Page 97 of Bake You Mine
Liam appeared behind her, all smiles. “Congratulations, Aubs. I hope we can celebrate later at my place?”
Aubrey wanted nothing more than that. But a nagging, anxious feeling tugged at the back of her brain. She looked past Liam at Jason Morse, who was chatting with Damon. Plan B would swiftly fall into place now.
In the end, she deserved to win and was damn proud of the achievement. She just wondered where it left things with Liam.
“Can’t,” Aubrey said. “Chris is taking Daphne to urgent care with a high fever, and I need to meet them there.” She gestured over his shoulder. “Besides, Jason wants to meet with you. Doesn’t seem much like losing to me, huh?” She tried for brightness in her tone. It was tricky when she felt like her head was being held underwater, but whatever. Liam didn’t need to know that. She may have won, but he’d lost. She didn’t want to be a sore winner, of all things.
That bright smile faltered. “Oh no, poor thing. I’m happy to come along to help if you need anything. Jason will understand.”
“No, I’ve got it under control. You should meet with him; he made a special trip to see you.”
She rose onto her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around him. A brave face would have to do for now.
Aubrey hardly registered the short drive to the urgent care. Her mind was a roller coaster, her thoughts swiftly changing from excitement to anxiety.
She appeared so small on that exam table. Chris stood behind her, his arms wrapped around Daphne’s shoulders.
“Mom, did you win?”
“I did, little bug.”
Daphne’s smile was tired. “I knew you would. Where’s Liam?”
“Oh, he had to stay downtown for a meeting.”
“I’m sorry to pull you away,” Chris said.
Aubrey swept her hand over her daughter’s forehead. “Thank you for telling me.”
His face shifted into a smile. “And congrats. How’d Liam take it?”
Before she could answer, the doctor entered, saving her a reply.
One hour and a stop at the twenty-four-hour pharmacy later, Daphne was safely tucked into her bed at Chris’s. Once Daphne was asleep, Aubrey made for the door.
“Hey, can we talk for a second?’ Chris stood at the foot of the stairs.
“What’s up?”
“I wanted to clarify there’s no making up for lost time, but I’m here to help however I can with Daphne.”
She stood there, big-eyed, leaving him to continue.
“I know you’ll be busy during the renovations, so consider me on call for whatever you need: pickups, field trips, or whatever. I can’t take back the years I screwed up. The longer I’m away from Kayla, the more I realize what an epic fuckup I’d been. That relationship was toxic.”
Aubrey exhaled. “I’m glad you’re seeing it. And that it’s not a mistake you’ll make a second time.”
“I’m taking some me time. Not dating at all and not introducing anyone to Daphne unless they’re going to stick around.”
“Okay, we’ll see. Have you been single longer than a weekend since you hit puberty?”
It was odd, seeing her ex-husband in this new light. He’d once been her everything, then her enemy. Now, a completelynew relationship was open for them. If only he stuck to his word. For their kid’s sake, she hoped he would.
He waved his hands. “No, I’m serious. Daphne is the only woman in my life now. I need to earn your trust as much as I do hers.”
She wasn’t entirely convinced, but wouldn’t rain on his parade. “I appreciate that.” She slipped on her coat. “I mean it. I want to move forward.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
