I looked at the clock and saw that it was already 11:49 in the morning. We had already talked about a lot of things, and the kids had been starting to feel their tummies growling. Bailey stood up and decided that we should head out to eat some pizza.
“Who likes to eat pizza? Raise your hands!”
The two kids shot their hands up into the air. I raised my hand as well, joining them. Bailey was raising her hand as well, causing the kids to giggle happily.
The four of us left the house and went out to eat, Bailey’s treat. The two were getting along together so well. It made me happy seeing Vince smile and laugh. Bringing him with me was a good decision after all.
I held his hand as we walked into the restaurant and slid into the booth next to him, my heart overfilled just from being with him. I wanted a family. A son. Being with Vince almost let me pretend that the impossible was suddenly possible. Maybe I wouldn’t end up alone in life.
“Can I look at the menu?” he asked politely.
I requested a menu from the waiter and handed it to Vince when it arrived. “Here you go. There’s so many. Good luck.”
He smiled up at me. “Which is your favorite?”
“I like them all.” I reached over and rubbed his back. “See which you like and we’ll get that one for sure.”
“Have you made up your mind?” Bailey glanced our way, waiting for our answer.
“Cheese please!” Vince and I answered in unison.
Little Cat laughed heartily upon hearing us, finding it funny that we both had the same interest. Bailey called the waiter and gave him our orders. After the waiter had taken our orders and menus, Bailey stared at me but didn’t say anything.
As the orders came out, the kids tore the pizza up. They ate with big smiles, grateful to eat something tasty. I enjoyed the treat, adding another restaurant in my got-to-go-back-to list.
After a few minutes of eating, our table was cleared away. The plates were clean as well as the glasses. It was amazing.
I made sure Vince took his injection after we ate, being as careful as I possibly could. The cute little guy had completely forgotten about Hunter’s reminders. Maybe because he was busy playing and chatting with a new playmate.
When it was time to go home, Bailey held my arm and pulled me back. As the two kids held hands and walked to the parking lot, she turned to face me, a smile on her pretty face. “You know, I’ve never seen you be this mature. I’m so proud of you. You’ve become a great mother to Vince.”
“Thanks, Bailey. That means a lot to me.” I held back tears at the thought of being Vince’s mother in the future. It sounded like bliss, but I hated to get my hopes up. Hunter and I were sleeping together and even living together, but would that end as soon as my place felt safe again?
“Well, I mean it.” She gave me a quick hug. “Call me. Sooner than later, please.” She walked to Cat and scooped her up as I jogged up and took Vince’s little hand.
A great mother to Vince.
It hit me right in the chest, but that was because of how badly I wanted it to be true.
Chapter Twenty-Five
One Week Later
Hunter
“So, how many books have you read today?” I walked over to Vince as he read another new book from Mrs. Tomms. He was seated at my desk, quietly enjoying his new set of books.
“Too soon to ask, Daddy. I just started this new set Mrs. Tomms gave me.” He did not bother to look up at me. His attention was on the new adventures he would be exploring. I gave him a pat on the shoulder as a well-done job sign. Before I could turn my back to him, he finally asked me.
“Dad, Cat’s having her birthday party tomorrow. Can we go with Kylie?” He put the book down, looking up to stare into my eyes. It was as if he’d wanted to talk about it for a long time, but felt hesitant.
I recalled how many times I had disappointed him. It might have been the reason why he was pretending to be busy reading all week. It would buy him some time in thinking how to open up about Cat’s birthday celebration tomorrow.
I thought about my schedule. No clients had called to meet with me, nor previous customers to practice at the gun range. It was a pretty good day to take a rest from work and go spend time with Kylie and Vince.
“Yeah, buddy. We can go to her party tomorrow.” This time, I was certain I’d be able to keep my promise. I would talk about my plans with Garren and grant him a day off as well. He deserved it for working so hard at the gun shop.
“Thanks, Daddy! Kylie said she’ll buy something for Cat. I bet she will get the best present for her ever!”