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.