the company.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’m responsible for a lot, and I get to make big decisions.”
“Wow. You’re so cool.”
Clayton laughs and lays down next to Alex on the rug. “You’re the cool one. Your mom said you’re going to summer camp. What do you do with your friends?”
“I am. It’s every day. We get to do a lot like running around, playing games, swim and eat. Did you go to camp too?” He nods. “Wow. I can’t wait to tell my friends about my awesome dad.”
I look at the time and notice it’s getting late, and Alex needs to go to bed. “Alright, baby, let’s get to bed.” I place my wine down on the coffee table and get up, stretching my arms over my head, closing my eyes and welcoming the slight bliss of this stretch.
When I open my eyes, Clayton’s standing in front of me.
He smirks. “I miss how you sound,” he whispers, and I feel the warmth on my cheeks.
“Slow.” I’m trying hard to keep him at arm’s length. I can’t let him know his words poke at the I still love you so much part of me.
“Can I come with you and put him to bed?”
“Sure,” I let him know and take Alex’s hand, leading him to the bathroom and start the song so he can brush his teeth.
“What the hell is this crap?” He mutters, and I turn my head to him, sending daggers. “What? It’s lame, Ashley.”
“It’s a learning song and helps him know how long it takes for him to brush his teeth. Do not try to give me parenting advice.”
I might be being a little harsh. Reigning in my claws, I take a breather, ready to apologize when I turn to see him shaking his head and silently laughing.
How dare he make fun of me?
“All done,” Alex announces and steps off his stool, taking our hands, and pulls us in the direction of his bedroom. When he hops on, I sit on the side and pull the blanket over his little body. “Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome. So, which book would you like me to read tonight?”
“Actually…” Alex points at Clayton. “Can you tell me more stories about when you were my age?”
“I don’t think…”
Clayton sits on the opposite side. “Sure, buddy. My younger brother, Nolan, and I used to drive my parents crazy. Every Halloween, we came up with pranks and played it on them. One of these day’s I’ll show you one.”
“Whoa. Can you show me? Mom is scared of spiders. She yells when she sees one.”
“I was Spider-Man last Halloween. I like those guys. You should be Captain America, and I’ll be Iron Man.”
Listening to Alex make plans with Clayton makes me nervous. I want to butt in and disrupt their conversation, but I don’t have the heart to do so. I need to try to believe in Clayton.
Clayton shrugs. “That’s my favorite guy.”
“Cool. I like Captain America too. That’s mom’s favorite.”
“Is it now?”
I ignore that comment and pretend to pay attention to my nails rather than the story he’s telling.
“Okay, Alex. It’s time for bed.”
“Mom, really? You’re killing me.”
Clayton laughs, and I turn to him and narrow my eyes. This doesn’t make him stop, and I roll my eyes at him.
“Honey, it’s time for bed. You and your dad can talk later.”
Alex peeks over at Clayton. “Will you come back?”
“Always.”
Clayton laughs and leans over to kiss Alex’s forehead. “Good night. Thank you for tonight.”
Alex turns to me. “Good night, Mom. I love you.” He wraps his arms around my waist, let’s go and turns to Clayton. “Good night, Dad. I love you.”
Emotions take hold of me and carry me over the bridge, tossing me into the cold water. It stings, but then the stinging pain leaves, and warmth surrounds me.
“I love you too, Alex.”
When we walk out of his bedroom, Clayton follows close behind, and we head outside. It’s a nice summer night, and I need to be out here to relax and get fresh air.
“Ashley.” I turn and face him. “You have been the only woman besides my family who I have ever loved. I wish I could take it all back and never have let you walk out of my life. I’m going to find a way to make things work so we can be a family. There’s always a way. What’s meant to be comes back around, and I think this is our second chance. Take this second chance with me. I gave up on