Page 13 of Come With Me

“Serena Mae.”

He tilts his head, and those soulful brown eyes light up every nerve under my skin. “You named her aftermygrandmother?”

I can’t help but smile. “I knew how much you loved her, and I loved her name. I wanted to honor you somehow.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say. I don’t even deserve the chance to be her dad after being away for nine years.”

“Ayden Carson, that’s not true,” I scold, inching closer until I’m at eye level with his chest. He has a good six inches on me. “You had no idea. Hell, I didn’t know for a month because I thought it was heartbreak sickness. It wasn’t until I realized I missed my period that I finally took a test, and well...surprise.”

He cups my cheek, and I can’t stop myself from leaning into his warm palm. “God, I’m sorry. I should’ve put my new number in my letter so you could’ve at least called and told me. I would’ve come back in a heartbeat.”

“That’s partially my fault too. I told you not to.”

“Can I meet her?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“When?”

“I’m not sure. It’s a bit complicated. I need to take off work and—”

“What if I come there?”

My brows shoot up at the sudden change of heart. “Really? You’d come to Beaumont?”

“To meet my daughter, yes. I can’t go to the funeral, but I’d like to visit Howie’s grave and pay my respects in private when I’m there.”

“That’d be great, Ayden. Seriously.”

He takes me by surprise and wraps me in a hug, but I don’t back away. Ayden’s touch is something I’ve been dreaming of, and just like always, it gives me comfort and hope. I inhale the scent of his cologne, and years of memories flash through my mind.

“Do you have any pictures?” he asks when we break apart.

“Yeah, thousands.” I laugh just thinking about how many I’ve taken over the past nine years.

“Let’s eat at The Lodge tonight, and you can show me. Start with when you were pregnant. I bet you were cute as hell.”

I burst out laughing. “Oh my God. It’ll take us a year to get through them all.”

He smirks. “I’ve got time.”

ChapterThree

Ayden

I’m still in shock about the news of Serena.

I’m a father.

I didn’t see that coming.

Though at one point I dreamed of having a family with Laney, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a dad. Considering the relationship with my parents, I wasn’t sure being a good one was in my DNA.

Regardless, I can’t wait to meet her and see what she’s like.

If she likes the same things I did at her age.

If she looks like her mama. Or my grandmother.

---