Page 88 of Falling Stars

Leo’s getting better control of his head now with all of that tummy time he’s been doing. “I guess… I guess we gotta give your dad a chance. He made a mistake. People make mistakes. Just ask your mom. I’m a big-time fu—big-time screwup. I almost missed my shot with her, and that would’ve been tragic, but she gave me a second chance.”

Keeping my hands braced on his neck for a little support, I gently bounce him and plop him down in my lap with a whooshing sound effect. The kid full-out laughs. Wide-eyed, Baylee and I look at each other. She scurries around to sit next to me, and I repeat the motion, and he squeals with glee.

“I’ve never heard him laugh like that,” Baylee says.

“Me neither.” This kid is the best. I love this little guy. I kiss his chubby cheek, and he giggles again. I turn to Baylee. “Listen, if Sean’s supportive of Leo and you’re good with his involvement, then I’m down with whatever you want to do. And if it means he’s over here sometimes so Leo can get used to him, I’m okay with that.” Besides, he and I need to have a word.

Her eyes soften. “That’s really sweet of you, Mav. I told him he needed to spend time with Leo before he took him for a day or overnight. Oh, God. I don’t think I’m ready for an overnight.”

“Baby, come here.” I feel like a dick for being so caught up in myself last night that I didn’t consider how hard this might be for her. I hold out my arm, and she burrows into me. I shouldn’t be holding her, but she’s upset. I ignore the burn in my shoulder and kiss the top of her head. “One day at a time, right? That’s what you told me about football. First, we see how Sean does around Leo when you’re there to supervise. If he can’t hack it, you hold off on bigger visits.”

Nodding, she sniffles. “You’re right. I don’t know why I’m getting emotional.”

“Because you’re a great mama bear who wants to protect her cub. And since Sean hasn’t been around much, I don’t think he’s in a position to make demands. Frankly, he’s probably shitting his pants at the thought of taking an infant overnight. So you should have some time to get used to the idea.”

She chuckles. “He’s probably not ready to play full-time daddy.”

Full-time daddy. Could I handle that?

I sit with those words while she breastfeeds Leo, who makes hungry sounds as he eats and holds on to Baylee like I’m going to try to steal her boob away from him.

Food for thought, I chuckle to myself.

Speaking of food… “I was thinking, maybe we should head out to grab a bite tonight. Does that sound good?” I don’t feel like cooking, and Baylee’s been working all day, so it’s not fair to dump that on her.

She leans back against the couch. “I’d love that.”

“Great. It’s a date.”

She lifts her head and blinks at me. “It’s our first.”

It sinks in, what an enormous asshole I’ve been. I’ve never even taken my girl out on a date.

30

BAYLEE

A cool breezeblows off the river, but I’m wearing a light coat, and Leo is bundled in a blanket as Mav and I enjoy some street tacos from Guac ’N’ Roll, a local food truck that parks by the river. Twinkle lights blink along the walkway, illuminating a dozen picnic tables.

Even though the vibe is romantic, I can’t help but scan the shadows. I hate that whoever ransacked my house is still out there.

“This doesn’t count as our first date,” Maverick grouses as he holds Leo with one arm and downs tacos with the other.

“Why not?” I remind myself that I’m here with Maverick. That Leo and I are safe because he’ll always protect us. I finally start to relax.

“Because we’re eating at a food truck, Baylee.” He frowns at me before he unwraps another taco.

Dipping my chip into the guacamole, I shrug. “That’s okay. It’s not about the expense. It’s about the experience. Besides, this is great. I’m enjoying having dinner with my two favorite guys.”

“Babe, our first date needs to be epic.” He glances around atthe lovely albeit simple setting. “We could do this anytime. It’s not special enough.”

Maverick looks so grumpy, I almost laugh.

Throughout dinner, I can’t stop staring at him. He’s a natural with my son.

“Are you sure I can’t hold Leo?” I ask as I wipe my mouth with a napkin.

“I got him, babe.”

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