Page 103 of Discretion

Pre-K was out. Even if Kai hadn’t had a fever, he’d been throwing up. And I also wasn’t going to leave him in the care of a nanny I’d never met before, even if I could call the Hartwell Agency and secure someone at the last minute.

But between taking care of Kai and trying to squeeze in work where I could, I’d barely had time to breathe, let alone eat or get dressed. I paused in front of the mirror, evaluating my messy topknot and oversized cardigan. I was still wearing my silk nightgown from the night before. And my call with Jasper seemed like a lifetime ago.

I sighed and placed the order for room service. Some oatmeal for Kai and a sandwich for me.

Kai was watching TV when there was a knock at the door. I went to answer it, grabbing some ones for a tip from my wallet as I opened the door.

I blinked a few times, stunned. Surely I was seeing things. Because there was no way Jasper was standing at the threshold to my suite. He was supposed to be in Colorado. For two more days.

I didn’t even question it. I walked toward Jasper’s outstretched arms, closing my eyes as he held me. And as we stood there, embracing, I realized just how much I’d come to rely on him. And while the idea of relying on anyone, especially a man, terrified me, another part of me felt so…at ease. Because it was him. Because he was a supportive partner.

This is what love is.

The thought gave me pause. But the more I thought about it, the less surprised I was. The more it all made sense.

I loved him. I loved Jasper, and even though he may not have said the words aloud, there was no doubt in my mind that he loved me. The fact that he’d dropped everything to fly home to be with Kai and me was further proof of it.

Jasper had chosen to miss a major, important meeting to be with Kai and me. He’d chosen us over his job. He’d put my son above everything else.

But when the elevator chimed, I remembered that we were standing in the hallway where anyone could see us. As much as I wanted to revel in Jasper’s presence, I knew we needed to continue being discreet for now. So I grabbed his arm and pulled him inside with me, closing the door behind me.

Kai peered over the back of the sofa, and Rosie came running to greet Jasper, her little collar jingling from the movement.

“Hey, kiddo,” Jasper greeted Kai while picking up Rosie.

“I thought you were out of town,” Kai said, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.

“My trip ended early. Is it okay if I hang out with you?”

“Really?” Kai asked.

“If it’s okay with your mom.” Jasper turned to me for confirmation.

“Of course,” I said, still shocked that he was here. “He shouldn’t be contagious.”

He waved away my comment, as if to say, like I’d let anything come between spending time with Kai.

As I watched Jasper with Kai, my heart melted a little more. At the way Jasper treated my son. At the care and attention and patience Jasper showed Kai. He listened as Kai told him about Lego Star Wars. And he subtly encouraged Kai to drink. Jasper was a good caregiver. Nurturing.

When room service arrived, I pushed off from the barstool. I collected our order at the door and thanked Ethan before returning inside. I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing Jasper here, not when he was supposed to be in Colorado. I wondered what he’d told everyone, how he’d explained his abrupt departure. But I supposed that was one of the perksof being the CEO—he could do whatever he wanted. He didn’t have to justify his decisions to anyone except maybe the board. But they weren’t going to weigh in on something like this.

“Here you go.” I handed Kai his oatmeal before turning to Jasper. “Do you want me to order something for you?”

“I’m fine. I had lunch on the flight. Besides, you don’t need to be worrying about me. I’m here to help you.”

Since Kai was preoccupied with his show and oatmeal, Jasper came to join me in the kitchen. Kai’s back was to us, and he was so invested in the characters, he wasn’t paying attention to anything else. The TV provided enough background noise that I wasn’t overly concerned about him overhearing our conversation.

I updated Jasper on what the doctor had said, ultimately referring us to a pediatric GI. I’d made an appointment, but the earliest I could get in was in six weeks. It seemed so far away, too far away, but they’d promised to call if something opened up sooner.

Jasper slid his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder. “I missed you.” He pressed a kiss to my neck.

“I missed you too,” I said, placing my hands over his. “I’m glad you’re here, but how did you explain your sudden need to leave?” I asked as the TV droned on in the background.

“I said I had a family emergency.”

“Yeah, but…”

“Halle.” He pulled me into him. “When are you going to realize that you’re my family? I love you and Kai, and I would do anything for the two of you.”