AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll grab her so you can go.” She turns and walks back up the stairs.
All I want to do is take Adeline’s hips in my hands, step into her, and smell her, but she’s not mine. She never was, and I need to remember that.
She returns with Clover. “Not sure if you’re doing anything Christmassy with her, but I packed a holiday dress for her. It’s in the bag. I figure you’re just going back to The Den now, so she’s in her pajamas in case she falls asleep in the car.”
I close my eyes at her choice of words for the building. “Thanks.”
“Sure. I think my mom is going to pick her up on Friday while I’m at work and bring her back here. Still have Haze?” Her voice is all wrong. It’s detached and monotone.
“No.”
“Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“Actually, he said he couldn’t afford to only work half the time since she won’t be there every day, so he found another family. There will be a new nanny. She’s an older, Mrs. Doubtfire type. Since I won’t have her all the time, it works out.”
She nods. “I’m glad.”
Our eyes catch, and for a second, I want to beg her to come back to the city with me.
“I’ll see you out.” She leans in and kisses Clover. “See you in a few days, sweetie. Have fun with Daddy!”
I don’t miss the false excitement in Adeline’s voice or the tears in her eyes. Probably because she hasn’t been away from Clover like this ever before. I hate that I’m the cause, but this is our new normal. We might as well get used to it.
I take the bag, put Clover in her carrier, and walk out of the house.
Henry must have slunk out the back door because he’s outside, putting something in the trunk of his car.
I stop and lean in when I pass him. “It’s not your fucking house. Go play Mr. Fix-It somewhere else. And no matter how hard you try, she’ll never love you like she did me.”
I’m pissed off and taking it out on a guy who’d probably treat Adeline the way she deserves.
Fuck, Bryce is right. I am a total bastard.
It’s our one day off, and I’m just getting back from the store with Clover. When I get to my apartment, I find two big, annoying football players waiting on my landing for me.
Cooper takes the carrier from me. “I’ll take my goddaughter, thank you.” He reaches in and tickles her, and Clover laughs.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask as I set down the grocery bag and unlock the door.
“We’re your conscience,” Miles says.
They follow me into the apartment and look around.
“Looks like a baby store threw up in here. Why do you still have some of Adeline’s things out?” Cooper asks, giving Miles a look as he sets down the carrier.
“Yeah, just a heads-up, I’ll probably be moving out of The Den next season. There isn’t enough room for Clover here.” I take her out of her carrier.
Again, the two of them share a look.
Cooper grabs Clover from me, putting her between his legs on the floor and pulling out some of her toys. The man is desperate for me to say he’s her godfather.
“Go ahead, give me the speech. Nothing is going to change.” I sit on my couch.
“How can you still be in denial?” Miles asks, taking the seat across from me. “You’re hurting everyone. You, Adeline, Clover…”
“And fucking Bryce.” I roll my eyes. “Spare me the lecture just so your fiancée can be happy.”
“Shit,” Miles says, sounding exasperated. “He’s already too far gone.”
