Page 96 of Scoring Eden

When I hear his door bang shut, I sink onto the ottoman in front of the couch and bury my head in my hands. I can’t look at Alex. Not yet. Now that we’ve been left alone, the air is too heavy with all the words we shared last night and the ones I still wish I could say but can’t find the courage to.

Are you really not going to let us be anything because you’re scared of what might happen down the line?

What happened to make you so scared of love?

We could be so beautiful.

My son loves you.

I…

I stop myself before I can put that thought out into the universe.

“Eden?”

I hum in response but don’t look at him.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

I wish he was asking about more than taking Macon to bed. I wish he was asking if I’m okay with us keeping things the way they are, and I wish he’d change his mind if I told him the truth.

“I’ll keep the door open.”

How many other men would understand why leaving the door open is necessary and wouldn’t take it as a personal attack against their own character? Hell, how many other men would offer it themselves?

But that’s the best and worst thing about Alex.

There are approximately four billion, six hundred and seventy million men in this world, and not one of them is like him.

TEXT THREAD BETWEEN ALEX AND EDEN

Eden: I forgot to tell you that when you say goodnight, you have to tuck Mr. Snuggles into bed with him and kiss him on the head.

Alex: And Mr. Snuggles is?

Eden: His hippo stuffie. His dad told him he’s too old for it, so he might be embarrassed to show you. But he won’t sleep unless you do it.

Alex: Okay, I can do that.

Eden: And he’s got a white noise machine on the dresser. Just make sure it’s not too loud, or it will keep him up.

Alex: Got it.

Eden: And when you tuck him in, make sure the comforter is untucked at the bottom, because he likes to stick his feet out the end.

Alex: Eden, I don’t have to do this if you’re not comfortable with it. We can swap out.

Eden: No, you’re in there now, and he asked for you.

Alex: Okay. Just text me if you change your mind.

Alex: The door will stay open.

Eden: I know. Thank you.

TWENTY-SEVEN

ALEX