Page 59 of Hard To Leave

“Great view,” Chase said, slowly settling into a lounge chair, trying not to wake Mason.

It was a great view, though not nearly as great as his. Their house was huge and looked like something you see on the cover ofSouthern Living. My house was a tiny shack compared to their 7,000 square foot mansion in West Palm Beach. However, this was the perfect size for a single guy like me who just needed a place to escape to every now and them.

I leaned against the railing and folded my arms across my chest. “Thanks. So, what brings you guys to the Carolinas?”

Emily took a sip of her water then set it down on the patio table. “It’s your birthday. We didn’t want you to spend it alone.”

I crossed my legs at the ankles, keeping my arms flexed across my chest. “So you traveled 700 miles just to keep me company on my birthday?”

“Yep,” she smiled, pulling on her ponytail.

I tilted my head to the side and looked her over. “Where were you for my last five birthdays? Are you sure it has nothing to do with Chloe? Perhaps you were hoping to meet her? Maybe make sure that she’s good enough for me.”

She looked guilty as hell, and it was obvious that she had talked to Cassie.

She shrugged her shoulder and looked away from me. “Believe it or not, I missed you and wanted to see you. However, meeting Chloe would be nice too.”

Emily and I have always been very protective of each other. It took a while for me to warm up to Chase; I hoped it wouldn’t take that long for her to see that Chloe was the real deal. “Well, in that case, I’m glad you’re here.” I jerked my head over to Chase and Mason. “All of you.”

For the next hour, the three of us sat around and shot the shit. I was surprised when Chase finally handed over a sleeping Mason for me to hold.

One look at the kid and you knew who his daddy was. A trait Chase was damn proud of. I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my chest. For the first time in my life, I wanted this. I could easily picture a future with Chloe and Tanner, and hopefully, a baby of our own someday.

My phone pinged in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at the screen and read the message.

“Chloe’s on her way,” I said, kissing the top of Mason’s head and running my hand along his dark hair. Holding him felt natural, and addicting. I could easily get attached.

“Will Tanner be with her?” Emily asked.

“He will be later.”

“Everyone kept gushing about what a great kid he is and about how much fun they had with you and Chloe in New York.” Emily’s eyes filled with a mix of questions and curiosity. “You’ve been dating her for a few months now, and you look happier than I’ve ever seen you. She must be pretty special.”

“She is,” I replied, without hesitation.

She leaned her head to the side with her eyes blinking in surprise. “You love her.”

It was a statement, not a question.

“I do,” I answered, not even having to think about it.

“And what about Tanner?”

“They’re a package deal, and like I said earlier, he’s a great kid.”

She raked her hands through her ponytail, tugging at the ends. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. This is your first relationship and taking on a kid is a huge responsibility. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

“Emily!” Chase scolded and walked over to take his son from my arms. He looked at his wife, giving her a stern look. “Butt out.”

If this were anyone other than Emily, I would have shown them to the door, but I knew where she was coming from. She was only looking out for me.

“I’m already all in, Emily. It’s too late to back out now.” I raked my hand through my hair that was blowing in the wind. I needed another damn haircut. “I may not have anything to compare this relationship to, but I know that a woman like her only comes around once in a lifetime. And I’m man enough to admit it. I know enough to realize that she and Tanner are worth holding onto. This is as serious as it gets for me.”

Emily’s hand flew to her mouth. Tears formed in her big green eyes. “Wow. I’m at a loss for words.”

Chase shifted forward in his chair. “No more explanation needed, man. I get it. When you know, you know.” He shared a quick glance with his wife, and then stood up. “If Mason is going to meet Chloe for the first time, I may need to get him a fresh set of diapers. I wouldn’t want my son making a bad first impression by smelling like shit.”

I laughed. “Ahh, the life of a baby—eat, sleep, and shit without a care in the world.”

Chase laughed. “I’ll take this little guy to the store with me so you two can catch up.” He leaned in, giving Emily a slow, wet kiss on the mouth. He stopped and spun around when he was almost out the door. “Can I get anything while I’m out?”

“Actually, I’m running a little low on booze and just about everything else.” I reached in my back pocket to pull out my wallet.

Chase held his hand out to stop me. “Don’t even think about it. I got it.”

I stuffed my wallet back in my jeans. “Thanks, brother, the generosity is much appreciated.

He just nodded his head, shot his wife a wink and then walked out of the house, leaving Emily and me alone.

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