One to Love (One to Hold 4)

Her voice was gentle. “You are mommy—”

“No way, you’re mommy,” I argued. “You’re doing all the work.”

For a moment we only stood there, the two of us looking at the small human tying us together. My stomach twisted, and I couldn’t help wondering if she’d ever be able to think of me as anything more than a problem. Her annoying cross to bear.

Elaine was still rubbing Lane’s little back. “I love this guy.” The warmth in her voice gave me hope.

“Me too,” I said softly.

Our eyes met then, and she sighed, a small smile peeking on her lips. “Sounds like Lane has two mommies.”

Patrick put the water bottle down and walked over to where we were. “Daddy is very lucky. Two mommies is hot.”

Elaine punched him in the arm, and I snorted. Lane’s little face frowned. “No hit. Bad.”

“Daddy likes when Lainey hits him.” I kissed his little nose. “What else are you learning at preschool?”

“Not enough cleanup.” Elaine scooped an oversized racecar and a handful of stray Duplos off the floor, tossing them into a square bin in the living room. Then she was back, purse on her shoulder. The black dress she wore had geometric beige panels down the sides, making it look like a halter.

“I love that dress!” I sat in a chair by the table still holding Lane.

“If you were taller, I’d give it to you.” She kissed my head briefly before giving the baby a longer kiss on his chubby cheek. It was unexpected, and I liked the gesture. “We won’t be out too late.”

“Stay as late as you want! We’ll have dinner and then snuggle up with a few books until we fall asleep.”

She smiled and headed to the door as Patrick stepped forward to hug me and kiss his son. “Tell teacher Lane’s mommies kiss each other.”

“Patrick!” Elaine scolded from the door, but that made me laugh.

“Good one,” I chuckled, as he pecked my cheek.

“Tomorrow I want to hear all about this new guy.”

I tried to frown, but it came off as more of a distorted grin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“Exactly.” He winked and followed Elaine out. I carried Lane to the living room, ready to relax and spend the evening with my boy.

* * *

The next morning, when I emerged from Lane’s room, Patrick’s going out clothes were replaced with jeans and a white tee. He held a mug of coffee. I held my overnight bag on one arm and my sleepy little son on the other.

“Did you two catch up?” he asked, handing me the mug.

“Yes!” I was refreshed after spending an easy evening watching airplane and video-game movies then going to bed at ten snuggled up with my baby. “I think we read every new book he got since my last visit. Holy crap!”

“Preschool had a book fair.” He grinned, rubbing Lane’s back.

“I figured it was something like that.”

Lane reached for him, and I passed the little guy over. He tucked his blond head into his daddy’s neck.

“Take care of your mini me.” I sipped my coffee watching Lane’s chubby fingers moving up and down on Patrick’s shoulder. “You two are too cute.”

“So tell me about this guy.” Patrick sipped his usual morning OJ, and Lane’s head popped up.

I smiled watching the two of them—Patrick held his glass while Lane took a drink. When they were done, I shrugged. “Just one of the new guys at the gym. He’s working with me on my boxing.”

Patrick’s eyebrow rose. “He’s a boxer?”