Page 105 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Skylar nodded at Damian, and Christian watched his daughter and her stepfather interact, Damian placing his newborn son in her arms. Christian grabbed his phone, snapping pictures of the two of them together. He would send them across later. Memories like this needed to be cherished.

Skylar’s eyes flashed to his, and Christian’s heart melted. He couldn’t believe he was getting to share this moment with them. Theo might not be his flesh and blood, but he was part of Skylar’s life, so there would always be a connection.

They stayed for an hour, Skylar so excited. It was only when Star started to wilt and Theo grumbled he needed a feed, Christian took the executive decision that they would leave.

“But, Daddy,” Skylar said.

“Mummy needs some rest, and Theo needs some food,” Christian said. “We can come back in the morning before we go to the cinema if you would like.”

“Can we?” she said, gulping down her excitement.

“Of course. But remember, we’re meeting Olivia for your cinema date. Unless you want me to cancel it?” Christian asked.

He watched his daughter mull over the idea.

“No, Olivia wants to see the film. Everyone is watching it this weekend, so we’ll miss out if we don’t go,” she added dramatically.

Christian was sure noteveryonewas watching the movie that weekend, especially when Star grinned and rolled her eyes at her daughter’s words.

“How about you come and see me after the movie,” Star said, offering Christian an out for a morning visit. “We’ll be at home then. I only have to stay in overnight. We go home in the morning.”

Skylar tilted her head as she pondered over Star’s suggestion. The movement reminded him again how much like Lily she was. Star must have seen his expression as she shot him a knowing smile.

“That sounds like a plan,” she said. “Then I can tell you all about the movie, so if anyone asks, you know the story, too.”

“Perfect,” Star said. “Is that okay with you, Christian?”

“Fine with us. I think she may want to stay home after that,” Christian admitted.

Although it hurt, he would lose time with his daughter, who was he to stop her spending time with her new brother?

Star sent him an appreciative look.

They eventually herded Skylar back to the car and home. She talked non-stop about how she was going to help do everything, including changing Theo’s nappy. It was clearly love at first sight for Skylar. No one else had got a look in. She’d held him and cooed at him the whole time they were there.

“They look so happy,” Isabella said, taking his hand in hers, as they watched Skylar run upstairs to her bedroom. “It’s kind of you letting her go home tomorrow.”

“It’s what she’ll want, and I will never stand in her way. I promised Lily that. Star is her mother and Damian, her father. The fact they share her with me, I’m blessed,” he said, meaning every word.

“I think they see you as part of their family. You are a blended family, and it works. The give and take, that’s part of it. It’s why your relationship is so harmonious. I’m sure when you have more children, Star will do the same thing.”

They sat down and Isabella placed a hand on his thigh.

A sharp pain lanced through his chest at her words. He knew children would never be on the cards for him. He didn’t deserve that kind of happiness. He had his chance and blew it, so he remained quiet. When Isabella left, his life would return to the way it had been before, casual hookups with no commitment. He knew the pain he would feel when she finally left, would be the same as when Lily had died. It was not something he would ever choose to experience again. It was then he realised fate was having a laugh at his expense. He’d fallen head over heels in love with someone who was going to leave.

Chapter Forty-five

Isabella

Isabella enjoyed their afternoon with Andrew and Ana. She loved watching Skylar and Olivia interact as Skylar told Olivia all about meeting baby Theo the night before. The two girls were quite a pair. Skylar the more outgoing, while Olivia was a little more reserved. She’d only met Ana a couple of times, but the younger woman was someone Isabella felt she would develop a close friendship with if she was to stay. However, that was off the cards, and time was counting down to when she would pack her case and leave for good.

“I spoke to Star this morning,” Andrew said. “She said everything went well.”

“I bet he’s gorgeous,” Ana said, her eyes misting a little. “I look forward to meeting him.”

“He is very cute. I think Skylar would have brought him home with us, given half the chance. We’re dropping her home after dinner. I think she wants the chance to play real-life dolls with him,” Christian said.

Isabella watched as Andrew gave his friend a knowing look. The dynamics of this group were strong. Everyone respecting the other.

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