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Once I got my footing, I faced my favorite kid, cheeks burning like the noonday sun. “Honey.” I knelt to his level. The last thing I wanted to do was lie to Jameson. I was worried enough about the kind of therapy he might need after the whole fireworks-made-him fiasco. And who knew what growing up with a famous dad was going to do to him. All I had told him about Patrick was that I really liked him and he was going to be around.
Rory put up his hand to high-five Jameson before I could finish my thought. “Little man, we’re going to be like cousins.” Did he sound genuinely happy about that, or was he hoping if he played his cards right he would get to meet Avriel, Drake’s latest costar?
“Cool.” Jameson slapped Rory’s hand.
I wasn’t sure Jameson understood what Rory meant, but the crowd was buying it.
Charlotte gave me aphewkind of look.
I wasn’t so sure I felt any sort of relief.
“But what about the sperm?” Jameson wasn’t going to let it go.
Patrick knelt next to me. “I think this should be a private discussion,” he said in his best father-of-the-year voice. That was before he sexily said for my ears only, “To answer his question, I think we should give this some meaningful consideration.”
Oh, believe me, it was going into the pile of all the considerations I had going on. ’Tis the season to be folly—I mean jolly.
“TODAY HAS BEEN EVENTFUL.” MYbreath floated like clouds in the frigid air while the snow crunched beneath our feet on the cobblestone path that led to the cottage. The good news was that Patrick had an arm around me. Not only did it stave off a bit of the cold, but there was something so wonderful about him walking me home, as strange as it was.
Patrick chuckled. “That’s a word for it.”
“Do your kids hate me? You can be honest.”
Patrick stopped and tugged on a piece of my hair sticking out from underneath my beanie. “They don’t hate you. They’ve been through a lot. We all have, but we’re looking forward to a fresh start.”
I gripped his coat. “I’m sure this past year has been rough on all of you. To lose—”
“Let’s not talk abouther,” he practically spat out. “This is a new beginning. A second chance for us.” He ran a cold hand down my cheek. “You don’t know how happy you’ve made me today.”
“You didn’t seem exactly happy with me this morning. Or since your arrival.”
He let out a heavy breath. “I was playing the fool. When I found out you owned the inn, I knew I had to stay here. I had every intention of hashing out the past. But today, I realized I don’t care what happened in the past. This is now, and here you are, incredibly beautiful and kind as ever. I want you in both my life and the lives of my children. That’s all that matters.”
“You don’t even know me anymore.” I felt like I had to keep reminding myself of that. But honestly it felt hollow, like it didn’t ring true. I wished I could explain it.
“I do know you. From the first time we touched, I knew ...”
“You knew what?”
“I knew you were the person I was meant to be with.”
“But you married—”
He placed a finger on my lips. “I know. It was a mistake. One I would make again to have Bridgette and Rory, but it was a mistake nonetheless,” he rushed to say, wishing to not even broach the subject.
I removed his finger and took his hand. “We really need to talk about it. About my past, too.”
“We will, but not tonight. Can’t we just enjoy being together? I’ve longed for a night like this for so long. Please just let me have this. I don’t want to waste time on things we can’t change.”
I wasn’t sure what had happened between Nina and him, but it sounded ominous, like she truly haunted him.
“Patrick, you can talk to me.” I needed him to.
“I know. And I will. I promise.”
“Okay.” I felt a bit dazed. I wasn’t sure this was the right direction to go in. If I’d learned anything, it was that avoiding hurt only caused more pain.
“Hey.” His forehead met mine, his French-roast-and-vanilla breath filling my senses. “You were amazing tonight with my kids. I know they can be a bit much, but you handled it all with grace. Honestly, I’m in awe.”
