care if I have to show her how much I love her and Alex. If I have to go to the ends of the earth to show her, then I will. If I have to walk through fire to let her know how serious I am, then I will. There’s nothing I won’t do for her and our son.”
Gina’s eyes go wide in shock, and she becomes speechless. I know she wants to say more and has more opinions about his.
“I need this, Gina. I need to make her understand where I am standing and how I am not letting her go.”
“You can give me this amazing speech, but it doesn’t mean anything. I can tell her all this, and she’ll take it for what it’s worth, but you need to show her. You have no idea how hard it was for her to lift herself back up.”
“I know,” I whisper under my breath, shutting my eyes and pushing out what she’s had to go through. “I’m trying.”
“Yeah. I get that. She’s trying too. Don’t rush her.”
“I won’t. It was good seeing you. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
Gina smirked. “You will. Don’t fuck up, Clayton. If you want her and Alex, then be there. But it needs to be on her time, not yours.”
“Noted.”
Chapter 12
Ashley
When I pick up Alex from camp, he stays quiet until we get home, and I get him out of his booster seat. I’m trying to figure out what I want to say to him. How am I going to answer all of his questions?
Does he have questions?
This isn’t something I want to happen. Not now. I didn’t think we would have this kind of conversation while he’s so young. He should know Clayton is here, and he’s his father.
“Alex, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure, Mom.”
Kneeling to his level, I place my hands in his hands. This is like a Band-Aid. I need to pull it off and get it over with. I don’t want to lie to him. Yes, he’s only five years old, but our relationship is built on trust and communication. He needs to know what I know, and I don’t want any regrets later in life. I don’t want him blaming me for the fact he doesn’t have a father. I’ve seen many situations where this happens. I see the pain in the eyes of the parent trying to protect their children.
Then again, this is what I watch on the television. How it’s my reality, I honestly don’t know.
“That man who came today, do you remember him?”
“I think so. Auntie Leigh was talking to Auntie Dana, and she kept saying he’s back. I tried not to listen because you said that’s not nice. She talks loudly, and it was coming out of the radio. They were saying more, but it’s hard to remember. She was using a lot of words and talking fast. I wanted her to slow down, but Auntie Leigh didn’t hear me.”
“Well, I am glad you get to hear this from me and not your aunts.” I pause, taking in his soft features. He reminds me so much of Clayton. Like a Band-Aid, I remind myself. I know if I don’t do this now, it’ll be harder later. “That man this morning is your daddy. I know you’re going to have a lot of questions. We can talk about anything you want.”
“My daddy?” He gasps, and his face lights with happiness and glowing emotions. “My wishes came true.”
“What, honey?”
“My wishes. When I blew out my birthday candles, I wished for my daddy to come back.”
My face falls. I had no idea he wished for Clayton. Guilt washes over me, and I hang my head low. These are the type of things I should know. I’ve always made sure Alex is around family. My sisters play a huge role in Alex’s life, but I guess it doesn’t replace a parent.
“My daddy is here. I don’t have only a mommy. This is amazing.”
I muster a smile and tell myself this is for Alex. “He’s here. Do you want him to come around?”
“I do, Mama. I want to get to know my dad.”
This isn’t going the way I want it to. As much as I want to keep Alex safe and away from Clayton, a part of me knows that’s not the right thing to do.
“I need to figure some things out. Once I do, we can ask your dad to come over. Okay?”
“Okay, Mama.” Alex wraps his