Page 29 of Lenkov

My son is seated in the backseat next to Ge and is ready for the day in his dinosaur shorts, top, and sneakers. He has a black cap and sunglasses with pterodactyls in the corner. We’re staying low key. I even opted to wear jeans and a t-shirt, much to Rylee’s amusement. I lean over and whisper in her ear.

“What did you tell him about me?”

“That I lost you, and I’d explain it to him better when he got older,” she admits sheepishly. “To him, it was like Cinderella leaving the ball at the stroke of midnight, only you couldn’t find me with a glass slipper. I knew it was an oversimplification, but at his age, it was enough.”

“And when he got older, what did you plan to tell him?”

She swallows hard. “The truth. Because my son deserves nothing less. I know I’ve made some missteps. It’s a part of parenting, but my primary goal is to help him become the best version of himself. A fully functioning young man capable of empathy, making good choices, and being self-reliant.”

I glance back at the articulate little boy playing dinosaurs with Ge.

“You’ve done a good job.”

“Some days I think so, and others...” She shakes her head and smiles wryly. It’s a long game.

“I was serious about splitting the load. I know caring for him is about more than providing financially.”

“Do you?”

“I use money to grease wheels and turn the tides in my favor, but I know people are different. I moved you in and took you from your home because you were in an unsafe environment. Your needs trump your wants.”

She looks away from me, and I tuck a stray curl behind her ear, caressing the shell. She shivers. “It wasn’t your fault. Thousands of people are being displaced and rocked by the unfair price raises.”

“You showed up out of nowhere and did what I couldn’t. Provided true stability. Part of me resented you for that.”

“I’m not here to take over. I’m here to take care of both of you.”

“I’m believing that now. I’ve been alone for a long time, Lenkov. This is new.” She lifts her head and meets my gaze, showing me a softness I haven’t seen directed at me before.

“We’ll work on it together. I’m new at all of this, too.” I take her hand and squeeze gently. “There’s a lot I need your help with.”

Her lips curve into a full smile, and I damn near lose my breath. It’s like the sun is beaming down on me directly. She fills a void in my life that nothing else has . I bring our joined hands up to my lips and press a kiss to her hand. Her eyes darken, and my spine tingles.

“Dad, why are we pulling up here? This isn’t the way in.”

He shatters the spell wove between us. “This is a special trip, buddy.” I turn to look back at him, keeping Rylee’s hand. “We’re going on a special tour around the place.”

“Will Mark be there?” he asks.

“Mark?” I look at Rylee, who giggles.

“A guide that always fills us in on the newest exhibits and hangs out.”

“Oh, I’m not sure, buddy. He might not be working today. Tell me what he looks like.”

“Ummm. Him has dark hair and dark eyes, and he’s about your height.”

The picture he’s painting isn’t one of the elderly variety. “Oh. Then I’ll have to meet him.”

So he knows my family isn’t up for grabs.

Iosif parks the car, and we exit, entering a back entrance. Hustled into an air-conditioned office, we’re offered sparkling water while they get our guide. Jaycee nearly tackled the attractive Latin male who walks in with a gold nametag.

“Mark.” He hugs his legs, and the man laughs. “Hey! It’s my dino buddy. Are you doing a special tour?”

Mark smiles at Rylee as his dark eyes sweep over her sundress-clad figure with an appreciative glance. Ducking her head, she smiles.

I clear my throat. “We are.”

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