Page 104 of Perfect Alpha

“I can’t figure everything out without talking to my boss. But when I say an arrangement that makeseveryonehappy, that includes you right at the forefront. Okay?”

I nod because I don’t have a choice. “Okay.”

“Unfortunately, the back and forth will have to start next week.”

“What? I thought you weren’t going back until January.” Gripping panic fills me, confirming I can never lose this woman again.

“I forgot about our office holiday party. We’re inviting a bunch of clients and industry professionals. I can’t miss it. It will just be a couple of days.”

My stomach sinks, and Victory cups my jaw to force me to look at her. “Are you okay with this arrangement, Cade? If you can’t do long distance, at least for now, then we don’t have to.”

“I’m notokaywith it,” I reply. “It sucks. I want to bring you everywhere. But I can give you the time you need to figure things out. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I appreciate it,” Victory replies. “You’ll always be my priority in any decision I make. We’ll figure out the next steps together, but for now, I need to maintain the status quo until I know for sure what I want to be when I grow up.”

“Speaking of decisions, there’s something else I want to talk to you about.”

I wasn’t going to mention it, but after promising to involve Victory in all facets of my life, I can’t very well start by excluding information from her.

“What’s up?” she asks.

“I’m going to talk to Duncan,” I tell her. “If I can get him on board to sign the adoption paperwork, I won’t have any potential issues down the line.”

“Oh, God,” Victory gasps. “Has he shown interest in adopting Aidan?”

“In the one phone call I’ve had with him, he said that he was confused about what’s best for Aidan now that Hannah is gone. But I’m the only family Aidan knows. I don’t think it would be best for him to go live with a stranger, or to be the focal point of a custody battle.”

Anger drips off every word, and Victory unclenches my fist so she can intertwine her fingers with mine.

“Do you want me to go talk to him with you?” she asks.

I hesitate, but only briefly, quickly realizing this kind of thing is exactly what it means to have a partner to go through life with.

“I’d love that, angel. But it depends what day you’re planning to go to New York because I’m meeting with him next Tuesday.”

Her shoulders fall. “I’m going Monday.” I’m gritting my teeth so hard my jaw aches, and Victory tries to lighten my mood. “I’ll give you head on the way to the airport for old time’s sake.”

I don’t even crack a smile.

“You’ll be home before the weekend?” I ask sulkily.

“Yes, definitely.”

“Come have a shower with me,” I demand. “I need to get laid again before we start our day with a toddler who currently hates me.”

“He doesn’t hate you. He’s just confused.”

“I know. It still hurts, though.”

She hugs me tight. “Well, I love you enough for everyone.”

My insides melt because I missed this tenderness from her so much. It’s going to bethe worsthaving her leave me. But on the bright side, this time she’s coming back.

I hope.

Chapter 37

Victory

---