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Chapter 22 - Danny: Back Home
We were leaving. California was fun, but it was time for me to go and face the reality I had been trying so desperately to run from. I didn’t know exactly what awaited me back home, but I knew that, as long as I had Gavin by my side, I would manage it all.
Callum had left for LA early in the morning. I didn’t even thank him for his kind hospitality. Gavin had gone out with Axel to get snow cones. I didn’t want to go with them because, truthfully, the outside world now scared me.
I had been sitting in the living room watching TV to keep my mind from going idle when I heard the doorbell. Confused, I got up from my seat and made my way to the front door.
When I opened the door, I was stunned to see Tatiana.
“Hi,” I said politely. “If you are looking for Gavin, he isn’t here.”
“I’m actually looking for you,” she said with a small smile. “May I come in?”
The petty in me wanted to say no, but I stepped aside for her, so she could get in. Just because I was understanding didn’t mean that I wanted to befriend my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. I needed boundaries, and she was crossing them, but I also could tell that she was a genuine person.
We walked into the living room and sat down. This room was starting to feel like more of a therapy/support group area.
“So, what can I help you with?”
“I want to talk about Gavin,” she said.
Instantly, I went on high alert.
“What about him?”
“You are good for him,” she started, “and he is good for you, and I definitely know he will be good to you. I don’t know you at all, but I know a woman who carries the world on her shoulders when I see one. For a long period of time, you have carried so much, am I right or am I way off base?”
“You’re—” I whispered. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I want you to drop that baggage that you are carrying,” she said, looking at me. “I don’t know you very well, but you need to let go and allow him to step in. He is ready and willing to carry your burdens with you. Do you trust him?”
“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “I trust him with my son’s life.”
“Then allow him to be there for you. Don’t let your need for independence ruin something that could be so beautiful for you.”
“I won’t,” I said, “but I need to ask. Why would you come all this way to tell me that? Surely you have better things to do than to speak to your ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend.”
“I do.” She chuckled softly, throwing a strand of her red hair over her shoulder. “I am trying to make sure that the decision I made was not in vain. And now, talking to you, I know that it wasn’t. You love him, and he is so in love with you, it’s intoxicating.”
“Why did you let him go?” I was curious. If she had loved him so much, why didn't she stay? What made her run?
“He was always meant for you, Danny. I only had him for a time when I needed him, and he was good for me and to me at that time. But if I’m being completely honest, I always felt like I wasn’t getting the full Gavin. I knew he loved me and wanted to give me the world, but I could always tell that there were parts of his heart that I would never get because he left them with you. He was only parts of the man he was meant to become because you held parts of his heart, Danny.”
She stood from her seat. “I need to go now. I have a casting in San Diego that I can’t be late for. Safe travels back to Riverroad. Give everyone my best.”
“I will. Thanks for stopping by. You want me to walk you out?“
“That’s okay.” She waved me off. “Take care of yourself, Danny.”
I nodded and watched her exit the living room. Even her walk was attractive. I understood why Gavin had been so attracted to her. Any man with eyes would have been attracted to her.
Having spoken to Tatiana my decision was clear now. Whatever reservations I had about Gavin becoming Axel’s dad on paper had evaporated. He was it for me. He was it for us.
I took out my phone and called Jade so she could make the necessary arrangements. Choosing Gavin to stand in as my baby’s father was one of the easiest yes I have ever given.
***
After a few hours of flying, we were back in Riverroad. I had been nervous about the landing. I didn’t know how far news had traveled about Arthur and me, but thankfully, there was no one there when we touched down.
