Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“So, what do you wanna do about it?”
“I was thinking maybe you and the kids could come stay with me this weekend?”
“At your house?”
“Yeah, why not?” Ronin actually sounded excited as he said, “The kids would love it. I’m right on the water, and there’s plenty to do. We could grill out. Build a fire. Maybe take the kids sledding, and on Sunday, we can go to the clubhouse for family day.”
“That sounds pretty great. I’ll talk to the kids and see what they think.””
“Just let me know.” He glanced over at the clock before saying, “It’s getting pretty late.”
Ronin had stayed over several times but never when the kids were there. Even though things were going well, it was too soon, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want him to stay. I did, which is why I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Yeah, me, too. More than you know, but we’ll give things a test run this weekend. I have plenty of room. We won’t have to worry about any big ears or ex-husbands driving by.”
“This weekend visit is sounding better all the time.”
“Good. Then, my plan is working.”
He gave me a wink, then took my hand and led me out of the room. When we reached the front door, he stopped and said, “Don’t forget I’ll be out of pocket tomorrow.”
“When do you think you’ll get back?”
“Can’t say for sure, but I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
Ronin reached up and gently cupped my face, then leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. His touch was both tender and affectionate as he kissed me good night. He lingered for a moment, then said one last goodbye before heading home. He’d barely made it out of the driveway when I found myself missing him and wishing he could stay. I locked up then headed back to my room.
When I passed Nathan’s room, I thought about what Ronin had said about giving him some time, but my motherly instincts told me something different. So, I tapped on his door and eased it open. He was sitting on his bed, playing his video game and hadn’t even noticed I’d walked in until I stepped in front of the TV. He removed his headphones as he said, “What?”
“Can we talk for a minute?”
“About what?”
“Earlier.” I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to ease his mind. “And what you might’ve heard.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I couldn’t tell if he was telling the truth and was completely oblivious or if he was just too embarrassed to talk about it—which was completely understandable. Hearing what he did had to have been quite a shock. It definitely shocked Ronin when he walked out of my room and found Nathan in the hall.
I needed to try and smooth things over, so I walked over and sat down on the edge of his bed. "You didn’t hear anything tonight?”
“No.” His brows furrowed. “What would I have heard?”
“Umm, nothing. I was just talking with Ronin and thought...”
“I don’t want to hear that mushy stuff you guys say.”
“I would guess not.” Since I’d opened the door, I figured it was as good a time as any to say, “You know how I've been spending a good bit of time with Ronin, and I’ve grown to really care about him.”
Nathan shrugged. "Yeah, Mom. I know, and it’s cool. Ronin’s a good dude.”
"Are you sure about that? Because I don’t want you to think that I’ve forgotten about you or Samantha." I reached over and put my hand on his knee. "I love you and your sister so much. You guys mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t ever want to do anything to hurt you or make you unhappy.”
Nathan had grown up so much over the past year. He was taller, more mature, and reserved, but he was still the same sweet kid he’d always been. He pondered for a moment, then shrugged and said, "Mom, it’s really not that deep. If he makes you happy, then we’re happy.”
“Nathan.”
“I mean it, Mom. It’s cool.””
I reached over and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I love you more than you could possibly know.”
“I love you, too.”
“Since you’re good with everything, Ronin has invited us to come spend the weekend out at his house. He lives out at the coast, and he said we could grill out and make a fire. Maybe go sledding.”
“Yeah, that sounds awesome.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I just have one favor.” His face twisted into a grimace. “If you were talking about what I think you were talking about, don’t be doing that where we can hear it or whatever.”
“Yeah, sure thing.”
“Good. Then, we’re golden.”
I chuckled, grateful for my precious son. “You know if you are ever worried or....”