Page 52

Paige

O ver the next couple of weeks, Easton talks to his lawyer regularly, and it’s a beautiful day when he finally gets the official confirmation that Macy’s agreed to relinquish her rights to Isaac. All that's left to do is sign the paperwork.

After fighting for so long, Easton's almost free. But more than that, as soon as he has that paperwork in his hands, he’ll no longer have to worry about her showing up to take Isaac away again.

My little, or not so little issue is going to take more time. I was reluctant to leave Isaac and Easton after everything that happened, so I made my statement with the San Francisco police department instead of flying to New York, and it took them a day to send it through, giving Christian’s mom enough time to threaten me again, assuming I hadn’t spoken with them yet.

Fortunately, after Macy's verbal agreement with Easton, the Mikkleson threats no longer concerned me because Isaac was safe. But that didn’t mean I wanted the images released. And thankfully, Dad ensured that wouldn't happen.

Unsurprisingly, Christian’s dad and uncle were released on bail. But with the evidence stacked against them, I doubt they’ll get away with it. It turns out, the initial arrests were made after Mom recorded a conversation between herself and Christian’s dad with him alluding to what they were doing, and on top of that, Christian was now cooperating, giving police access to anything they needed. In the end, my statement meant nothing except to prove that Christian’s mom and aunt knew what was going on.

Despite Easton telling me I shouldn’t care, I do feel bad for Christian, just like I feel a little bad for Macy. But I have more important things to focus on, and neither of them are our problem anymore.

Dad laughs from across the table as he and Easton talk. He’s been popping in a lot lately, checking in on us, and I have to admit, it’s nice to have him around. He even joked about Isaac calling him “Pops,” and when it stuck, his expression told me everything. He loves Isaac just as much as the rest of us do. And he and Easton’s mom get along great. We’ve been seeing her any chance we get.

Mom’s been back for another visit too, as promised, and has plans to come back again next week, complaining that she’s missing out.

My brother even threatened to visit, but I’m hoping Isaac’s a little older when that happens. The last thing we need is for my wayward brother to influence him.

After dinner, Easton and Isaac head off to his room to run through their bedtime routine, and my dad takes that as his cue to leave. “He’s a great kid, Paige,” he says as I walk him to the door, making me laugh.

“You say that like I had something to do with that.”

“You may not have raised him to this point, but something tells me that’s going to change in the future.”

I swallow a lump in my throat as my nose scrunches. “What do I know about raising a three-year-old?”

“None of us know what we’re doing, Paige. If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re lying. You just do the best you can. And in your case, don’t follow in your father’s footsteps. It took me too long to realize my family should come before my career.”

“At least you got there eventually. It’s been nice having you around. I know I keep saying this, but thank you again for your help with Macy and the Mikklesons. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“You have to stop thanking me, Paige. I did what any dad would do, but at the same time, I know you would have figured it out without me. You’re both smart, determined, and protective. But I’m glad I could help. I would have felt worthless if I couldn’t. You’ll understand as Isaac gets older.”

“Actually, Dad, I understand now.” My mind flashes back to Easton not being there for Isaac and I get it. I’ve never seen him so devastated. But he can’t be there all the time, and neither can my father. That’s why we’re a team.

“Good. I’m looking forward to getting to know him better. Honestly, I wasn’t sure you’d give me a grandchild. So thank you.”

He winks while my jaw drops. If Isaac’s his grandson, that would make him my son. And while that’s a scary thought, it’s also pretty wonderful.

“Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too, Kid.”

When he’s gone, I grab a drink and wait for Easton on the couch, sitting bolt upright so I don’t fall asleep. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, and I honestly don’t know how Easton’s still standing.

It’s another thirty minutes before he appears, and it’s easy to see he’s exhausted—physically and emotionally. We’ve both been through so much and he’s barely slept. Neither of us has. But tonight, we will. And it’s going to be peaceful.

Macy’s finally signing the papers, I’ve made my statement and stepped away from the Mikkleson drama, and my dad’s threatened more legal action if any images are released. Things are finally settling down for us, giving us a chance to enjoy being a couple. A family .

“Is he asleep?” I ask, patting the seat beside me.

Easton sighs, running a hand through his messy brown hair. “I think so. But I guess we’ll—”

“Daad,” Isaac calls out before Easton can finish his sentence, and I bite back a smile while he groans. But he doesn’t get the chance to turn around, when Isaac calls out again. “I want Paige.”

