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"That's what he told Chase. Guess he had a change of heart." Megan smiled encouragingly.
A flutter of anxiety tickled my insides as I fretted over my father possibly uttering a negative comment to Mitch. Hastily, I excused myself and slipped out to the back porch, only to find them engrossed in a discussion about sports. Inhaling deeply, I made my way toward them, my nerves dancing beneath my skin. "Hey, Mitch," my voice quivered ever so slightly.
His lips curved into a warm smile, "Hey there, Amy."
Heat suffused my cheeks as I fumbled with the right words. "Um, I...I needed to discuss something with you," I stuttered.
"Absolutely, let's talk," Mitch agreed, nodding respectfully at my father before accompanying me away from the rest.
Gathering courage, I spoke up. "I didn't appreciate you labeling our relationship as 'friends with benefits.' It makes me feel undervalued," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "And I get why Ella posed those personal questions, but she came off as rather harsh."
Mitch's hand encircled mine, his gaze blazing with an intensity that sent shivers coursing through me. "But that doesn't change the fact that I want to carve out time for you, Amy," he murmured, his voice sultry and low. "I want to be your rock in the sunshine and the storms. I want to unravel this mysterious connection we share."
His heartfelt, poetic words sent my heart into a wild frenzy, and I felt myself falling deeper for him. "I want that too, Mitch," my voice barely a whisper. "I want to explore where this leads."
He inched closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Then let's make it happen," he whispered, his breath warming my cheek.
A sudden cough from behind caught us off guard, and we sprang apart, flushed with embarrassment. "Dinner's ready, lovebirds," Chase teased, smirking at the scene he'd stumbled upon.
Hand in hand, Mitch and I made our way back inside, joining everyone at the table. My heart swelled with joy seeing Mitch seated between my father and me. As we began eating, Mitch and Papa exchanged hushed words regarding Mitch's custody battle.
"It's true. Nicole wants to relinquish custody of Ava, but nothing's set in stone. I still need to prove I can offer her a stable home and be a responsible parent," Mitch admitted, a hint of worry lacing his voice.
Papa nodded thoughtfully, "Being a single parent isn't a cakewalk, but it's worth the effort. I may not have been a single dad, but I've learned that firsthand raising my amazing daughter, Amy."
A warm smile bloomed on my face as I glanced at my father, and I caught Mum beaming from ear to ear across the table. Despite his initial hesitation, I could see that Papa was beginning to empathize with Mitch's difficult situation.
As the meal concluded, the ladies commenced tidying up the dining area and washing the dishes. Simultaneously, the guys withdrew to Chase's state-of-the-art home cinema to indulge in some football. Mitch beckoned me while I was drying the dishes, a sheepish grin on his face.
"Hey, Amy, I was wondering if you could lend me a hand," he said hesitantly. "I need to find something to wear after the court hearing in Vail... when I meet Ava for the first time. I thought about wearing a suit, but that doesn't feel quite right."
Raising a quizzical brow, I replied, "You want fashion advice from me? The woman who works from home in yoga pants and an oversized shirt?" I couldn't help but chuckle.
A nervous laugh escaped Mitch as he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I trust your judgment. I'm way out of my element, you know."
Not long after, we were hand-in-hand, navigating the bustling mall. Mitch's exuberant expression and his bulging bicep pressed against my shoulder stirred wicked thoughts I had to tuck away for another time. As we strolled by the baby section, Mitch revealed the nursery furniture he had picked out for Ava. Then, wandering to the men's section, we selected an ensemble that was both comfortable and fashionable for the occasion. "Do you think little Ava will approve?" Mitch inquired excitedly.
Suppressing a giggle, I broke the news. "Mitch, she's an infant. I'm not sure she'll have much of a reaction, but maybe..." I continued, "I hope everything goes well with Ava... and Nicole."
"Thanks, Amy I guess you're right. You're the best," he replied, planting a tender kiss on my lips.
My heart twinged with jealousy at the thought of Mitch and Nicole together, creating a child. Yet, I quickly tucked it away. Now wasn't a time for that discussion.
That night, as we headed home, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Mitch was leaving for Vail the next morning, and I wouldn't be accompanying him.
"Will you be bringing Ava back alone?" I asked, attempting to mask my sullen mood.
Mitch shook his head, "No, Ella's all set to go at a moment's notice. I'll probably be in Vail for a few days before we're ready to return to San Diego." Pausing, he cleared his throat and peered into my eyes. "Amy, would you like to join me? You can work from the chalet while I'm occupied," he suggested, his hands resting gently on my shoulders.
Memories of the chalet resurfaced, causing me to shudder as the walls seemed to close in on me. My heart raced, and I struggled to regain my composure. "Mitch, I... I don't know," I stammered, swallowing hard. "I wish I could be there for you, but the chalet carries painful memories. I'm not sure I'm prepared to face them just yet."
Mitch's eyes widened as he grasped the implications of his proposal. He quickly removed his hands from my shoulders and stepped back. "Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry. I didn't consider how that might affect you. I feel awful for even suggesting it," he apologized, his voice laden with genuine remorse.
"No, Mitch, don't blame yourself," I reassured him, managing a weak smile. "It's just... it's something... I don't think I'll ever be ready to go back there."
"I can't believe... I'm so sorry...." Mitch raked his fingers through his hair, looking away in self-disgust.
"No worries, and thank you for inviting me, Mitch. That means a lot. Let's focus on the future, shall we?" I said, trying to lighten the mood.
