Page 66 of Better Daddy
My little guy’s face morphs into a look of absolute revulsion. “I don’t ever want to grow up. Parent gifts are weird.”
Laughter fills the air, the sound making me feel lighter than I have in a long time.
The rest of the day continues like that. Little imperfect moments that will become lasting memories. I cherish every second of it, constantly aware of how close I came to missing out on all of this, to giving it all up.
As I settle on the couch with my family that night to watchElf, I vow to do everything I can to keep it from happening again.
Chapter 23
Sully
“Ihate it when Mommy has to work late.” T.J. flops back onto the pillows of the bed Sloane and I now share.
Our bed. That thought brings a smile to my face. Typically, I’d agree with my son. If she’d listen, I’d convince her that there’s no reason to ever work late. Especially with Will. It’s bloody awful that she’s with that man every day. However, she’s not at the office tonight. No, she’s waiting for me at our flat in the city.
“Mum’s job is important, bud.” The bed creaks as I settle on the edge.
“And you’re going to an important work meeting.” He rolls his blue eyes and blows out a breath that ruffles his hair. “It’s not fair that I can’t come with you.”
I will always treasure the time the three of us spent together over the holidays, but tonight, I finally have a chance to take Sloane on our secondfirst date.
Sloane took the week between Christmas and New Year’s off so she could be home with T.J. during his winter break. And since she is still firmly in thewe aren’t telling anyone we’re back togethercamp, it made more sense to wait until she was back in the office, when we both had reasonable excuses to be in the city, to have our night out.
The wait has been pure torture, but it’s given me ample time to make tonight perfect. It’s taken several phone calls, but it’s official: our night out will be a recreation of our first date. It will be filled with the same kind of magic we felt the first time I was given the honor of having Sloane on my arm.
Back then, I took two weeks to plan the date. Brian made fun of me daily as I tossed out ideas. We’d already slept together at that point, but I wanted it to be special. Memorable.
I planned a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park on the night of the full moon, when the sky was at its brightest, certain she’d be blown away. But I was the one who ended up under her spell. We talked for hours, the conversation easy, her eyes dancing the whole time.
Somehow, over the years, that spark was snuffed out, and I let the world around me cause too many distractions. Tonight, I’m determined to find my way back to our old ways, to remind her of what we could have again.
“You get to hang out with Uncle Brian,” I remind him with a single raised brow. “And he picked up new Lego sets for you and Murphy. I figured you’d be begging me to leave you alone so you fellas could get busy building.”
He rolls his lips tight, just like his mother does when she is fighting a smile. “Fine.”
“Come on.” I stand and slip my jacket on over the white button-down, then lead T.J. out of the room.
As we enter the common area, the door opens and Brian stomps in with the cat behind him.
“At least it hit forty today. It’s a nice change. Not freezing my fingers off.” He lets the massive cat off his leash, and it takes off toward his room. “Dammit,” he mutters, glaring at the feline’s back.
At this point, it would take a lot of stress off Brian if he’d give in to the relationship he and the beast have found themselves in.
“Is it snowing yet?” I ask, trying to redirect his attention.
Brian scoffs. “Did you miss thepart where I said it’s forty degrees? It’s too warm for snow tonight.” He slips his coat off and hangs it on a hook behind the door.
“Knockity, knock, knock.” Madame E opens the door and steps in without being invited. “Where are my favorite yoga partners?”
Maybe it should shock me that my brother joins her for yoga twice a week, but honestly, after the last year, nothing surprises me.
“We’re right here.” Lo skip-hops into the room with a rolled-up yoga mat strapped to her back. “We’ve been antsy all day. Yoga Jess said we’re going to work on our crow pose today. Cal’s been practicing.”
Cal appears, tucking Lo into his side and whispering in her ear.
Instantly, her cheeks turn pink and she ducks her head. Jesus, I don’t want to know what the fuck that’s about.
“Anyway,” Brian mutters.
