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My heart hurts remembering these facts. But I’m telling Lori because she’s a young woman at the beginning of her life, and she shouldn’t have to put up with so much baggage. It’s not just that I’m too old for her, but also, I’m a divorced man with a not-so-glorious past.
“So where does that leave you?” Lori asks in a soft tone, her eyes empathetic.”
I nod.
“I take being a father very seriously,” I say in a low voice. “And Weston is my best buddy. Parenting him is my top priority.”
Lori nods once more. “Of course, and I get that. But I also see how much it means to him. You’re so patient and loving with your son, and Westie absolutely adores you.”
I squeeze her hand in appreciation, but then turn serious once more. “I guess as much as I take fatherhood seriously, I just want you to know that he’s my first priority no matter what.”
She nods.
“Yes, you already said that.”
I shoot her a long look.
“But it’s different to know it theoretically versus really feeling it in real life,” I say in a slow tone. “Right now, you’re in your 20’s. When I was in my 20’s, life was all about me me me. Now, my life is about my son. And that means that our relationship would be second to him as well.”
Lori nods.
“I understand,” she says in a soft tone. “And I respect you even more for it, Caleb. You’re a wonderful father.”
My heart swells because this woman is so mature and loving, despite her young age. Gratitude pours over my soul, and more than anything, I don’t want to hurt the curvy girl. After all, Lori’s replies make me think that she understands the situation, but at the same time, is it too much to ask? After all, reality can be difficult sometimes, and often you don’t know what it’s truly like until you’re put to the test. But Lori takes the initiative.
“I’m so sorry you both went through so much,” she murmurs while looking into my eyes. “Thank you for telling me, Caleb.”
I catch her hand in mine and press it to my face. “I’m glad I did, honey, because it’s been on my mind. And I’m sure you’ve been curious about my divorce too. After all, a divorce leaves scars and I’m sure mine are pretty obvious.”
She merely tilts her head to the side, those brown eyes loving. “I’m not going to lie because I have wondered about your ex. After all, Weston is a really awesome kid but he doesn’t talk about his mom a lot.”
“He is the best kid,” I agree fervently. “And things aren’t great, but his relationship with his mom is more positive than it was before. Well, when she’s actually in town, that is. Leonora has been traveling a lot lately, with back-to-back competitions, so Westie probably only sees her twice a year these days. It’s sad, right?” Yet, despite my disappointment with Leonora’s absence from Weston’s life, it’s countered by the relief I feel now that she’s mostly out of mine.
“So does that mean you and Weston are basically together most of the time?” Lori asks gently.
I can’t help but smile, because this is the silver lining to the whole divorce. “Yes, and I love each moment that we have together. My son’s becoming quite the little adult, you know six going on thirty, that kind of thing. I like watching him grow up.”
“He’s really a wonderful child,” Lori agrees with a limpid smile. “He keeps me on my toes.”
But her comment makes me frown once more.
“Yes, but this is a lot to ask of you to take on. I know Weston is a child, but you’re young yourself and you shouldn’t feel like you have to step in as a caretaker or babysitter.”
The pretty girl merely shrugs.
“No, it’s okay because I like it. Besides, I’m young, but I know what I can handle,” she adds in a sassy tone. “Just because I don’t have a child of my own doesn’t mean that I can’t do it. Oops, that was a triple negative, wasn’t it?”
I laugh deep in my chest.
“No, it’s fine, and I’m not saying that you’re in over your head or anything like that. I just meant that I don’t want you to feel pressured to take on anything more than you feel comfortable with.”
But instead of getting mad or throwing her hands up, Lori does the complete opposite and laughs aloud, the tones musical to my ears.
“Oh Caleb,” she chides me gently. “I told you, I’m fine. I don’t feel any kind of pressure from you. And even more, I really do like spending time with you and with Weston. We’ll figure out a rhythm that works for all of us,” she promises while taking my hand. “Relax, Mr. Minor. It’ll work out.”
