Page 36 of A Lapse in Time

I squinted my eyes at her because the look in her eyes seemed as though she had a trick up her sleeve. She probably didn’t remember, but I always knew when she kept secrets from me. I would find out at some point, so I didn't question her.

"Oh, okay. I can't wait to see what you have planned." I leaned down and pecked her lips. "I probably should get ready. I have an early client." I kissed her again and got out of bed.

As soon as people found out I was returning to work, they started signing up to train with me, and I was grateful for their eagerness. I could have had a career in boxing if I wanted to, but that was Carsyn's thing. I was okay with playing the background and training.

While in the shower, I thought about how well things had been going for us. I really thought this journey would have been a lot harder, but Carsyn and I were determined to make things work, and that's what we've been doing. There were a few times I caught her looking at photos, and she would quickly try to wipe her tears away.

From the day we started dating, it was my job to keep her happy, so it broke my heart when I couldn't stop her sadness. Therapy had been helpful for both of us. I knew there was nothing more I could do, so I just continued doing the best I could.

By the time I got out of the shower, Nia was in bed cuddling with Carsyn.

"Daddy!" she squealed and wiggled out of Carsyn's arms.

Carsyn had her nightshirt on since Nia was in there.

"Good morning, Nia Pia." I picked her up, kissed her cheeks, and hugged her. "You gonna do some fun stuff with mommy today?"

"Yup!" She excitedly nodded.

I placed her back on the bed, and she reclaimed her spot next to Carsyn.

"I'm sure you will have a good time."

Since Nia was in the room, I grabbed my boxers and went into the closet to put them and my pants on.

"I made you a smoothie and a breakfast sandwich while you were in the shower," Carsyn said when I exited the closet.

I walked over to her side of the bed, leaned down, and kissed her. "Thank you, Care Bear."

Nia giggled when I ruffled her hair. My baby's hair was all over the place. I was sure Carsyn would do something with it before the day was over. Nia loved to wear her hair in multiple ponytails.

"You're welcome. Be safe, and we'll see you later."

"See you later, baby. Love you."

Carsyn snuggled back under the covers. "Love you too."

More than likely, the two of them would go back to sleep for a little while since it was still early.

I partially closed the room door then headed downstairs. As Carsyn said, there was a breakfast sandwich in the microwave and a smoothie in the fridge. I grabbed both items, my gym bag, and keys before leaving the house.

I ate my sandwich on the way to the gym. I would save my smoothie for a little later. The sandwich wasn't too heavy, so I didn't worry about it affecting my stomach. Plus, I wasn't going to do too much, anyway.

When I entered the gym,music blasted through the speakers. It was always something to get people pumped up. Most of the time, it was hip-hop, but we switched up from time to time. As long as it was something fast, we played it.

"Oh, shit. Noah Ross is back!" one of the regulars excitedly announced as I walked past.

I chuckled and fist-bumped him. "What's up, Crux? How's business?"

"Business is good."

Crux owned a security firm that installed cameras and other security equipment. His company did the cameras for my home and the gym. He had a couple of different locations.

"That's what's up."

More people spoke to me as I walked further toward the back. The front of the gym had weights and basic workout equipment, but the back had a couple of rings and more weights. The color scheme was black and gold. When I made it tothe back, Evander was there sparring with someone, but they stopped when they spotted me.

"Cuzzo!" Evander stepped out of the ring and hugged me. "I'm glad you are back. How's Carsyn and Nia?"

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