The words hang expectantly over us.
I wring my hands. “It’s just … I want to talk to you about my children before you meet them. So you know exactly what you’re walking into.”
He smiles. “That sounds great. I can come back tomorrow to finish the windows. This is far more important.”
“I’ll make some coffee.”
He’s waiting for me in the living room when I’m done, and I place the coffee mugs on the table. This’ll be where he meets my family, but I want him prepared.
Nerves are eating me alive, and maybe this isn’t necessary, but it’s important to me.
“Where do I start?” I chew my bottom lip. “Bailey’s the eldest of the other three. She’s a lot like me. Kiera’s two years younger, a bit more reserved and way more cynical. And then Jason’s seven. He’s the one I worry about the most.”
Caleb frowns. “Why?”
“His father was sick for half his life, and even worse than he was before he had his heart attack. He can’t remember a time when he was a good father like the girls can.”
His Adam’s apple bobs. “Is he okay?”
“He will be. I’ve approached the school about him seeing their counsellor, but there’s a waiting list. But he’s been doing really well there and making friends.”
“Poor little guy.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say that maybe he also needs a good father figure, but I can’t dump that on Caleb just as he’s found out about Noah as well. I have no expectations on him as far as that’s concerned.
“It’s important to me that they all feel comfortable with me. Especially when I hope their mother wants me to stick around.”
I can’t help it—I smile and his eyes light up.
“Is that a good sign?” he asks.
“I … I’m not going to lie. I’m struggling with all of this. It’s happening so fast.”
He holds up his palms. “We don’t have to do this today. I can get Chloe to postpone the barbecue. I don’t want you to feel rushed.”
“Oh, believe me”—I laugh—“my children are as keen to meet your family as your family is to meet them. It’s like a runaway train and I’m just along for the ride.”
His eyebrows rise.
“I honestly think that if I decided to stay home with the others and Noah went with you, they’d find a way to sneak along with him. I’m not even part of the equation.”
Caleb chuckles.
“They love that their brother is bringing them more family. It’s what they always wanted. We’ve been alone for so long, and the thought of having cousins and grandparents is …” I slam my hand over my mouth. “I didn’t mean it to sound that way. They know you’re Noah’s family and not theirs.”
Caleb shakes his head. “Don’t. It’s all good. My parents and Chloe cannot wait to meet everyone. Chloe’s dying to see you again.”
“She remembers me?”
“She does. Or rather she remembers what a grumpy arsehole I was after you left.”
I gulp. “I’m so sorry.”
He gives my knee a gentle squeeze. “Don’t be. What’s in the past is in the past. We’re moving forward now. She’ll be a good resource for you too. She’s been home long enough to know this place like the back of her hand. If you ever need to find anything, just ask her.”
“I’d like that.”
Chloe was five years younger than Caleb and our paths rarely crossed. But I remember the bubbly blonde with fondness, and I’m looking forward to seeing her again.
