Page 23 of Daniil
I hesitate.“Is she right?That his life would be better without me in it?”
“Only you can answer that.From where I’m sitting, no.Hell no.A child needs both his parents.There’s no universe where I let Lennox take the boys and raise them without me,” he says flatly.
“Yes, but you were married and planned your children.We aren’t even friends, much less in a relationship.She has zero interest in what we do or what we stand for, as the royal family or Royal Protectors.”
“You can still be in his life.”
“Can I?Can I claim the boy, legally make him my son, and then just leave him behind for her to deal with?We both know someone, somewhere, at some point, will try to get to him.”
“Probably.”
“So, what the fuck do I do?”
“Start with an easy one: In a perfect world, where there are no wrong answers, what would you want?”
“Her and him.With me in Limaj.”
“Interesting.”I can see him smiling in my mind’s eye.I’m sure he finds the idea of me settling down amusing since I’m known as the bisexual Playboy Prince all through Europe.“Now, flip that to the thing you want least—the thing that would hurt and piss you off.”
“Knowing my child is out there and that I’m not part of his life.”
“The two extremes.So, we can mark those off.My suggestion is to make a list.What you want, what you don’t want, and all possible scenarios, including the two we just discussed.Slowly, you cross off options that are distasteful to you.When you’ve narrowed it down to what you can live with, you go back to Courtney and present her with those you want to discuss.”
I wrinkle my nose.“Jesus, man, this sounds like a business negotiation.”
“In a way, it is.You and Courtney had the equivalent of a one-night stand.There’s nothing romantic between you, so the goal here is to do what’s best for her and Micah, as well as for you.Though I think you’re going to have to be the one to compromise.”
“Wouldn’t you be upset if it happened to you?”
“Of course.But again, since you’re not in a relationship, it doesn’t matter if you forgive her or hate her or whatever else.As long as you can be civil for the boy.”
“I don’t hate her,” I admit grudgingly.“I respect her.She made what was probably an incredibly difficult decision—to have and raise this child alone.She went through pregnancy and childbirth with no one but her brother for support.Her father’s supposedly a drunk and I don’t think I’ve ever heard her mention her mother.From what I can tell, she has few friends and does nothing but work and take care of the baby.She gave up a lot to protect our child.That’s the part I’m struggling with.She made a huge sacrifice—for him.Am I being selfish by forcing myself into their lives?”
“Only you can answer that.”
“You’re no help,” I grumble.
He chuckles.“I’m sorry.I can offer one olive branch, though.”
“Yeah?”
“I can have Lennox reach out to her.They were close.Maybe Lennox can help.”
“Maybe.”I hesitate.
“Look, take a deep breath.Give yourself some grace.Go to the gym.Get laid.Whatever it takes to blow off a little steam.Then take a day to really think.”
“Solid advice.”
“I try.”
“We’ll talk soon.Let me know if Lennox talks to her.”
“Will do.”
“Thanks.”
“Any time.”
