AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That kid is going to be bouncing off the ceiling,” I muttered.
“Go easy on him.He’s not used to these fancy dinners,” Catherine said quietly.
“I know.I wish he didn’t have to come.It’s too much for a little kid,” I agreed.
As predicted, the sugar gave Wyatt a boost he didn’t really need, but the kid was so damn cute he won my dad over by the end of our dinner.Despite calling him the ‘white’ President a few more times, my dad had Wyatt on his lap, sticky fingers and all, while Wyatt explained that he hated squash, but not all vegetables.
At the end of the evening my father offered to let Catherine and Sergio fly back to DC on Air Force Two with us the next day, but she declined.Probably for the best.
Chapter11
Candace
Two days after we got back to DC I finally met Wyatt’s mother, Catherine.I wasn’t sure what to expect.Her loss must have been heartbreaking, but at least once a day Wyatt would break down in tears that he wanted Eli, and each time I reminded him that Eli lived in his heart now.Then he’d cry for her.She was alive, and he deserved to have her around.
I hoped for Catherine’s sake that Wyatt didn’t ask about him while she was here.At least not today.They needed time together without death hanging over them.Maybe if it went well, she would be around more.
When the doorbell rang announcing her arrival, I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t the strung-out woman I saw on the other side of the door.
She was gaunt.Her hair was in a messy bun—but honestly, same— her clothes practically falling off her frame.Dark circles rimmed her bloodshot eyes.Wyatt squealed behind me, seeing his mom through the window.
A man I knew as the drummer of a famous band accompanied her.I couldn’t remember his name, but he was smoking hot.He looked healthy, but maybe he just tried harder.
“Hey, I’m Catherine.Wyatt’s mom.I’m here to take him for a bit,” the woman said, offering a wave.
I blinked a few times before answering.“Mason didn’t say you’d be taking him out of the house.”My hands shook.I hadn’t expected Wyatt’s mom to be…this.
She gave me a dirty look.“I’m sorry.Who are you?”Catherine asked.
Holding out my hand, I responded, “Oh, I’m Candi.Wyatt’s nanny.”
Catherine took it and shook reluctantly.“Nice to meet you, Candi,” she said through gritted teeth.“Wyatt talked all about you at Thanksgiving.It seems you’re his new favorite person.”
I smiled, my heart warming.“Aww, that’s so sweet.He’s mine too.”Wyatt ran up behind me and started bouncing.
“Mama!”Wyatt bounced himself right into his mother’s arms.A tear slipped down her cheek.
“How’s my favorite boy?”she asked, peppering his cheeks with kisses.He giggled happily.
“Come on in,” I said, stepping aside to invite the pair inside.
They walked into the house, and Wyatt made a leap toward the man.“Gee!”To his credit,Geecaught the hyper child as he wiggled happily.
“Hey, little guy,” Gee answered with a grin.
“I’m a big guy now, Gee,” Wyatt informed him.
“Right.”Gee gave Wyatt a serious look.
“Wanna see my toys?”Wyatt wriggled to the floor.
“I thought maybe we’d go out,” Catherine said, crouching to Wyatt’s level.
I wasn’t comfortable letting this woman take Wyatt out of the house.She wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but all of my suspicions seemed to be confirmed.This had to be why Mason has custody.She’s an addict.I can’t just let her take Wyatt.“Um, I just need to check with Mason,” I spoke up.
“I don’t need Mason’s permission to take my own kid,” she said defensively.
“It’s fine,” Gee interrupted before things could escalate.“I’m sure she’s just being cautious.Not a bad thing, Cee.”
