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“Not a repairman,” I point out. “Jack’s my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend?” Gabriel’s voice tips up in a scoff. “First I’m hearing of this.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Funny enough, I don’t have to report on my dating life.”
“It affects the kids, Ashton.” Gabriel glares at me and bile rises in my throat.
He always makes everything so unpleasant.
“Obviously. Which I’ll handle. See you next week! Have fun with— what’s her name? I can’t keep them all straight.”
“Maribeth.” Gabriel’s lips press into a tight line as he eyes Jack up and down, sizing him up.
“Have a great Christmas,” Jack says, squaring his shoulders and standing by my side. Having him next to me makes me feel ten times better, stronger, and for that I’m grateful.
“Thanks. You too.” Gabriel turns and trudges back to his car, then fires up the engine and guns down the driveway.
“Nice guy.” Jack loops his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. A shiver races through me, from the cold as well as relief that introductions have been made.
It’ll never be easy with Gabriel, but if anyone can handle him, it’s Jack.
“That’s signature Gabriel. C’mon, let’s go chat with the kids.” I take Jack by the hand and lead him into the house.
“Kids! I have someone I want you to meet!” I call toward the kitchen.
A few seconds later, Katelyn runs out to the living room.
“Oh, is Santa here already?” Her head swivels around, presumably looking for Old St. Nick.
“Santa never comes early, Katelyn.” Declan trails behind her into the room.
They both stop short when they see me holding Jack’s hand. Katelyn’s eyes grow wide and Declan chews his lip suspiciously.
“Katie, Dec— this is Jack. We’re dating.”
Brief, honest, and to the point. No need to sidestep anything.
“Cool.” Declan shrugs, then takes another bite of his cheese stick.
Cool?I wasn’t expecting that reaction.
Katelyn glances at her brother, then at Jack and me. “Are you nice to Mommy?” Her little pink lip trembles, her fists clenching.
Jack nods solemnly. “I am. Promise.”
“Okay. Nice to meet you then, Jack.” She gives him her hand to shake and a smile pulls at Jack’s lips.
“Nice to meet you as well, Katelyn. And you, Declan.” Jack extends his hand to Declan, and Dec shakes it.
Good to see both my kids have better manners than their father.
“Are you going to get married?” Katelyn stares at Jack, her blue eyes wide.
“Katie! Kind of early to ask that.” My face flushes crimson and I low-key want to die of embarrassment.
Jack clears his throat, but links his fingers with mine. “If your mom will have me. And only if you’re the flower girl.” He winks at her and she blushes, fluttering her eyelashes at him.
“I’d love to be the flower girl.” Katelyn grins, flashing her gap-toothed smile, and my heart melts. Jack definitely knows how to charm an eight-year-old— and her mom.
