Page 47 of Keeping the Single Dad
I tried to snuff the glow in my chest. My body ached with the longing. I didn’t just want Lana in my bed, although heaven knows, I liked her there. It wasn’t enough. I wanted her like this. I wanted a family again. Not just for me, but for Brodie. My eyes filled with sudden tears. It had been so long since I’d cried. Something vivid had come to life in my head, which I’d never even dared imagine. There were so many reasons that it couldn’t be. It was too much to hope for.
But for now, I could imagine.
In the dark stillness of my son’s room, I could sit, and, watch, and dream.
Pain radiated along my spine. The shrill chatter of the birds filled my ears. I opened my eyes. A row of teddy bears stared down at me. My back ached as I pulled myself up to sit. What time was it? Rob would throw a fit if I missed training. My eyes flew to Brodie’s soccer ball digital alarm clock. My shoulders dropped with relief. Sunday. Of course. Thank God. A groan escaped my lips as I stretched my arms above my head. I was too old for a night sleeping on a hard floor. Lana’s eyes flickered open and met mine. She smoothed her hands over her hair, which gleamed auburn in the pale light.
“What time is it?”?
I pointed to Brodie’s alarm clock. “8 a.m. You fell asleep last night reading to Brodie.”
She covered her yawn with her hand and peered down at the sleeping boy in her arms. “You should have woken me.”
“I meant to, but you both looked so peaceful. I sat down here, and I must have nodded off, too.”
“I should go.”
“You don’t have to rush off on an empty stomach. Let me make you breakfast.”
She lowered her voice. “No. We just said dinner. You don’t want Brodie to know I stayed over, do you? I don’t want to make things weird for you.”
“It’s okay. It’s not weird.”
But, it could get weird. If my heart insisted on this path, it could get dangerous for me and Brodie. Last night, he’d seen me and Lana kiss. What was going through his head? I’d have to talk to him about it. My stomach churned. I’d had a moment of weakness. I’d let myself think that this thing with Lana could be a possibility. Brodie’s needs still came first. How could this be the right thing for him?
The doorbell rang out from downstairs. My knees creaked as I got up and moved to the window. I poked a finger through the blind and caught sight of Rachel’s car. What was my sister doing here? Usually, she’d text first.
“It’s my sister. Excuse me.”
I went downstairs, smoothing my crumpled T-shirt and flattening my hair as I went. I’d seen Rachel yesterday. Hopefully, she wouldn’t notice I was wearing the same clothes. I swung the door open to greet her.
“Everything okay? Why aren’t you ready?” Rachel’s shrewd gaze swept over me, and she hitched a brow. “Don’t tell me you forgot.”
“Forgot what?”
She held up a carryall stuffed with towels. “The water park?”
Realization slapped me in the face. The waterpark. We’d arranged it weeks ago. It was in the next town. Rachel had wanted to get an early start, so we could get a full day there.
Rachel sighed. My sister had always been a stickler for punctuality. “We agreed to set off early. You know I hate being late. It gets too busy.”?
“Are you talking about Splash Zone? Is that today?”
Brodie’s excited cry rang out from the top of the stairs. He sprinted down so fast, it was a miracle he stayed on both feet.?He practically buzzed with excitement as he planted himself eagerly in front of Rachel.
“We’re going, aren’t we?”
I smoothed my fingers through his soft curls. “We’re not ready. You haven’t even had breakfast. Auntie Rachel doesn’t want to wait around. We might have to go next time.”
Brodie’s bottom lip trembled. “I can eat in the car. Lana can come too if she wants.” He put his hands together in prayer. “Please, Daddy.”
Rachel’s eyes widened. Her voice rose in surprise. “Lana?”
My mouth clenched tight. How could I explain this one? There would be too many questions. I couldn’t help but dart a glance upstairs. At least Lana hadn’t come down to introduce herself.
“It doesn’t matter.” I tried to shove Brodie back behind me. “I promise I’ll take you another time.”
Brodie stood firm, resisting my attempts to budge him. “But I want to go. Let’s ask Lana. She’ll want to come.”
