Page 81 of Shattered Dreams

“Why don’t you want to tell her now?”

I think about that for a moment, wondering how I am supposed to explain this to a child, when I realize that I just need to tell him how it is. It’s nothing inappropriate, and I am all for being truthful with our kids.

“She’s a little younger than you and might not understand it as easily as you do. And honestly, I’m worried that she might get upset because of her mom…”

“She loves my dad, you know.”

“I know that,” I say quickly. Then add, “How do you know that?”

“Because we talk, obviously. She’s told me that she likes having two dads.”

Tears instantly prick my eyes. “She said that?”

“Yep. She said she thinks it’s cool to be the only princess in the house.”

I huff a laugh, then rustle his hair. “Thanks, Maddox. I definitely needed to hear that.”

“Can I help you tell her? When you decide to, that is? I think me being there will help.”

“I think so too, bud. And of course you can be.”

“Cool. Thanks.” He grins, then leaves and heads back to Rylee like he came over to ask when dinner was going to be ready. I guess telling the kids was easier than we thought it would be.

I win the bet. Maddox is knocked out by ten-thirty, while Rylee makes it to ten minutes before twelve. Victoria always said the little kids always seem to stay up later. I guess she was right.

We carry the kids to bed after the ball drops, and share a quick New Year’s kiss. We tuck them both into their beds, and then meet up back downstairs to clean up the food.

“So, I need to tell you something,” I say as I tear off a piece of cling wrap.

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“Well, it’s not bad.”

He raises a brow, standing by the fridge.

“Maddox saw you kiss me in Rylee’s room.”

His eyes widen. “Shit.”

“Yeah, I wanted to tell you about it sooner, but we’ve been busy and—”

“How do you know he saw us?”

“After you left to get Straw Berry, he asked if I was your boyfriend. I asked why he was asking, and he said he saw us.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Obviously, I told him yes. I’m sorry if you wanted to have the conversation with him, but I didn’t want to lie to the kid. It thought of how I would react if the tables were turned, and I think I’d be relieved if it was the other way around.”

I still can’t tell if he’s going to be upset or not. I can’t imagine him getting angry over something like this, but maybe a little upset. But then he smiles and blows out a breath.

“I am relieved. How did he take it?”

“Totally fine with it. You’ve got a good kid.” Paul’s cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink as he reaches behind his head to scratch his neck.

“Thanks,” he says, and I can’t help but smile.

“And he even said that Rylee mentioned she likes having two dads.”