Page 36 of The Single Dads Club
Two of my sisters appear from the hall, both with questioning looks as they take in Ryleigh and Ella standing there.
Yeah,this is going to be even more awkward than I realized.
I take a deep breath and try to smile in an attempt to reassure Ryleigh. “Tracey, this is Ryleigh.” I nod to Ryleigh. “And you remember Valerie?”
Ryleigh reaches out a hand. “Yes, of course. Nice to meet you. And good to see you again, Valerie.”
My sisters each shake her offered hand and take a moment to admire Ella just like Mom did. But their confusion and uncertainty are obvious. They want to know what the fuck is going on, and I can’t blame them. Are we dating? Is she living with me? These are all good questions. Who does Ella belong to? Too bad I’m fresh out of answers.
It isn’t like me to bring a woman home. And it’s not like I called them and talked about Ryleigh, or even told them I was seeing someone. This is all coming as a complete shock. And to be honest, if one of my sisters brought some random new guy around, I’d probably act like a fucking asshole to the dude. It’s practically my job as a brother, especially since I’m the oldest.
“Where’s Jase tonight? The kids?” I ask Tracey. It’s way too quiet for her two- and three-year-olds to be here.
“He took them to pick up ice cream for dessert. They’ll be back in a little bit.”
I nod. So Ryleigh will really get thrown into the crazy tonight. I swear it’s like my sister gives those kids caffeine.
“So, Ryleigh, do you want something to drink?” Tracey asks, her voice a little louder than necessary.
Ryleigh’s eyes meet mine, and I give her a slight nod. “Go ahead. I’ll take Ella.”
Ryleigh places her into my arms and goes with my sister to the kitchen. Valerie follows them, leaving me along with my mother.
Ma’s face contorts as she stalks closer to press a finger into my chest. “Is she yours, Alexei? So help me God ...”
This has been my mom’s biggest fear since I was in high school. She always preached safe sex, and warned me about women who would want to trap me into parenthood and child support once I hit it big.
I shake my head. “She’s not mine.”
My mother physically sags with relief.
Some weird part of me wants to add,But I wish she were.
“Ryleigh is a woman I’ve started seeing. She’s amazing, Ma. And Ella’s mom split, so Ryleigh stepped up. It’s complicated, but it’s also not.”
My mother’s eyes widen, and she nods. “Come on. Your sisters are probably roasting her over an open flame right about now.”
I grin. Mom doesn’t know Ryleigh. She may look sweet and innocent, but trust me, she can hold her own. Even against my sisters.
Chapter Thirteen
Ryleigh
I’ve just dumped a load of laundry onto my bed to fold and settled Ella onto her Boppy pillow on the bed beside the pile of clothes. I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed having easy access to a washing machine. This is way better than hauling clothes to a laundromat. Ella lets out a little squeal of approval, mirroring my sentiments exactly.
“You might as well learn now.” I smile at her.
Folding her clothes is a snap. They’re so unbelievably tiny; I still don’t think I’m used to it. I make a little stack of baby onesies and socks next to my leggings and sweatshirts. Then I smirk.
Somehow one of Alexei’s T-shirts has gotten mixed in with my load of laundry. I hold it up next to my body. It’s enormous. The sight of it mixed in with Ella’s stuff and mine makes me smile. He’s at practice this morning—yes, I may have already looked at the clock at least seven times, already ready for him to be back home.
Last night went so much smoother than I imagined. Meeting his mother was nerve-racking, but once we started talking, I think I won her over. She seemed so surprised and impressed that I was caring for a baby who wasn’t mine.
Ella makes a squeal of happiness, and I chuckle at her. “You’re a good little helper, aren’t you?”
I fold Alexei’s shirt with care and place it onto the stack just as my cell phone rings. I grab it from the bedside table to answer.
It’s Andi.
