Page 163 of Make Me Trust Again
I place my hand over his, but no words come out. What am I supposed to tell him? Chase and I never defined our relationship. We just are. One day at a time. One moment at a time. One step at a time.
I look at Chase, but his attention is fixed on my son, his face serious as he signs slowly.
“I don’t know if we’ll get married, it’s not something that we’ve talked about, but I really like your mom.”
Kyle’s head tilts to the side as he thinks over his answer, his gaze darting to me as he nods, all serious.“Mom’s the best.”
“She’s the best,”Chase agrees.“I should have told you. I’m sorry I didn’t. Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
“Yes. You’re way more fun than Lucy, and you make my mom smile.”Kyle’s face turns serious, his eyes going dark.“Dad never made her smile. I didn’t like seeing her sad all the time.”
Something turns in my stomach at his words. At the realization that no matter how much I tried to shield him from it, I wasn’t successful. And seeing my unhappiness hurt Kyle in return as well.
I place my hand on his, drawing his attention.“I wasn’t sad when you were around. You’re the best thing that has happenedto me, Ky. I don’t want you to ever think differently. I love you, and I wouldn’t change you for anything in the world.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”He grins at me, his smile turning sheepish as he glances between the two of us.“If you two won’t get married, can I at least get a baby brother or sister?”
My mouth falls open, heat rising up my neck as my eyes meet Chase’s surprised expression.
“I would be a very good big brother…”
“Kyle Johnathan O’Neil.”I shoot him a warning glare.“I think it’s time for bed now.”
“But Mom! Levi got a baby sister. It’s only fair I get one.”
“You have Shadow and Teddy, and you’re going to bed. Now.”
“You’re no fun.”Still, he gets up and hugs Chase.“Good night, Chase.”
“Night, Kyle.”
I walk after him, my mind still reeling with everything that has just happened, as he slips into his room and climbs into bed. Teddy and Shadow make their way to the dog bed in the corner.
“You good?”I pull the comforter over him and sit down by his side.
“Yes. Today was the best day, Mom.”
“I’m glad.”I brush his hair out of his face.“You sure you’re okay with this? Chase and I?”
“Hmm… I’m sure. I love you, and I love Chase. It’s the bestest.”
“I—” My lips part, his words leaving me completely stunned for a moment. My heart is beating wildly inside my chest as I try to wrap my mind around it. Then again, is it really that surprising? God knows I’m falling for Chase; why would my son be any different?
Kyle’s eyelids grow heavy, so I sit by his side for a little while longer, just watching him sleep until a shadow appears in the doorway.
“He out?” Chase murmurs, leaning against the wall.
“Yeah.” Bending down, I press a kiss against his head before I make my way to the doorway.
“I can’t believe he’s already out.” Chase takes a step back, letting me pass through, his gaze still on my son. “Makes me wish I could do that.”
“It was an exciting day for him, but he usually crashes easily. Even when he was a baby. It was always me who’d stay up making sure that he was still alive.”
Leaving the door ajar, I turn to face Chase. His hand slips around my waist, pulling me closer. “What about you?” He brushes my hair out of my face. “Are you tired?”
I shake my head. “Wide awake.” I graze my teeth over my lower lip, a little bit of uncertainty sneaking in. “Want to keep me company?”
We’ve never been here. In my house. In my bed. It was always me sleeping over at Chase’s place—or stolen moments out on the porch. Then again, up until now, nobody knew there was something going on between us.
