“Are you going to get me a regular water?”
“Yes,” he grumbles. “But the carrot jui—”
She cocks an eyebrow, effectively shutting him up. He’s gone mere seconds before returning with a glass of ice-cold water. I remain standing in the entryway as she follows him to the living room. He places the water on a coaster on the side table before helping her sit in a rocking chair, arranging a weirdly shaped pillow on her lap. He presses a soft kiss to her forehead, bending in the middle to whisper words in her ear before pressing his lips to his son’s head.
When he turns back to face me, he motions to the dining table, taking a seat that still gives him a clear line of sight to his family. I envy what they have. I never pictured myself having such a life. I never really wanted a house with a wide front porch and a huge front door made more of glass than wood, but growing up in the city, those things aren’t sought after. Real estate is expensive in the city and glass is too easily broken, making robbery too appealing. A family? No chance. It left you open for pain and having to do things alone. If my father’s affair had come to light sooner, while Chelsea and I were still in our teens, what would’ve happened? We probably would’ve ended up broke and living with Dad. Or we would’ve been living with Mom because no doubt we would’ve been just one more thing for her to fight over, a battle to win rather than someone to love.
I’d never want to put myself or children in that situation, and since I’m in the camp that all men are dogs—except Gabe, my sister’s husband and now Deacon Black—there’s no doubt I would’ve ended up divorced and alone.
I smile at the man, waiting for him to pull his attention away from his wife and child. I don’t feel an ounce of irritation at his lack of focus. Honestly, I feel like I should postpone.
Only two days since he became a father? I feel even worse for the way I acted yesterday. It means he left the hospital to keep the meeting with me yesterday, and I wasted that precious time.
I sit perfectly still, enjoying the sight of him as he enjoys the sight of her with his son, rolling my lips between my teeth to hide a smile when his jaw opens. I can tell he’s either mimicking Anna or the baby when he opens his mouth, moving it this way and that as if he’s trying to encourage the baby to latch onto his mother’s breast. The child must be successful because a slow, prideful smile spreads across his handsome face. I don’t know the man at all, but I can tell he’s going to be a great father.
There’s no shame in his eyes, not a hint of embarrassment, when his face angles in my direction. He doesn’t make excuses the way most people would. I’m the one to open my mouth with apologies.
“Had I known you were—”
He holds his hand up.
“It’s unusual to invite you to my home, but Redmond Enterprises comes highly recommended.”
I clench my jaw, knowing I can’t walk out of here letting this man think that I’ll be operating under the umbrella of my family’s company.
“Redmond Enterprises was disbanded recently.”
“Recently?” Mr. Black looks down at the paperwork on the table. “The portfolio I have is from last week.”
“Effective late Saturday,” I confirm. I hold my head as high as the weight on my shoulders will allow. “A family matter seeped its way into the business, staining, well, everything, and—”
“So you’re unable to work for BBS?”
“I can’t work for Blackbridge under Redmond Enterprises. I can provide the same services under my own name, Leighton Redmond. I’m not currently incorporated, nor am I insured.”
The more I speak, the more I realize how unprepared I am.
“We have our own insurance, Ms. Redmond,” Deacon says. “There are measures we can take to make sure you’re covered. We know your skill set. We know what you’re capable of. The team we’re trying to build is important to BBS. If you’re willing, we’d still like you to come on board.”
I give him a smile, emotions clogging my throat. Maybe my life isn’t as torn apart as I let myself believe it was.
“It would be an honor to work with your team, sir.”
“Perfect. I’ll have Mr. Ward draw up new contracts to reflect the change of information. Please meet with him tomorrow.”
“With whom, Mr. Black?”
“Deacon, please. Our attorney, Gaige Ward. I’ll arrange a meeting at the office. Does nine in the morning work for you?”
“Nine is perfect.”
I stand, taking his hand when he offers it. We shake, and then I’m forgotten. Deacon leaves me in the dining room to go to his wife. I give Anna a wave from the entryway before heading back outside. I got the job, and I don’t have to meet with the acquisitions’ guy. My life is already looking up.