Page 37 of Just Another Chance

My gaze drops and I see what looks like a child’s toy car on the carpet. And that’s when I notice the baby swing in the corner and the highchair in the kitchen that’s just within my view.

Why does she have all these things? Is she babysitting?

“Tanner, come sit down,” she says, and I follow her over to the couch.

I slowly sit down beside her, and my gaze drops to the coffee table where a pacifier sits. On the edge of the table, I see a juice box.

Confusion fills me and I turn to study Addie. She looks like a deer caught in headlights and when she reaches for my hand, I instantly lace my fingers through hers.

“There’s something that I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Okaaay,” I say slowly.

“I…have a son.”

My mouth drops and all I can do is blink stupidly. It takes a moment for her words to register. I can’t speak and it hits me hard that she slept with someone else after we broke up and I never did. I can’t be upset about it, though. We weren’t together and she thought I didn’t want to be with her.

“Is he here?” I ask, looking around.

She nods. “He’s in his crib. Would you like to meet him?”

“Yeah, sure.” What the hell am I supposed to say? I am in absolute shock right now.

“Hang on. I’ll go get him.”

Addie disappears down the hallway and I’m at a loss. I can’t believe she has a child.Who the hell is the father?I wonder. And where the hell is he? Is she raising this baby on her own? Anger surges up inside of me and then she reappears, carrying a little boy.

When she sits down on the couch next to me, the little boy turns and smiles at me and my heart expands. The first thing I notice is he has big hazel eyes and he’s a very happy little guy. My mouth edges up.

“Tanner, this is Owen.”

“Hi, Owen,” I say and reach out to hold his chubby, little hand in a little shake. My gaze lifts and pins Addie. “Where is Owen’s father?” I ask, failing miserably when I try to sound casual.

“He isn’t in the picture,” she answers carefully.

I don’t want to think about another man ever being in Addie’s life, much less in her bed, and the less I know right now, the better probably. I’m feeling far too possessive over her. I want to kill the man who got her pregnant and left her, though.

I’m honestly not sure how to act right now. It’s hard for me to process this and I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed. I rake a hand through my hair and suddenly it feels like the walls are closing in on me.

“Are you okay?” Addie asks quietly.

I’m staring down at Owen’s pudgy fingers, wrapped around my index finger, and what am I supposed to say? I have to be okay with this, right? “I guess I’m a little shocked. I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

She takes a deep breath. “Tanner, after what happened two years ago, I think it’s best we take things really slowly right now. Assuming you want to pursue this. Pursue us, I mean.”

“Are you serious right now?” How can she question the way I feel about her?

“Yes, I am. A child changes everything,” she says emphatically. “And I don’t want to rope you into something you’re not prepared for or wanting to deal with.”

She’s studying me closely and I let go of Owen’s hand. “Addie, I want you in my life again. And if Owen is your son that means he’s going to be a part of my life, too. I’m assuming you kind of come as a package deal.”

She chuckles and she sounds so nervous. “Yes, we do.”

Reaching for her hand, I frown. “Did you really think I’d ditch out after I found out about him?”

Tears brighten her eyes. “Honestly, I didn’t know, Tanner.”

Jesus.I’d like to think I’m a little bit better of a person than that. If she believes I would’ve left, she sure as hell doesn’t think very highly of my character. “That stings,” I admit, pinning her with a hurt look.

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