Page 85 of Silver Fox's Secret Baby

Henry squatted down and gave Pax a hug. “Goodnight, Son.”

I shifted uncomfortably when Pax ran out of the room, leaving me alone with Henry.

“Drinking alone?” Henry nodded toward my wine glass.

I remembered my father’s words of how he’d tell everyone I was a bad mother. Henry’s comment made me think he thought that too. Would they tell the judge I drank too much?

“I’m a good mother,” I said in desperation.

Henry flinched. “I know that.”

I turned away, wondering why he didn’t just leave.

"Is everything okay, Samantha? You seem... distracted."

"Me? No, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess." No way was I going to share my father’s plan with him. I didn’t want to give Henry any ideas about taking Pax from me.

He was silent for a moment. “I know it's a shitshow out there now with the news.”

I scoffed.

“What?” he asked defensively.

“The whole time we were together, you worried about your reputation if it got out about us. Now it’s out, and everyone is feeling sorry for you and thinking how wonderful you are—”

“You kept him from me.”

“You sent me away. You fucked me, made me think you loved me, and tossed me across the country like I was nothing!” God. Now I was being hysterical. Another thing that could be used against me.

He stared at me for a long moment. “We need to find a way to work together for Pax’s sake.”

“Right. Sure. Okay.”

“I’m not the bad guy here.”

“No. You’re Saint Henry Banion. I’m nobody. I’m just the intern.”

“Samantha—”

“No... I’m sorry. It’s all good, Henry. I want what’s best for Pax too. I’m so glad you two had a good time tonight. But it is a school night, so I need to get him tucked in.”

Thankfully, Henry took the hint. “I’ll call tomorrow. I’d like to make plans for the holidays. Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.”

I was sure I wouldn’t be invited to the family gathering. God, I was becoming so maudlin. “Of course.”

He left, closing the door behind him, and I sank onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Why did life have to be so complicated? I wished my mother were here. I’m not sure she’d have any advice, but she’d make me feel less alone.

Pulling myself together, I headed upstairs to put Pax to bed.

“Can we read the pirate book?” Pax asked.

“Arrrr! I’m the tickle pirate.” I tickled him and then picked up the book.

“Mommieeee!” He giggled.

Once we’d read and I tucked him in, I headed down to the kitchen. Marie was cleaning a teacup, which made me think of my wine, Henry’s comment, and my father’s call.

“Marie, do you think I’m a good mom?”

---