Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69129 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 277(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“See,” Wy motions to the older male in the room. “Betime.”
“B-eeeeeee-ddddd,” Clark sounds out for him.
“I say dat.”
And that.
He gets that from Bryn.
He honestly gets so much that being around him for extended periods of time is painful.
Extremely.
Painful.
Wyland points to me at the same time he firmly states to her. “Dad put bet.”
“Dad’s working right now,” Jessie professionally attempts to cover for me. “That’s why I’m here.”
“Dad dollwavs worting,” he huffs in undeniable dejection. “Mom dollwavs sick…”
Clark shoots me a sympathetic head tilt wordlessly imploring me to do better.
More.
If not for the sake of my marriage than at the very least the sake of our son.
He shouldn’t have to suffer like this.
Even if we…aren’t…together…again…yet…he still needs us both in his life.
That is non-negotiable.
“Not tonight, Little Hero.” A small smile spreads onto my face as I tuck my sobriety chip back into my sweatpants pocket. “Tonight, Dad is all done with work and will be tucking you into your cave.”
“Yeahhhhhhhh!” He joyously claps before sprinting over to me. “Daddddd timeeee!”
In one easy swoop, I lift him into my lap.
Curl my arms around him.
Trap him to my chest and drop a loving kiss on the top of his head.
He shouldn’t have to grow up without us.
Not when we’re still here.
Not when being here is still an option.
“You sure?” Jessie gives her hair a small ruffle. “I don’t mind doing it. It’s my job.”
“I mind.”
My retort has Clark noticeably smiling.
“It’s your job to assist.” Wy’s head nestles itself against my heart. “Not to be his parent.”
Her mouth twitches in an attempt to dispute the statement.
“Go home, Jessie.” A heartfelt grin is offered during the rising to my feet. “Or go out partying with your friends. Afterall, it’s Friday night and-”
“It’s actually only Tuesday,” she quietly corrects.
I slightly cringe in humiliation.
“But meeting up with Astrid for a drink and some tea sounds heavenly.”
“Isn’t tea a drink?” Clark questions out of obvious confusion.
“In this case, it’s goss,” Jessie explains while Wy needlessly pokes at my chin. “And not the trash tabs ish that’s speculating this whole thing with Bryn was a giant ploy to get her out of the way for us,” her finger motions back and forth, “to be an us.”
It’s impossible not to glare.
I understand the paparazzi have a fucking job to do.
I understand lies and intrigue sell.
I understand they sell even better when wealthy individuals like myself are in the center of it.
However, that is a bit too far.
Perhaps I’ll postpone investing in the media firm for athletes that Jericho was needing capital for and simply purchase Global Laundry outright.
Control the narrative directly.
“No,” Clark murmurs to me despite my mouth never moving. “You father considering doing the same thing, and he was advised against it as well.”
My sardonic sneer is short lived due to Wy unexpectedly grabbing my face with both hands. “We meed Mom.”
“We do need Mom, Little Hero.” I let his grip get harder. “And we’re gonna go get her.”
“Yeahhhhhhhh!” exclaims my son in such a way something inside of me shifts.
Snaps.
Shatters.
Shows me exactly what it is I’m fairly certain Clark was just trying to explain.
This is over.
This hiding from one another, hiding from our son, delaying our marriage – whether that means picking up where we left off or starting completely over – is done.
We need to move forward.
Adapt.
It’s how all legacies survive.
And our marriage…our…tale…will be one that survives the test of time.
“Take the rest of the week off, Jessie.” I cut my gaze away from Wy who is rambling under his breath about peanut butter and geese. “You’ve earned it.”
Shock has her squeaking, “But-”
“Your salary will not change.” The corner of my lip is forced upward by his pointed finger. “And do not be alarmed at an extra zero on your check.”
“Ohmygod, Wes-”
“Don’t.” Pretending to chomp at Wy’s digit gets him laughing and moving his hands away. “You’ve exponentially exceeded what’s required of you. Enjoy me doing the same.” Before she can say another word, I direct my attention back to the caped kiddo in my grip. “Do you need to go potty? We only wanna show Mom your dry, big boy underwear.”
“I tie!” He scurries down my torso to take off towards my ensuite bathroom. “I tie!”
“Let Gampi help!” Clark calls out after him. “Pee in the potty, on the floor is naughty!”
Post a bathroom break and reassuring Jessie it’s fine for her to enjoy time off the clock, Wy and I head for the room Bryn originally occupied upon her initial arrival, which has become the same one she’s occupying now.
I’m uncertain if it was accidental or intentional.
If something called her to the space or she was simply drawn to it.
I do know I haven’t slept in our bed without her.
Merely being in the room itself is painful enough.
Office couches and recliners have been sufficient replacements, although Hamilton and Sawyer may disagree.