused the confused and sad smile that crossed his lips.

Understanding and regret flashed in his eyes. “It’s still there, you know?”

I gulped. Time had put a distance between us, but it hadn’t erased the attraction. And that, I worried, was going to shape into an entirely new problem.

* * *

“Dinner was delicious.You’re an amazing cook.”

“Thanks.” I stood and took mine and Zach’s plates to the sink. It had felt natural to include him for dinner since we’d already spent the day together. Mama had made herself scarce, probably going to a friend’s house, so it was just the three of us.

“Yeah, it was really good, Mom.”

“Thank you both, but Iain, how many times have I told you to not talk with your mouth full?” I scolded.

Iain chewed faster and made a show of swallowing hard.

Chuckling, I told him, “That’s better. Now, help clear the table, please.”

“But I had to clean this morning!”

I gave him the stink eye, and even though he rolled his head, he wisely kept his mouth shut. I didn’t think I asked too much of him to help around the house. I’d seen enough spoiled kids come and go from vacations with their parents, and I didn’t want mine to behave the same way.

Zach stood and grabbed some dishes.

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