Page 183 of Delicate Storm

Despite Easton telling me I shouldn’t care, I do feel bad for Christian, just like I feel a little bad for Macy. But I have more important things to focus on, and neither of them are our problem anymore.

Dad laughs from across the table as he and Easton talk. He’s been popping in a lot lately, checking in on us, and I have to admit, it’s nice to have him around. He even joked about Isaac calling him “Pops,” and when it stuck, his expression told me everything. He loves Isaac just as much as the rest of us do. And he and Easton’s mom get along great. We’ve been seeing her any chance we get.

Mom’s been back for another visit too, as promised, and has plans to come back again next week, complaining that she’s missing out.

My brother even threatened to visit, but I’m hoping Isaac’s a little older when that happens. The last thing we need is for my wayward brother to influence him.

After dinner, Easton and Isaac head off to his room to run through their bedtime routine, and my dad takes that as his cue to leave. “He’s a great kid, Paige,” he says as I walk him to the door, making me laugh.

“You say that like I had something to do with that.”

“You may not have raised him to this point, but something tells me that’s going to change in the future.”

I swallow a lump in my throat as my nose scrunches. “What do I know about raising a three-year-old?”

“None of us know what we’re doing, Paige. If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re lying. You just do the best you can. And in your case, don’t follow in your father’s footsteps. It took me too long to realize my family should come before my career.”

“At least you got there eventually. It’s been nice having you around. I know I keep saying this, but thank you again for your help with Macy and the Mikklesons. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“You have to stop thanking me, Paige. I did what any dad would do, but at the same time, I know you would have figured it out without me. You’re both smart, determined, and protective. But I’m glad I could help. I would have felt worthless if I couldn’t. You’ll understand as Isaac gets older.”

“Actually, Dad, I understand now.” My mind flashes back to Easton not being there for Isaac and I get it. I’ve never seen him so devastated. But he can’t be there all the time, and neither can my father. That’s why we’re a team.

“Good. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better. Honestly, I wasn’t sure you’d give me a grandchild. So thank you.”

He winks while my jaw drops. If Isaac’s his grandson, that would make him my son. And while that’s a scary thought, it’s also pretty wonderful.

“Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, Kid.”

When he’s gone, I grab a drink and wait for Easton on the couch, sitting bolt upright so I don’t fall asleep. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, and I honestly don’t know how Easton’s still standing.

It’s another thirty minutes before he appears, and it’s easy to see he’s exhausted—physically and emotionally. We’ve bothbeen through so much and he’s barely slept. Neither of us has. But tonight, we will. And it’s going to be peaceful.

Macy’s finally signing the papers, I’ve made my statement and stepped away from the Mikkleson drama, and my dad’s threatened more legal action if any images are released. Things are finally settling down for us, giving us a chance to enjoy being a couple. Afamily.

“Is he asleep?” I ask, patting the seat beside me.

Easton sighs, running a hand through his messy brown hair. “I think so. But I guess we’ll—”

“Daad,” Isaac calls out before Easton can finish his sentence, and I bite back a smile while he groans. But he doesn’t get the chance to turn around, when Isaac calls out again. “I want Paige.”

Easton smirks as he raises a brow. “You heard him. He wants you.”

I roll my eyes jokingly, but the truth is that I love it.

“I’ll be right back.” I squeeze his shoulder as I stand. “Give me five minutes. I’ll get it done.” I wink and Easton laughs.

“Good luck with that.”

For a few days after our run-in with Macy, Isaac wasn’t himself, but we reassured him that he was safe and promised we’d be there for him, and for the past week he’s been happy again.

But we’re both conscious of how badly it may have affected him, so we’re keeping our eyes open and making sure he knows he’s allowed to feel any and all emotions. The last thing we want is for him to be masking his feelings, thinking that’s what we want.

Despite joking that I was better at bedtime than Easton, it takes me almost an hour to get him off to sleep, though I savor every second of him snuggling against me. “God, I love that kid,” I announce, as I finally sit down, patting Easton’s leg.

He laughs before pressing a kiss to my head. “God, I love you. And since we’re finally alone…” He snakes his hand under my top and squeezes one of my breasts, groaning as he rolls me onto my back. “We’ve been too busy lately. I’ve missed these.”

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