Page 10 of Perfect for Her

All three women lean in, probably expecting some grand finale when in reality it was the exact opposite.

“Then Ethan walked in and we fought instead.”

Billie leans back, looking defeated but Hannah’s eyes narrow as her elbows rest on the table.

“What was the fight about?”

I tell them, watching as their eyes widen, their heads nodding, taking Mark’s side, which is what I expected.

“I knew he would be upset. Who wouldn’t when they just found out they had a son, but seeing him that angry was my breaking point. I hated that I caused that in him.”

In reality, I’ve spent the night before awake in my bed wondering how I managed to screw up the one thing that could have been the best thing that’s ever happened to my son and me.

“Are you more upset that he found out, or that he’s mad at you?” Kates’s words linger in my head and I sit back and wonder if either of those is true.

“Neither,” I admit, Kate’s expression neutral. “I’m more upset with myself that I didn’t see the connection back then. That I threw him away like the fling I thought he was when all he wanted was a chance to be more. I hate that I deprived my son of the father Mark could have been.”

Kate’s slight smile shows me I had the right answer and I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

“You’ll get there. Mark might be an asshole sometimes, and to be honest, he has every right to be mad at you. And he has the right to take as much time as he needs to accept this reality that’s been dumped on him, but he will come around.”

“How do you know?”

“Because the man I know would never abandon a woman he’s been stuck on for four years.”

I shake my head, not believing a word.

“You might not think that’s the truth, but it is. According to Addison, before you, Mark was a ladies’ man. A different woman every week; a revolving door of pussy, they were just happy to be in his presence.”

I scrunch my nose, hating this side of him.

“But four years ago, that changed. The dates disappeared, the revolving door stopped and no one knew why. Addison asked him about it, and he just told her he grew out of that phase. Now that we know about you, it all makes sense.”

That can’t be true, he couldn’t have been holding a candle for me the way I was for him all these years. That’s impossible.

“I don’t think that’s true,” I admit, my voice cracking with the emotion of just the possibility I might not have ruined this after all.

“Why don’t you come to family dinner on Sunday, meet the guys and let Ethan play with Luna?”

I shake my head, knowing that is probably the worst idea ever.

“It’s at Mark’s place, but maybe it will be good to have you there? Let him see that you’re serious about letting him be a part of Ethan’s life.”

I take a sip of my tea, picking up the last cheese scone and taking a dry bite, needing something to do in the awkwardness of the situation.

“Think about it. You might not think so, but you’re a part of this family no matter what.”

My eyes dart to Kate who gives me a slight smile.

“Ethan is half Mark, and Mark belongs to us, so that means Ethan does too. You can be around or not, that’s up to you, but I will not allow you to take Mark’s right to see his child away from him.” Kate’s voice is stern and I nod my head, the words stuck in my throat.

“Wow, way to bring the Queen Bitch back for round two,” Hannah mutters just as Kate breaks out into a smile that transforms her features and I sit there wondering what the hell just happened. “As much as Kate’s words ring true, all we want is for Ethan to get to know his family and that means coming to dinner.”

I nod, knowing this is something I need to get over and quick, because if I know Mark as much as I think I do, he won’t stay away long.

Mark

My fist freezes right before it hits the wooden door and I take a breath, knowing I need to do this but scared out of my mind.

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