Page 25 of Nothing to This
“I didn’t,” he said.“You were clear in what you wanted, and I honored that… And don’t think it was all you, I was focused on building the business.We probably wouldn’t have lasted in a long distance, whatever… I wouldn’t have supported you with the kids like I should have… I haven’t supported you with the kids like I should.”
“You send a fortune every month.”
“Money is irrelevant, Ry… I supported my mom’s move close to you because it made my life easier.Through her, I had a link with the kids and someone to take responsibility for them when it should’ve been my responsibility and no one else’s.”Coming over suddenly stern, he held up the pen.“Don’t get me wrong, I love my children more than anything.More than anything in the world.There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”
His vehemence made her smile, though she probably would have anyway.“I know.”
“These changes, yeah, maybe they’re sudden to everyone else, but I’ve been ready for them for a while.I want to be important to my family, as more than a source of income.Until now, sending money has been my way of telling myself I’m doing my duty.Parenthood is more than that.”
“It is.”
“You eat lunch with them every day?”She nodded.“Damn, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”
“We can’t tell them you own the building,” she said.“Not yet.”
“We’re going to figure all this out.You’re in charge.I don’t plan to come in and take over your lives, but I won’t neglect any of you anymore.”
It warmed her to hear that.Her children missed out not having their father around every day.Not that she dwelled on it.They had love in their lives and were content.JD’s move signified a new chapter for them.
“I’m going to call your mom and tell her to come over tonight,” she said.“This is your weekend with the kids.If you’re staying with us, there’s no reason you can’t have the apartment.”
“What about you?”
“The three of you have to get to know each other,” she said.He’d spent regular time with his children over the years but had never had to concern himself with being solely responsible for them.“Feed them three times a day, wash them if you can, and get them to bed at a reasonable time.Other than that, bathroom rules rule, watch them at all times, don’t let them drown or burn… and climbing on furniture isn’t advised either.”
“Why are you making this so easy for me?”
Standing up, she smoothed her skirt.“Oh, it’s not easy,” she said.“Being a parent is the simplest, most difficult job you’ll ever do… As long as I don’t doubt your love for them, I’ll never doubt your ability.”
“Thank you, Ry.”
Nodding once, she started for the door.Before she got there, she paused.There was something she shouldn’t let slide.She may never get the chance to bring it up again.
“Your kiss,” she whispered.
“What?”
Without turning all the way, she twisted to let her chin drift toward her shoulder.“The one thing I’ll never forget is the way you kiss… No man’s ever kissed me like that before or since… You… possessed me, valued me, it… I don’t often think about that night, but when I do, or when I dream about it… It’s your lips on me… that’s the sensation that never goes away, never fades.”
Fearing his expression, she didn’t look at him, just took a slow breath and carried on out of the office to return to her work.
All those years ago, for that one night, they’d meant something to each other.They’d created life that meant more to them than anything else.In the years since, they hadn’t been the best of friends, but they had a bond.They’d shared something no one else in their lives understood.
Jamison Dawes was the father of her children and a good man.They didn’t have a future together as anything more than co-parents; at least they hadn’t until he’d come back promising he’d changed his priorities.Maybe they could be friends, maybe it would never work out, but she’d give him a chance.Everyone deserved a chance.
Now she just had to convince Baxter that this was a good idea.
NINE
Rylee followed Baxter into his apartment.Just.She stayed put by the door as he traversed the kitchen to enter the living room and turn on an end table lamp.Casting off his jacket, he sat on the couch to untie his boots.Once everything was neatly in the closet, he returned to the kitchen for wine and glasses.
“You’ve been quiet tonight,” she said, putting her purse on the kitchen counter.“Guess I monopolized conversation and didn’t ask what’s going on with you.”
“You think that’s why I’m quiet?”he asked.“Because you didn’t ask about my day?”
Unbuttoning her coat, thinking she’d always liked Baxter’s deep voice, that night, it worked against her.
“Then tell me why,” she said.
