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“Nothing to worry about. I know you’re busy, but I really need you home.” I try to evaluate her voice, but I can’t gauge it.
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” I end the call before shifting my focus back to Conor. “I have to go. You can speak with Oliver. He will iron things with you.”
“Thank you,” Conor utters.
Oliver locks his eyes with mine. “Do you need me to come with you?”
“No. Come to the house when you’re done. Angus, keep Oliver company.”
“Aye,” he agrees.
I leave the restaurant in a hurry. It isn’t like Ava to call me back-to-back, requesting I come home. Whatever the reason, it must be dire. I drive like a maniac, and ten minutes later, I pull up at our building and park.
As I ride the elevator, I think about what the issue could be.
When I open the door to the penthouse, my ears are filled with giggles and babbling.
“Ava,” I call out as I head for the living room.
She’s sitting on the floor with Niko and Aisling, playing.
“Wait! Stay there,” she demands.
I freeze, not understanding her command but capable of following it.
“Niko, come. Look, it’s Dadda.” The little boy is all smiles. “Come a little closer. Perhaps stand by the couch.” When I do as asked, she takes Niko. “Ready?”
“Yes?” I sound as confused as I feel.
“Call him.”
She holds his hands, and he gingerly starts to step toward me. About halfway, Ava lets him go.
“Niko, are you walking?” I ask him, smiling.
“Dadda.” He continues walking until he reaches me. When he almost falls, I grab him.
“Good job, big boy.” I can’t help the grin on my face. “Did that just happen?” I glance at Ava, excited by this moment.
“It certainly did.” She smiles.
“Is this why you were calling me?” Carrying Niko, I stroll to Ava.
“Put him down.” Ignoring her, I lean in and kiss her. “I thought you’d want to see your son take his first steps,” she murmurs over my mouth.
“Yes. It is the best part of my day so far.”
She smiles when I put Niko down so he can showcase his skills again.
“Dadda,” Aisling calls. When she walks over to me, I pick her up.
“Hi, princess.” I kiss the top of her head. “You scared me when you called twice,” I confess to Ava.
“If I didn’t, you would have been upset with me for not calling.”
