Page 21 of A Secret Baby for Christmas
I tap my finger against the glass, pondering the question.
I want Chloe and my son, but I value the relationship I have with my daughter, especially as her mother’s so unstable. I’ve got to be the steady force in her life, the one who guides her. Sure, she’s got Hans now, but I don’t know him well enough yet to hand over complete control of my little girl. Whatever I do with Chloe, it has to be big so they both know it’s serious.
“I’m gonna marry her.”
Axel’s eyebrows shoot up his forehead. “You’re serious about the girl then?”
“Her name’s Chloe.” I don’t like her being referred to as ‘the girl’ as if she doesn’t mean anything to me.
Axel nods his head in acknowledgment. “Chloe. You’re serious about her?”
“She’s the love of my life. I’ve missed her every day since she left. When I’m not with her, all I think about is her.”
Axel’s looking at my funny, and I don’t blame him. This isn’t usually how guys talk. He takes another drink.
“Wow. You got it bad. Women aren’t worth the trouble if you ask me.”
“You just haven’t found the right one yet.”
Axel snorts. “There is no right one for me. Some men are made for love, and some men are made to be alone. I’m happy to be alone, thanks. I don’t want a woman invading my thoughts and distracting me from the good things in life.”
I shake my head at him, because he’s got it all wrong. “Women are the good things in life, bro. Everything else is just what we do to distract ourselves when we can’t be with them.”
“We’ll have to disagree there. But back to your, umm, situation. Sounds like you need to make a big move. Let her know how you feel, let your daughter know you’re serious. She might not like having her best friend as a stepmom, but I bet she’ll like seeing her old man happy.”
I nod slowly, because he’s right.
“You’ve been a miserable bastard for the past year, so if this woman changes that I’m sure your Allie will come around.”
Axel indicates for the bartender to fill our glasses. Once they’re full, he holds his up for a toast. “Here’s to a happy ending.”
“To a happy ending.”
We clink glasses, and my chest feels lighter knowing what I need to do. But it’s no good going back to the cabin now. I came out without a key, and I don’t want to wake anyone. Besides, Allie needs time to cool down.
“You got anywhere I can crash tonight? I need to give my daughter some space.”
Axel nods. “We’ll get you a room.”
“Thanks man.”
He fills my glass again, and we drink. My head’s foggy from booze, but I feel lighter. I can see a way forward. I’m going to marry Chloe and make her officially mine; I just need the blessing of my daughter.
9
CHLOE
Christmas morning used to be my favorite part of the holiday as a child. We had French celebrations on Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day, we opened the presents.
But this Christmas morning is different. I haven’t heard a thing from Mr. Porter since he left last night. I got up early to feed Hugo and peeked into his room. The bed was made, his belongings untouched. He hasn’t been home.
For all I know, he picked up some other young girl at the bar and spent the night in her room. The thought makes me shiver, and I pull Hugo close to me. He wiggles against me and gives a cry of protest.
“Sorry little one,” I whisper into the top of his head.
After Hugo’s feeding and diaper change, I put him on the play mat for tummy time. The fire from last night has turned to ash in the grate, and the Christmas tree looks dark and sad without its lights. I flick them on, but it doesn’t do anything to cheer my heart.
Last night, Allie was so upset that she wouldn’t talk to me. The betrayal on her face broke my heart. She couldn’t understand why I kept it all from her.
