Page 65 of Seduction

As Jon sets him down on the ground, I open the car door. Mikey walks over to me, hugging my legs before climbing in. I strap him into his seat, then turn to Jon.

“Thank you.”

“No worries. I think you could use a quiet night at home. Watch some cartoons… clear your mind.”

I hold his gaze, not knowing what to say. I should apologize. He doesn’t deserve the things I said, the way I treated him earlier. Only the words won’t come. Shaking his head, he takes my hand and pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me. I slide mine around his waist, burying my face in his chest. Closing my eyes, I breathe him in. Under the pizza and beer, there’s a scent I haven’t even realized I’d come to love; one that’s settling all the tumultuous feelings inside me.

“It’s going to be okay, beautiful.”

Everything bad about today rolls off my back, his words giving me new hope. He’s said them before, but I think I’m finally able tohearthem. He pulls back, kissing the top of my head.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he says in a low voice.

“And I’ll answer.”

Smiling, he leans down to say goodbye to Mikey. When he moves away, I close the door, then wait as he opens mine. He closes it when I slide in, waiting until I drive away before I watch him walk back to the clubhouse in the rearview mirror.

“Momma?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Sophia says she lives with her mommyanddaddy. Is Ice-tie coming to live at our house?”

I glance at his little hopeful face in the mirror, not sure how to answer. The last time he asked something like this, I kind of dodged the question. Seeing how he reacted tonight, I won’t be able to do that anymore.

“I don’t know, but I’ll talk to him, okay?”

“Okay. He can sleep in my room.”

“Yeah? And where are you going to sleep? In the garage?”

He giggles. “Silly, Momma. In my room!”

“But Einstein will be in your bed. You’re not sleeping with me, so I definitely think it’s the garage.”

His laugh further lifts my spirits. Jon was right. This is exactly what I need. We keep up the back and forth all the way home. We have snacks, then after I give him a bath, we curl up in my bed and watch his favorite movie. Instead of taking him to his room when he falls asleep, I shower and decide to climb back in next to him.

While searching my drawer for underwear, my fingers brush against the Ziploc bag I have hidden in there. I throw on a pair of panties and a T-shirt, removing the bag and sitting on the edge of the bed. It contains a letter. A letter from my mother. She had a heart condition and died before I even turned one. Other than the words she left for me, the only reminders I have of her are her locket, and her picture that I keep in it. I pull out the worn paper, unfolding it and reading it for the millionth time.

My sweet baby girl,

I’ve loved you since the moment the doctor told me I was pregnant. You and Gage are the best things I’ve ever done in my life. Even though I can’t be there to watch you both grow up, know that I will always be watching over you. Take care of your father. I know he acts tough, but he really is a sweet and sensitive man. Losing me will crush him. Gage is so much like his father, I will rest assured knowing you will be safe. They’ll protect you.

There’s so much I want to say to you, but I don’t know how much time I have. So, here are a few things I’ve learned that I want to pass on to you:

Family comes first, whether they are your blood or the ones you’ve chosen.

Love and laugh deeply.

Live with no regrets. Every experience is an opportunity to learn.

Be smart.

Find a man who makes you laugh… one who tells you you’re beautiful… one you can depend on but not be dependent on.

Most of all, my love, BE HAPPY.

All my love,