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“What changed your mind?”
“Taylor, my friend,” Rachel replied with a small smile. “And that day I went to the clinic to get an abortion, I saw a little girl with her mom, and I just couldn’t do it.”
I kissed her forehead and exhaled. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Me too. I honestly can’t imagine my life without Ron.”
“I can’t wait to get to know him.”
Rachel leaned back, adjusted the pillow behind her, and tucked both hands against the side of her head. “Bernie, I’m glad we found each other, but I need to know that you’re not doing this for me.”
A furrow appeared between my brows. “What are you talking about?”
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to get to know Ron to be a part of my life,” Rachel continued, her expression turning solemn. “Whatever happens between the two of us, you should want to be a part of your son’s life.”
“Of course I do.” I squeezed her hands and blew out a breath. “This isn’t just about us.”
“Good because the last time I let myself believe….it didn’t work out well.”
“What do you mean?”
“I started dating someone shortly after I found out I was pregnant. He seemed okay with it at first, and I even thought he was happy about it, but the more time that went on, the more resentful he became.” Rachel paused and cleared her throat. “In the end, he told me that he didn’t want to come in second to the baby.”
“He’s a jerk.”
“He was,” Rachel agreed, with a shake of her head. “But he did me a favor by leaving. There was no room for him in Ron’s life or mine, so we’re better off without him.”
“No offense, but I’m glad he left too.”
Color crept up Rachel’s neck and stained her cheeks. “Thanks.”
“You have no idea how long I’ve dreamt about this,” I told her, pausing to brush her hair out of her eyes. “You’re actually here.”
Rachel giggled, and the sound made my stomach dip. “I can’t believe it either.”
“I want to pick Ron up from school tomorrow.” I propped myself up on my elbows, my eyes never leaving her face. “I know it’s a little soon to be bringing that up, but I want him to get used to the idea of me.”
Rachel sat up and drew the sheets up to her chest. “I want that too. We can pick him up together.”
“What about drop off?”
“I can drop him off if it’s too early in the morning for you,” Rachel offered after a brief pause. “I know you have a lot of work to do in the mornings.”
I shook my head. “I can manage. I’ll go into the office a little later, and I can take my lunch break to go pick Ron up with you. In the morning, the driver and I will pick the two of you up, and in the afternoon, I’ll have Jonathan come and get you before he comes to pick me up.”
Rachel’s eyebrows drew together. “Are you sure this isn’t too much? I don’t want you getting into trouble at work or anything.”
I chuckled. “Rach, I’m the president of my own company. I make the rules.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want anyone thinking you’re above them or whatever.”
“They won’t.” I gave her a small smile. “I work hard, and so does everyone else in the company. I know it’s in good hands.”
Rachel sucked in a deep breath. “There’s an event at Ron’s school. They have this concert, and they want parents to help out with decorations before and clean up after. I’m not sure if this is something you’d be interested in.”
I grinned. “I would love to help out. When is it?”
“In a few weeks,” Rachel admitted, giving me a sheepish smile. “I know it’s short notice. If you can’t make it, it’s okay.”