Easton smirks as he raises a brow. “You heard him. He wants you.”

I roll my eyes jokingly, but the truth is that I love it.

“I’ll be right back.” I squeeze his shoulder as I stand. “Give me five minutes. I’ll get it done.” I wink and Easton laughs.

“Good luck with that.”

For a few days after our run-in with Macy, Isaac wasn’t himself, but we reassured him that he was safe and promised we’d be there for him, and for the past week he’s been happy again.

But we’re both conscious of how badly it may have affected him, so we’re keeping our eyes open and making sure he knows he’s allowed to feel any and all emotions. The last thing we want is for him to be masking his feelings, thinking that’s what we want.

Despite joking that I was better at bedtime than Easton, it takes me almost an hour to get him off to sleep, though I savor every second of him snuggling against me. “God, I love that kid,” I announce, as I finally sit down, patting Easton’s leg.

He laughs before pressing a kiss to my head. “God, I love you. And since we’re finally alone…” He snakes his hand under my top and squeezes one of my breasts, groaning as he rolls me onto my back. “We’ve been too busy lately. I’ve missed these.”

“What about me?”

“Sure, I’ve missed you too.”

I laugh, playfully pushing him away as his phone blares with a string of messages.

“Someone’s insistent.” I gesture toward his cell on the coffee table. “I think you better check that.”

Easton groans exasperatedly. “It’ll be the fucking group text. They were messaging today too. I really should have shut it down.”

“You don’t mean that. They’ve all had your back lately.”

“I know, but I’m not in the mood right now. I’m in the mood for you.” He buries his face in my neck but I push him back again. “Stop. They’re good guys and they care about you. Plus I happen to love the wives, girlfriends, and friends, so don’t piss off their guys.”

“That ship sailed a long time ago.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me? What are they saying?”

Easton checks his phone and actually smiles before showing me his screen.

Luke changed the name of the group to “Reed’s support group.”

“ Finally . Reed’s a good guy, but it’s about time someone else suffered.”

“Because you were suffering so badly.”

“Shhh. This is a victory. Let me have it.”

“Okay. Go ahead.”

Easton: Hell-fucking-yes but I still think this chat is unnecessary.

Easton left the group

Luke added Easton

My phone buzzes several times and I burst out laughing. “Ooh, the girls’ chat is going off now too.”

“The girls’ chat?”

“Yep. Hayley started it after the stuff with Macy. Not that they knew what happened, but it was called Paige’s support group, so something tells me that they all talk.” I grimace and Easton laughs.

“I don’t doubt that. Luke loves to gossip.”

“That’s funny, because Amelia is the least gossipy person I know.”

“That’s probably why they work. They’re so different. Anyway, what does your chat say? Bria’s not in the group, is she?”

“No, but look at you remembering her name.”

“I know.” He smirks. “I’m growing.”

I roll my eyes and check my phone.

Amelia changed the name of the group to “Reed’s support group.”

My hand flies to my mouth as a laugh bursts out of me.

“What happened?” Easton tries to see my phone but I hide it as I keep reading.

Amelia: So… Luke tells me Reed needs our help. He’s fed up with the friend zone

Lainey: He actually said that? To Luke of all people? No offense, Amelia

Amelia: None taken. I said the same thing to Luke. I couldn’t believe he’d volunteer that information

I’ll admit, I don’t know Reed that well, but from what Easton’s told me about him, I never pictured him as the type to voice his own issues. He’s more likely to help others.

Keeley: Are we sure this didn’t come from Luke needing another project now that Easton’s good?

Amelia: I wondered that but I have my ways of getting the truth out of Luke, and it was definitely Reed

I laugh at Amelia’s response, and Easton eyes me suspiciously, making me laugh harder.

“I’ll show you in a second. I promise.”

Hayley: Well I, for one, think it’s great. Bria’s lovely and all, but a guy like Reed shouldn’t be sidelined. How can we help him?

Keeley: I’ve got an idea

Amelia: Ooh what?

My eyes widen when I see her response, and Easton groans from beside me until I show him my phone. It takes him all of thirty seconds to read through the messages, and when he’s done, I’ve never seen him laugh so hard. A very un-Easton like response.

“I think this is going to be fun.”