Page 16 of Saving Grace
“You’ll be a good father, too. I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t know it deep in my bones.”
“As long as you’re good with me having absolutely zero clue on how to do this.”
I nod.
“I know you said you aren’t interested inus, but I’d like to take you to dinner tonight—you and Kaia—and let you get reacquainted with everyone.”
“Who is everyone?” I ask hesitantly. The idea of being around crowds after not having a social life for so long creates a mix of excitement and nerves.
“Kelsey and Jace. I guess you’ve already met Jett, but my buddy Noah will be there, too. Reece may duck in, but you’remore likely to see him out here somewhere. He’s Dec’s right hand and Jett’s older brother.”
“Gotta warn you, my moods haven’t been the best lately. Not sure I’ll be good company.”
“Well, we need to talk anyway. So, what do you say we do that now, then swing back by to grab Kaia before getting together with everyone. Then I can talk you into the family dinner that my mom demands we all attend tomorrow night.”
“Um, excuse me. What?” I probably look like a deer caught in headlights, but I can’t have heard him correctly.
He nods. “Yeah, funny story. She was at the café earlier, met Kaia, and said we all better be at her house tomorrow night to eat. Not sure about you, but I’m not a fan of telling that woman no.”
My gut reaction is to tell him no, consequences be damned. Not because I don’t want his parents to spend time with their granddaughter, but because that house was always a safe space for me. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn were like a second set of parents after I lost my dad and got stuck with the woman who birthed me. They made sure I was clean, full, and aware that their door was always open. My reaction to say no stems from the fear of seeing the disappointment etched on their faces.
Because what could be more disappointing than disappearing for ten years without so much as a phone call?
Turning up with their son’s secret love child. That’s what.
“Where’s your head at, sunshine?”
“In the clouds where it belongs,” I mumble without thinking. The little smirk on his face is the first clue that I’m busted. “No fair. You did that on purpose.”
He shrugs. “Wanted to see if it was still your reflexive answer.”
“Duh. Of course it is. Has been since we were kids.”
He takes a step forward, hand reaching hesitantly. His fingers graze mine but don’t take hold. “Seriously, Leila Grace. Where’syour head?” The look in his midnight eyes has me wanting to melt, to go back to how things were and bare my soul to the man in front of me. To let him take care of me, wash away every bad thought.
But I can’t. I refuse to be weak. I’m here for our daughter. Not for me. The love we had for each other is gone, irreparable.
Taking a step back, I pull myself together. Drew’s lips turn down at the move, but he doesn’t call me out on it.
“I’m sure your mother is disappointed in me,” I finally mumble, looking anywhere but at him.
“My mother loves and misses you. She’s irritated with me for not being there, but she has zero ill will toward you. She still thinks of you as her daughter,” he says, slipping his hands into his pockets and leaning against the stall, one boot crossed over the other.
Why is that so attractive?
“I’ll get on my knees and beg if that’s what it takes, sunshine.”
I sigh as I shake my head. “Will there at least be banana pudding?”
The grin that takes over Drew’s face is infinitely more dangerous than anything else in my life right now. He looks every bit the cowboy he is but without the stress and turmoil of the last year.
Is it wrong that I want to keep that look on his face?
“Banana pudding and groveling will be added to the menu. I’ll make sure of it.”
“Now, wait just a minute. I didn’t say anything about groveling.”
“No, but it’s necessary. I have my work cut out for me, but I’m willing to find out where this goes. Are you?”
