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We head inside, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee hits me as soon as I enter. Mia orders both drinks, and we choose our seats at the corner table. As we sip our drinks, we finally have a chance to talk without distractions or judgment from other family members.
We get lost in conversation, discussing our favorite music, books, and films. Mia has a wicked sense of humor, and before I know it, we’re laughing hysterically at her jokes. I can’t believe how quickly we’ve connected, like I’m talking to an old friend.
I look at Mia, and my heart swells with hope. Maybe this family won’t be so bad after all.
Mia grins. “We’ve had so much fun that it’s time to pick up Ronan!” She looks at her watch. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, will he be alright with me tagging along? I know some toddlers don’t like strangers.”
She smiles and shakes her head. “Ronan is as social as they come. He’ll be so excited.”
We link arms and walk around the corner to his preschool, where we wait at the entrance for the teacher to bring him out. I see a little boy with dark hair and eyes come out, and when he spots Mia, he beams.
“Mommy.” He runs into Mia’s arms, and she picks him up and twirls him around. “Hey, how was your day?”
“It was great—” He stops when he notices me watching them. “Who are you?”
Mia sets him down on his feet. “This is your step-aunt, Ella.”
He beams widely. “Oh yay, I’ve always wanted a step-aunt.”
Mia and I both chuckle, and I crouch down to be on his level. “It’s lovely to meet you, Ronan.” I hold a hand out for him to shake, but he hugs me instead.
I can’t deny that he is adorable.
We leave the preschool and head back to the car, Ronan skipping between us as we chat about his day. Once we’re in the car, I sit in the back with him, and he shows me pictures he drew in school, pointing at all his favorite things.
My stomach churns when Mia pulls into the drive of the Morrone mansion. I’d had such a good time away from this place, but it’s not the only reason for my nerves. Remy is waiting to see his grandson. I don’t know why the thought of seeing how he is with a kid makes me feel nauseous.
Mia helps Ronan out of the car, and we enter. Remy is waiting for us in the foyer, and his face lights up when he sees Mia holding his grandson’s hand.
“Grandpa!” He shouts, rushing forward and jumping into Remy’s arms.
My stomach flips as he twirls him around and plants kisses on his cheek.
Ronan giggles and shakes his head. “Your beard tickles!”
He doesn’t have a beard, just stubble.
“Good,” he replies gruffly. “How has my little man been?”
I can’t believe the difference in Remy around his grandson. The way he smiles makes butterflies take flight in my stomach. It’s sick the way seeing him with a child makes me feel broody.
“Are we staying for dinner, mommy?” Ronan asks as Remy sets him down on the ground.
I heat when his dark eyes find mine. It feels like he can read my thoughts.
“No, sweetheart,” Mia replies firmly. “Daddy will be waiting for us at home.”
Remy’s jaw clenches. “Can’t you stay for some milk and cookies?” he asks.
Mia looks unsure, but Ronan’s face at the mention of cookies is priceless.
“Yay, cookies! Please, mommy.”
She glares at Remy. “Well, I can’t say no now, can I?”
He shrugs. “That was the point. I don’t see my grandson enough.”
