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She scratches at her throat. “Um, I guess it’s been about eight years.”
So the ex did live here.
“Well, you’ve made it into a very nice home for Serena.”
With a small smile, she nods, then leads me toward the kitchen.
“Serena and I make dinner together every night I’m not workin’. She’s really excited to cook with you.”
“I’m not much of a cook,” I tell her.
“Serena loves it. When she’s at my mom’s, they make a feast. She’s gettin’ pretty good for her age.”
I grin at that. “I hope she doesn’t mind teachin’ me then.”
That evening, Laney and I order in Chinese food after Serena passes out for the night. After Serena taught me how to make French toast for dinner, we played board games, and then they showed me several family albums. It was the most normal family evening I’ve ever had, and I loved every minute of it.
“So can I ask you about something?” I ask as we eat. Though we ate with Serena earlier, we were both still hungry.
“Yeah, sure.”
“What happened with your marriage?” I blurt out.
She swallows hard at my unexpected question. “Um...well. We were more like roommates. But truthfully, I wanted—”
“Mom!” Serena screams, and we both jump.
“Comin’!”
I follow Laney as she rushes toward Serena’s room.
“What is it, baby?” Laney asks while I wait by the doorframe.
“I had a nightmare.”
“Oh, sweetie. You’re okay. It was just a dream.” Laney sits on the edge of the bed, running her fingers through Serena’s hair. “Do you want me to stay until you fall asleep?”
Serena nods. “Can Dad too?”
My heart pounds at hearing her call medad. On the phone, I introduced myself as Ayden, and it’s what she’s called me until now. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it and am overjoyed at how quickly she’s adjusted to me being in their lives.
“Sure, kiddo.” I walk in and kneel next to the bed.
“She likes her head massaged,” Laney tells me.
I smile wide. “I can do that.”
ChapterEight
Laney
When Ayden asked about my marriage, I fully intended to tell him the truth. If Serena hadn’t interrupted, I would’ve, but now I don’t know how to bring up the subject without ruining our time together. It’s a secret that has eaten at me since we reunited. I plan to tell him before he leaves, but I’m not sure how. I’m not worried about him not understanding. I’m more concerned with how he’ll retaliate and the consequences of his actions.
Today’s a day Serena’s been looking forward to, so I don’t want anything to wreck it. She loves the zoo, and we spent an hour this morning packing our lunches.
“Are you excited, Dad?” Serena asks as she bounces in the back seat. She’s been calling him that all morning, and it warms my heart. She’s known about Ayden for so long. It’s surreal she finally gets to have him here.
“So excited,” he exclaims. “I can’t wait to pet a hippo.”
