Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“How can you be so sure?”
He smiled, shaking his head. “I know how much they love you. A half-sibling might be a shock but not an end. Maybe even a new beginning for all of you?”
I remained silent and left the Hub.
I headed toward the house, part of me anxious to see Katy, part of me dreading it. I hated knowing I had upset her, and also knowing there was only so much I could do to ease the strain. The Ashley situation was going to have to be dealt with, and it was going to take a long time, not only for Katy and me, but my other kids too. It was a long road ahead of us.
Around the corner ahead of me, Gracie appeared, Kylie toddling beside her. I put on a fake smile and approached them, bending down and lifting Kylie in the air, holding her high.
“How’s my munchkin?”
She grinned her wide, toothy grin and rambled the way she did that always made me smile.
“God, she’s getting bigger every day,” I said. “I swear she grows overnight.”
Gracie smiled. “Jaxson thinks so too. He wants her to stop.”
I ran my hand down Kylie’s back, smiling at the way she snuggled into my shoulder. Gracie used to do the same thing when she was little.
“I think she’s tired,” I observed. “Did Grams wear her out?”
“More like the other way around. Mom seemed tired today.”
I lifted my shoulder, trying to appear nonchalant. “Weddings are emotional, and they take a lot out of us. Add in the retirement thing, your mom is a bit off-kilter.”
She tilted her head, her voice soft. “I call bullshit on that one, Dad,” she said cheerfully, not wanting to upset Kylie.
I frowned. “Language.”
She rolled her eyes. “What’s going on? Mom is trying to act like nothing is wrong, but I can see how tense she is. Jaxson said he picked you up this morning miles from the gate and you weren’t yourself. And Aiden closed the Hub, but you guys were all inside.”
“I look tired. I spent the day with the guys, Gracie. I needed the time. We played basketball, worked out, swam. And yeah, I ran farther than planned this morning. I was thinking and lost track of the miles. I’m physically tired but fine.” I flashed her a smile I hope she bought. “Your dad is old, and I pushed it today. That’s all.”
She narrowed her eyes, clearly not buying it.
“I’m headed home, and I plan on relaxing with Mom tonight. I thought we’d order in some Chinese and open a bottle of wine. Head to bed early. It’s been a busy few days.”
She stepped closer. “Dad, what’s going on?”
I cupped her cheek, shaking my head. “Nothing.”
“Are you and Mom fighting?”
“We’re fine. I promise you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Something is going on. I can feel it.”
“Your mom and I are good.” I chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You need to relax, my girl. Don’t get upset over nothing.”
“It doesn’t feel like nothing. You’re acting weird, and Mom isn’t herself—”
I cut her off, knowing I had to be honest. Or as honest as I could be. “Gracie, leave it. I know we’re your parents, but we’re people too, okay? We have disagreements all the time and make up after. Just like you and Jaxson, or any other couple. We’re fine. Everything is fine.” I smiled. “Well, at least it will be once I go and apologize, and we kiss and make up.”
“What did you do?”
I chuckled. “I was a man, Gracie. I said a couple of stupid things. I gave your mom some space, and now I’ll go and take my punishment.”
“You should get her flowers.”
“I think she’d rather have the wine and Chinese. The house is full of flowers from yesterday.”
She blew out a long breath. “So, it’s just a fight?”
“It’s a disagreement.”
“Okay. I don’t know if I believe you, but okay.” She took Kylie from my arms. “Go and make up. Grovel well, Dad.”
“My plan exactly.”
She kissed my cheek and walked away. I turned and watched as she headed home. No doubt, Jaxson would be waiting for her, and she would tell him what I said. He’d assure her everything was fine and distract her for the night.
I continued heading home, hoping my groveling would be enough. I needed Katy beside me on this. Without her, I wasn’t sure I could handle it.
I stepped inside the house, the comforting scent of home surrounding me. Katy always had candles burning, fresh flowers around, and the house smelled good.
She was in the living room, curled up on the sofa, a cup of tea in her hands and a half-eaten chocolate bar on the table beside her. I went to the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of her favorite red and opened it. I carried it and two glasses to the living room and sat across from her. I poured us each a glass and handed one to her after taking the empty cup from her hand. I broke off a piece of the dark chocolate and popped it into my mouth, letting the rich, decadent taste melt.