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Why does he do it, then?
A man with his wealth could retire today and never work another day in his life. He didn’t need to impress anyone. So why does he keep putting himself through things like this?
Before I can get lost in that thought, a wave of nausea rolls over me, sudden and unexpected.
I press a hand to my stomach, grimacing. Maybe eating half the hors d’oeuvres at the party wasn’t my brightest idea.
Cole notices. “You okay?”
I nod quickly. “Yeah. I may have underestimated to the Langfordsjust how many hors d’oeuvres I ate.”
His lips twitch in amusement, but he doesn’t push.
By the time we reach Robbie’s room, the nausea has settled, though I make a mental note to avoid any more rich appetizers for the rest of the night.
The only light in Robbie’s room is his nightlight casting gentle shadows across the walls.
“Okay, sleepyhead,” I murmur as Cole sets him down. “Let’s get you changed.”
I’ve already laid his pajamas out on the bed in anticipation of this.
Robbie blinks at me blearily, his little body swaying as I help him pull off his tiny tuxedo jacket. He doesn’t fight it, just lets me guide him as I slip his arms through his pajama shirt and tug the matching pants up his legs.
“Story,” he mumbles, barely keeping his eyes open.
I smile. “You’re almost asleep already, buddy.”
“Story,” he insists, though his voice is barely more than a whisper.
“Get in bed, and I’ll read you one,” I say, smoothing his tousled hair.
He lets out a soft sound of agreement and climbs under the covers, letting out a content sigh as he snuggles in. Cole leans down, pressing a kiss to his forehead before tucking Rexy under his arm.
“Goodnight, Robbie,” Cole murmurs.
“Dad,” Robbie mumbles sleepily, rubbing his eye with a tiny fist. “Are you coming to the pool party?”
I smile, wondering about the random thoughts of children, and why he’s thinking about the pool party right this minute.
Cole exhales, his lips twitching slightly. “I wouldn’t miss it, buddy.”
Robbie nods, satisfied with the answer, and settles back against his pillow.
I lean over, watching his little face relax against the pillow. “What story do you want?” I whisper.
Silence.
I glance up at Cole before looking back at Robbie.
Fast asleep.
I smile softly and pull the blanket up higher, whispering, “Goodnight, little T-Rex.”
As I straighten, I glance over at Cole, but he’s not watching Robbie anymore.
He’s watching me.
Something flickers behind his green eyes, unreadable.