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Chapter 32
Remy
Wednesday evening, Mikel showed up at the bakery right on time. Lyra ran to greet him with a hug as the force of one thousand galloping horses stampeded her defenses. Her heart squeezed and her ovaries ached at her fantasy come to life. All those tear-filled sleepless nights, she’d imagined this scene, dreamed of it.
“Hey, princess. Are you guys ready for dinner?” Mikel spoke to Lyra. Their little girl looked up to him like he was her hero. God, she hoped he could be.
“Thanks for being flexible about the change of plans. We’re just in the mood to go out.” The truth was, inviting Mikel into hers and Lyra’s home felt like too much at once. She needed to keep the personal space between them—co-parent without any more … entanglements.
“Of course. Anything you guys need, I’m your man.” He winked at her.
Was he flirting?
“You guys can ride with me and I’ll bring you back here afterwards.”
So much for personal space.“Oh. Okay. Let me grab my purse.” She went to the back room to steady her trembling hands. Get it together.
“Mommy, come on! I’m hungry,” Lyra called.
Steeling herself, she drew in a gulp of air and grabbed her purse before heading back out.
“Ready,” she lied.
* * *
Mikel didn’t bother ordering a regular pizza for himself, but decided to share a large gluten-free one with them. He talked to Lyra, asking her questions about her life, hobbies, and interests. Remy was glad to sit on the sidelines, as the two interacted.
“I checked out those Paw Patrol characters you talked about last time, Lyra.”
Their daughter lit up like she was full of twinkle lights. “Which one is your favorite?”
“Hmmm. I think I’d have to say Skye is pretty cool.”
He’s putting in the time, making an effort to connect with her.She sipped her iced tea, trying to swallow the ache that bubbled up. She needed to keep her past feelings separate from now. It was the only way she would survive this.
“I thought you would pick Chase because boys are better at saving people,” Lyra said, reaching for a crayon to color the children’s menu.
Remy’s voice clogged in her throat. Why would her little girl think that?
“Who told you that?” Mikel asked, voicing her concerns. His brow furrowed.
“Max from school. He says boys are better than girls at everything.”
“Boys are not better than girls. In fact, girls are usually better at stuff.”
“But you’re a boy,” Lyra said, glancing up with her lips pursed.
“That’s how I know. Trust me, Max probably feels jealous that you’re so smart and kind.”
“Does that mean Mommy is better at stuff than you?”
He chuckled and shot her a look. “Your mommy is better at everything that matters.”
Good god.How did he know the perfect thing to say? “Boys and girls are equal, baby. The truth is, everyone is different and we’re all good at various things, and need more practice on others.”
“But women have superpowers,” Mikel said, like it was a secret.
Lyra’s eyes grew wide. “They do?”
