Brett’s arms went around her. He thought to disentangle himself. Felt her lips brush his neck, and then she stood back, tears glistening in her eyes. “It’s good to see you again, Brett. Thank you for doing this.”
Her words made him uncomfortable. Clearly, Ella had spoken to her. She probably thought he was helping Jeff come to terms with his perceived issues.
Problem was, Brett wasn’t yet convinced that Chloe wasn’t the one with issues. Even more so after her effusive display of affection.
Four years ago a hug and kiss greeting would have been somewhat normal, but...
His thoughts were cut short as he heard Ella say, “Cody, this is your uncle Brett...”
Turning, he saw his ex-wife standing there with a sandy-haired toddler, dressed in blue pants and a white shirt just like his mama, on her hip.
“Unca?” Cody, with both hands at his chest, turned to stare up at Ella.
“Uncle Brett,” she said.
He wasn’t. Not anymore. Technically, never had been, since the divorce happened before Cody was even conceived.
But he wasn’t going to split hairs.
“Hey, young man,” he said. He touched the boy’s cheek. Ran his hand over the toddler’s head. With those freckles, that hair, he looked like Jeff.
“Uh-uh. I boy.” Cody shook his head. But he was gazing at Brett now with open curiosity.
“Uncle Brett knows Daddy,” Chloe said. “They were friends in school.”
Another curious stare and then Cody glanced between Ella and his mother. “Eat?”
And that was that.
Awkward moment over.
Brett had survived.
* * *
ELLA ENDED UP sitting next to Brett. She’d planned it differently. But Chloe chose the chair across from him, which made sense. And she suggested to the hostess that Cody’s high chair be placed next to her—across from Ella—which also made sense since she’d want to tend to her son.
And Ella could still entertain him while the other two were talking.
Which put her next to Brett. Close enough that she had to inhale that delicious aftershave with every breath she took. So close she could feel the heat of his leg, the brush of his arm...
Too close to not react to him. Physically. And when that happened her mind got confused.
She heard Chloe order for them. A shared salad. She asked for iced tea. She put her napkin in her lap.
And tried to focus on her nephew.
The man at her side might have taken permanent residence in her heart, but she did not want him in her life.
Not anymore.
He couldn’t give her what she needed. Didn’t want the kind of relationship she wanted.
He’d hurt her too badly, and she’d never trust him not to do so again.
* * *
SUCCESS IN LIFE was all about the plan. Whatever the goal, it started with the plan.