* * *“Thank you for tonight,” Hollis says when we are in my truck and heading home. “Your family is great.”
I glance over and catch her watching me. The cab of the truck is dark, but from the glow of the dash, I can see her smile. I can’t seem to keep my own from pulling at my lips just because she’s happy. “I told you that you had nothing to worry about.”
“You were right.”
“Wait, can you write that down for me? I might need it for future reference.”
“Oh, hush.” She pushes on my arm, and we both laugh. “Truly, you have a great family. You’re lucky to have them.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more. When you’re ready to talk about yours, I’m all ears.”
“Thank you, but there’s not really much to tell.” Her reply is soft, and from my glance to the passenger seat, I know her smile has faded. Luckily, we’re at home. So I do the mature thing and pretend like I never brought it up.
“I need to get him in bed. Stick around?” I ask. “I have some beer in the fridge. I can tell you about his mom.”
“Colton, you don’t have to do that. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I know I don’t have to. I want to. I think you’re right. It will do me some good to talk about it with someone who’s not family.” I also hope that by opening up to her, not only does she get to know me better, but maybe, just maybe, she’ll feel comfortable enough to open up to me. When she’s ready.
I grab Milo, and she takes the diaper bag. I can’t help but think that this is how life would be if I had done things in the right order. Or even had a baby momma who wanted to be a momma. I don’t hold that against Laura. In fact, I’m glad she did what she did. She got Milo to family. I don’t agree with her just leaving him on the doorstep and then driving off. How did she know Chase—or, more specifically, I—would take care of him? That part still bothers me, but the fact that she gave him up? Well, I commend her for that. If she knew without a doubt that motherhood was not for her, I think what she did was brave and selfless. It gave Milo the chance to grow up in a home where all he knows is love. I’ll make damn sure that happens.
“I’m just going to change him into some pajamas and give him a bottle. Help yourself to whatever.”
“I think I’m going to go change.”
“Okay.” I lift Milo from his seat and head to his room. In my mind, I’m picturing her stripping out of her clothes, with my help. I have to stop this. I can’t think about her getting naked, just down the hall. I also hope that whatever she decides to change into covers her. I don’t know if I have the willpower to sit next to her in some kind of skimpy lingerie. In fact, I know that I don’t.
“All right, buddy. Time for a new diaper, some jammies, and a nice big bottle. We should really take a bath tonight, but Daddy’s going to skip that.” I lay him on the changing table and get to work. “What do you think of Hollis? She’s nice, right?” He coos. “I know, and she’s beautiful.” I manage to wrangle a clean diaper on him and some pajamas. I even get them buttoned correctly on the first try. “Look at that. Daddy’s getting the hang of this,” I tell him, picking him up and kissing his cheek. “Now, time for a bottle and then lights out for you.”
“Need any help?” Hollis asks.
I look up to find her in a pair of flannel pajama pants, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and her hair is in a knot on the top of her head. No makeup, no fanfare, and I was so unbelievably wrong. She’s just as sexy in this get-up as she would be in lingerie.
I’m fucked.
“I think I’m good. Help yourself to a beer, or whatever you want. I’m just going to mix him up a bottle.”
“Do you mind if I hold him while you do that?”
“Sure.” She holds out her arms, and I pass Milo to her. His eyes are wide open as he takes her in. I can only imagine what’s going through his mind. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered if my son can understand the crazy shit I tell him each day. Only today, not so crazy, I spoke the truth. From the way he’s staring up at her, the way she’s captured his attention, I’d say it’s safe to say that my son is just as enthralled with the lovely Hollis as I am.