AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You’re right, Dad,” I sighed. “Thank you for bringing it up. I will take things slowly and keep my focus on the kids.”
“I know you’ll do the right thing, son. You always do.”
We finished up the dishes and I eventually got the kids home and tucked in bed. For a long time after, I lay awake, thinking over my dad’s words.
In just a few short weeks, I was already witnessing the change in Ethan and Olivia. They were clearly happier here, even more relaxed around me. They chattered happily on the drive home, and bedtime was now sleepy smiles and kisses instead of dutiful ‘good night, Dad’s. Everything I had hoped for with the move here was coming true. Ethan had less trouble controlling his temper, and Olivia was acting more like a joyful nine-year-old than a battle-hardened soldier. She had been talking animatedly about an upcoming choir performance at her school, excitement glittering in her eyes.
And my position at Aspen Ridge was precarious. I needed to solidify my place here if I wanted to see my kids continue to come out of their shells. JJ promised me a few months, and based on my performance, the potential to be placed in a more permanent position. But that was no guarantee, and I had no idea how that would change if he found out I was dating with his daughter.
Something told me it wouldn’t be good.
Chapter12
Ellie
* * *
“Oh, shit.”
“What?” Tessa looked up from her huevos rancheros in surprise.
We just finished dishing about our week, and I’d pulled out my phone to text Jake about Oktoberfest today. Only to discover a reminder for an event I’d completely forgotten about.
“I can’t hang out with Jake and his kids today. I have to be at Snowshoe for the golf tournament.”
Tessa’s face dropped. “Oh, shit.”
“Yeah.”
“Can’t you cancel? You hate golf anyway.”
“I can’t. My dad and I committed to it months ago. He’d definitely be pissed if I pulled out last minute to hang out with Jake at Oktoberfest.”
“You don’t think he’d understand?”
I leveled a glare at Tessa. “Are you kidding? You know how my dad is about these big charity events, and he doesn’t know we’re dating. No, he would not understand at all.” I flung my head back in frustration. “Ugh, this sucks. Jake told me about a dozen times this week how excited his kids are to see me.”
“Ouch. Blowing off a guy is one thing, but ditching the kids is rough. They take that shit personally.”
I glanced suspiciously at Tessa. “You know, this whole time you’ve been giving me a lot of advice about guys with kids, and I don’t recall you ever dating one. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Tessa’s eyes widened, and she batted her lashes innocently. “Me? No. I just watch a lot of romcoms.”
“Tessa…” I held her gaze and waited.
My best friend could never be a spy. She cracked under the lightest pressure. “Okay, fine. I was seeing a guy who had kids for a while over the summer. I didn’t say anything because it never became a thing. He was super careful about keeping me separate from his kids and while at first I understood, it bothered me. When I said something, he admitted he didn’t see us working out long term, and that was why he didn’t introduce me to his kids. So, it ended after a couple of months.”
“Damn, Tessa, why didn’t you say anything? You know I’m always here for you. I don’t judge.”
“It’s not that. I liked him and I didn’t want to jinx it until it became a thing, and it never did. So, no point.” She took a long swig of her mimosa. “Trust me, I’m fine.”
“I just wish you’d told me. I feel like a terrible friend. I didn’t even know you went through that.”
“It’s all good. It clearly wasn’t meant to be. You, however… what are you going to do about Jake?”
“I have to rip the bandaid off. There’s no easy way to do it. I’ll text him.”
I took a steadying sip of mimosa, then shot the message off.
