“I will.”
“Goodnight, Devin.”
I ended the call and put the phone back in my pocket. I entered the bedroom to find Andrew asleep with his book tucked under his arm. I made sure he had his covers pulled up and kissed his forehead. I did it. My first day as a dad.
27
Serena
Twice, I had my coat on and was heading out the door to Devin’s house. Not because I didn’t think he was doing a good job, but because the idea of my son thinking his grandmother Roarke didn’t like him. Seriously, what was wrong with her?
Then I’d remember that Devin was there and would protect Andrew. And I wasn’t without sin. The difference between me and her was that I recognized what I did was wrong and felt horrible about it. It was possible I’d lost my one chance at true happiness because I’d made a big mistake.
I didn’t sleep well, and I was distracted all day, looking at the clock until Devin brought Andrew home. Finally, at seven, my buzzer rang and I let them in the building.
I scooped Andrew into my arms before my door was fully open.
“Mommy you’re squishing me,” Andrew giggled.
“I’m sorry. I missed you so much. I think you grew.”
His eyes widened. “Really?”
“Here’s his stuff,” Devin said, handing me Andrew’s backpack and suitcase.
“Thank you. I have something for you if you can wait a minute.”
He shrugged and stepped in, shutting the door behind him.
“You need to get into the tub and then to bed.”
“Can Daddy give me a bath?” He looked to Devin.
“Your daddy might have other plans.”
“I don’t mind,” Devin said.
I was an idiot to be so happy to hear that. He’s here for Andrew, I reminded myself. Devin would be nice to me because I was Andrew’s mother, but it didn’t mean anything.
“Okay. Why don’t you show your dad what to do,” I told Andrew.
“Come on, Daddy.” He took Devin’s hand and led him to the bathroom.
I put the items in Andrew’s backpack away, and his clothes in the hamper. Then I tiptoed to the bathroom, looking in as Andrew sat in the tub. I think there were more bubbles than water, but Andrew was smiling as was Devin.
I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture. If this was the best I’d have in terms of a family, I’d be okay with it. It was better than I deserved after what I’d done.
I left them alone, pouring a glass of wine and reading my book while I waited for them to finish. Twenty minutes later, Andrew ran out naked and giggling.
“Hey!” Devin followed him, his shirt wet and soap on his arms.
“Problem?” I quirked an amused brow at him.
“He’s slippery.” He stood looking down at a giggling Andrew.
“Catch me, Daddy.”
Devin lurched, but missed Andrew. “I think he might have a future as an athlete.”
“I’m going to be a businessman,” Andrew said. “That’s what oldest boy Roarke’s do.”
My insides went cold. I jerked my gaze to Devin, whose expression seemed to match my emotion.
“You’ll be allowed to do what you want. I promise,” Devin said.
“Can I be a pilot and a businessman?” Andrew asked.
“Yes.” Devin reached out and grabbed Andrew. “Got you.”
“Get your jammies on, Andrew. It’s past your bedtime,” I said.
Devin took Andrew to his nook and I could hear them talking. It reminded me of that first day in the park when they’d so easily taken to each other.
I stood and went to the nook. “Ready to say goodnight?”
“Yep. Daddy, when can I come see you again?”
“Soon. I’ll talk to your mom about it.” Devin hugged him. “Goodnight, son.”
“Goodnight, Daddy.”
Devin moved out of the nook.
“I still have that thing for you,” I said to him. “If you can wait a minute.”
“I’ll wait.”
I sat on Andrew’s bed. “I’m so happy you had fun, baby.”
“I did. Everyone is nice.” He lowered his voice. “Except his mommy. But Auntie Bri says she’s mean to everyone.”
“You get some sleep, okay? I know Grandma and Grandpa will want to hear about all your fun tomorrow.”
“Goodnight Mommy.”
I hugged him and gave him a kiss. I turned out the light, and closed the screen I used to block off the area then went up the short hall to the living area.
Devin was looking over my bookshelves. “You read a lot.”
“I do. A book and wine are my me-time.” I went to the kitchenette and picked up the paper from the counter. I’d filled it with the things Devin might want to have when it was his turn to have Andrew.
“What did you do last night?” he asked.
“I tried not to miss Andrew and I read and had a glass of wine. Maybe two.”
He smiled, and I was glad that he was in a place where we could be civil.
I handed him the list. “Here’s some things you might want and some things that Andrew likes.”
He took the list, scanning it. “Thank you.”
“Do you want a glass of wine?”
He looked at me and I felt like maybe I’d gone one step too far.
“I mean…only that…we’re co-parenting now. If you have questions or something…” Shut up Serena, I said to myself. “Or not.”
He inhaled a breath. “I’d take a glass.”
My heart did a flip. My brain told it to settle down. He was being nice, not forgiving me. Not giving me a second chance.
I got him a glass of wine, handing it to him as he sat on the couch. I sat at the far end so he wouldn’t think I was trying to rekindle what I’d doused.
“He’s a great kid, Serena.”
I smiled. “He really is.”
“From now on, he’ll be staying with me at my home. Overall everything went well. Bri thinks the world of him and even my father got a kick out of him.”
“Your mom?”
He shook his head and took a sip of the wine. “I won’t let her hurt him, Serena. I promise.”
I nodded, but wasn’t convinced she wouldn’t somehow get her venom on my son.
“I had
