Page 102 of Husband of the Year
A laugh erupts from my belly. “That sounds like wise advice.”
“Weekend was fine. Mom and I baked an apple cake. I have two extra pieces in my lunch box for you and Daddy. I figured Greggie wasn’t ready for apple cake.”
“That’s a smart assumption,” I say, rubbing her back. Her writing abruptly comes to a halt, and her beautiful face takes on a melancholy expression, capturing my attention.
“I missed…” Illona’s gaze meets mine. I give her a moment, but when she doesn’t finish her sentence, I simply open my arms, and she melts into me.
“Sweetie, we missed you too,” I say into her hair. Isabella has braided it into an intricate geometrical design.
“We always miss you when you’re not with us.” I move back, making eye contact. “But we’re only a ferry ride away. And you know, we can talk to your mom and dad. Maybe we can be more flexible with the days you’re with us and her. Like maybe you spend some days during the week with her and more weekends with us.”
She nods and then bites her lower lip. “Sometimes I just wish we could all be together.” Her voice breaks with emotion and I’m instantly aware of the tears forming in my eyes. What is this all about?
“Oh, sweetie. I know it’s hard. That’s why your mom moved here.”
We’ve had this arrangement for almost two years with no issue, and then Jill’s words echo in my head:Everything changes.
“Does this have anything to do with your cousin?” I ask.
Illona pulls her lips in, and I spy the slightest tremble of her lower lip. “I’m glad he’s here. Honest. I can tell how much Daddy and you love him already. And I love him too. But he gets to be with you… all the time.”
And there it is.
“You feel left out?” I tilt my face toward hers and Illona dips her gaze and nods.
I’m overtaken by the realization this is probably a conversation we should have with Isabella and Olan. But they’re not here. She needs to talk about it now. With me. Of course, I’ll loop them in later, but right now, I have Illona’s exposed heart before me and my biggest concern is treating her with care.
“Illona Marie Stone.” As soon as it comes out of my mouth, I realize I sound like my mother.
“Trust me, your mom and dad would love nothing more than to have you all the time. Me too. But your parents are divorced. And I know that isn’t fair, but we all love you so much and want what’s best for you. I know that doesn’t make it better, but I have a feeling having Greggie here, we might all be doing things together a little more.”
“Really?”
“I mean, your dad and I need help. From your mom, yes, but we need you too.”
“When Mommy and Daddy needed help, they brought Cindy to live with us.”
Ah yes, the gorgeous nanny I was convinced Olan was having an affair with. How could I forget?
“But now, they want to do it with us. You’re older.” My hand lands on her shoulder. “I know this is a big change, but Greggie needs all of us. He needs you, too.”
She nods, and dear Lord in heaven, I hope this is helping.
“And there’s me.” I stop, unsure if my words are coming out correctly. Anxiety taps at my door, and I fear I’m making a mess of the conversation.
“Three adults now,” she says.
Her eyes find mine. “Plus, me.” A hint of a smile appears. “So, actually better than with Cindy.”
“Exactly.” My chest tingles as she makes a case for our new family structure.
“But instead of a mom, dad, and nanny, now there’s two dads.”
The lump that forms in my throat threatens my ability to breathe or swallow. I take a cleansing inhale and clear my throat, confirming my vocal cords still work.
“Nothing will bring me more joy than being your stepfather.”
“I mean, honestly, you already are.” She shrugs. “Getting married just makes it official.”
