Omega In The Office - Aria Grace Page 0,43

be fine, don’t worry about it.”

My gaze drifts to the crib tucked safely behind Leon’s desk. The babies are both asleep inside, swaddled in downy soft blankets.

“They’ve been fed, changed, bathed, and there are fresh clothes in the diaper bag. Oh, and diapers too...obviously,” I chuckle nervously.

“You’ve already said all of that,” Leon reminds me as he crosses the room and takes my hands in his. “And if there’s anything that’s not in the diaper bag, we’re literally less than fifty yards away from the apartment.”

“Yeah, I know...I just...”

“I carried them for nine months, I think I can handle a few hours,” Leon adds. “They’ll be fine. The question is, will you be?”

I bite the inside of my cheek trying to force down the anxiety building in my chest. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

Leon doesn’t buy it. He quirks an eyebrow at me and rolls his eyes.

“What? I’m serious. I’ll be fine. It’s just a business meeting with a friend from college. I doubt anything’s even going to come from it.” I force myself to grin and shove my hands in my pockets. “We’re gonna have some coffee, discuss some business ideas, maybe meet up again in a few months...who knows?”

“That’s not what you’re worried about.”

I flinch at his words. He knows me too well.

“Candor told me about the other night. He thinks you’re worried the kids won’t know you’re their dad too.” Leon squeezes my hands. “You don’t want to leave them here because you’re afraid that they’ll grow up to think you’re just their uncle, the same way everyone else does.”

My jaw tightens and I look away from him. “This is the way things have to be. We can’t exactly be open about the whole thing. People won’t understand. I don’t want them to grow up with that stigma. Can you imagine what kids in school might say if everyone knew?”

Leon looks back at the crib as if contemplating something. “We don’t want them to grow up thinking we’re ashamed of them, either. We haven’t broken any laws that I’m aware of. People might talk, but they already do that. Honestly, I knew from the beginning that you shouldn’t have to lie about your relationship to them. It felt wrong to me in every way. I know Candor feels the same.”

“What exactly are you saying, Leon?” My thoughts are spinning at a hundred miles an hour. I really don’t know what to think anymore.

“Just...don’t correct people anymore,” he says as he looks back at me. “You’re their dad. You deserve to get the same credit that we do. We were never going to let them forget that you’re their dad too, but I don’t want them to feel like there’s something about their parentage that they need to be ashamed of either. They’re both healthy, happy, and growing well. There’s no reason to hide.”

My pulse races. “We should probably discuss this with Candor before we actually make that decision.”

Leon nods. “Of course, we can do that tonight after you come home. Until then, just think about what I said. You look kind of freaked out that I even suggested it.”

“Honestly? I am a little. I don’t know what to think. You’ve put me on the spot a little. I wasn’t prepared for this conversation.” I meet his gaze. The warmth in his eyes fills me with calm. I relax my shoulders and fill my lungs with a clarifying breath. “Whatever decision we reach, I know it’ll all work out. The three of us are a force to be reckoned with.”

“That we are.” Leon winks. “Now, go on. You’re gonna be late.”

I risk a quick peck on the cheek before slipping out of the office and into the warm, sunny light of early afternoon.

On days like today, the courtyard is bustling with activity. People happily going about their day and enjoying the nice weather. We’re already working on fundraising for a swimming pool and playground. The tenants have actually impressed me with their resourcefulness. Most of them seem to be just as committed to the success of Glass Bay Apartments as I am.

I spy Candor on the far side of the courtyard. It looks like he’s just returning from his daily trip to visit his parents. We meet up as I make my way toward the parking lot.

“I thought you would’ve left by now, for sure,” Candor says with a little frown as I approach. “Aren’t you going to be late?”

“I’ll make it.” I glance at my watch. “Barely.”

“Are the