An Irish Affair (Heart of Hope 2)

“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.