Page 85 of Falling Stars

“What happened?” Sean leans forward.

I explain the move and how I couldn’t afford to rent anymore.

“So where are you staying now?” he asks.

“Maverick’s new condo.”

His jaw tightens. “He’s back in town?”

“For a few weeks.”

He nods slowly. “That’s why you won’t date me. Because you’re with him.” I was always honest with Sean about my past with Maverick, so I’m not surprised he jumps to this conclusion.

“I won’t date you because you were an asshole. But yes, I’m with Maverick.” For now.

“Let me get this straight. You didn’t want Giselle around Leo, but it’s okay for Maverick to be around my son?”

“It’s funny. When you say ‘son’ it’s almost as if you’ve been there for our kid. Like you’ve changed his diapers or fed him or burped him. But since you haven’t, you don’t get to judge me. Because Maverick does those things. He shows up for me and Leo. He replaced all of the baby shower gifts that got destroyed and put together a nursery for him. And unlike Giselle, he didn’t steal me away from you. So they’re totally different things.”

Sean rests his face in his hands. “Okay. I get it. I guess I’m having a hard time being replaced so quickly.”

“Now you know how I felt when I showed up to your apartment last summer.”

“Shit. I’m sorry, Baylee. It just sucked being long distance.” He turns to me. “I obviously have a lot to make up for. Can we start with some visits? I’d like to spend time with Leo.”

“Under one condition.”

“Name it.”

“That you don’t change your mind. That you’ll always be there for him. You can’t just dip out in the future because you meet a woman who doesn’t want kids. Or a woman who thinks she gets to make the rules aboutmychild. Because next time, I won’t play as nice as I am now. If you break our son’s heart, there will be hell to pay.” I mean every damn word.

He swallows but nods. “You’re a good mom. I always knew you’d be. And I’m on board with whatever you want.”

Sean’s being shockingly agreeable. I consider how to tackle this. “It’s going to be hard for me to let Leo go, even for a little while.” I take a few deep breaths so I don’t get choked up. “Could we start slow? Like, maybe you come over and spend time with him at the salon or a restaurant? So he can get to know you first? So you can get familiar with his schedule?”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t screw this up, Sean. I mean it.”

He chuckles and pulls out his wallet. “I have a few hundred I can give you.”

This is weird. “Hold up. Yes, I can use the money, but Leo has what he needs right now. I could save it for him, though.”

He gives me a soft smile. “You’re his mother. By helping you—like I should’ve all along—I’m helping him. Please take the cash. Replace your clothes that got vandalized or use it for your salon. If you do better, Leo does better, right?”

I’m still conflicted, but I accept the cash, deciding to save it for Leo. Because it feels weird to use Sean’s money for my personal expenses.

When I get home that night, I find Maverick sitting in the dark, staring out the window.

“Hey. Are you okay?” I lean over to kiss him.

“It’s been a long day.”

I set Leo’s car seat down on the floor and sit next to Mav. “How did your PT go?”

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