every right to be here. It’s not a problem.”
I turn to Alex. “Want to walk around Dad’s work? I can show you the break room.”
“What’s so special about a break room?”
Nolan throws his head back, laughing. “Wait until you see.”
“What am I missing?” Ashley asks.
Nolan turns to her and walks toward her. “Hey. Sorry. We haven’t met, but I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Nolan.”
“Ashley.” She smiles. “It’s nice to finally meet you too.”
“Likewise.” The two stand there having a silent conversation, and I hold back my annoyance. I knew they’d get along, and even though I’m happy they get along, I’m not sure how much I like they can have a conversation without words.
“So, about that break room.”
Alex has a football in one hand and uses his other hand to hold mine. Damn, it feels good to see him again and having them visit me.
“I got you breakfast.” Ashley hands me a brown bag, and I can smell the breakfast sandwich. My mouth immediately waters. “It’s just a smoked salmon bagel sandwich.”
“Extra capers?”
“Yes. Extra capers.”
“Thanks, baby.” I lean over and kiss her cheek. “I didn’t get a chance to get breakfast. Again, sorry for running out this morning. We had an issue, and I had to deal with it with Nolan.”
“I get it. It’s okay.”
When we get to the break room, and Alex rushes inside, looking at all the technology and gaming system.
“I need to live here. Dad, can you hire me? Mom, I don’t need to go to camp. I can live here. Holy cow. This is awesome.”
“This is your break room?” Ashley looks around.
“Well, this is a tech company. We have a gaming department and developers who are creating games and testers to test. I’m a kid at heart.” I shrug my shoulders. “It’s a great way for our employees to let loose a little and break up the day.”
“Wow.” She whispers and looks at me. “I’m proud of you. This is incredible.”
“Thanks, baby.” My chest tightens. It feels good to hear she’s proud of me. Swallowing hard, I find it hard to take a breath. Her long brown hair flows, and I notice the simple outfit she has on – black leggings and a flowy light blue tank top. When I finish taking in every gorgeous inch of her, I lift my eyes to meet hers. “You’re beautiful, Ashley.”
“Thank you,” she replies and slides her hand into mine. “I should get Alex to camp. If you can pick him up today, I’d appreciate it.”
“Not a problem. I’ll buy a booster seat for my car, so we don’t have to transfer it from your car to mine.”,
“That works. Good idea.”
“I can have dinner ready for you if you’d like.”
Her grip on my hand tightens. “Yeah, that’ll be nice.”
“Thanks for the surprise visit. It was nice, baby.”
“Of course.”
I walk Ashley and Alex back to the car and look at Ashley, admiring how she’s holding our son’s hand and imagining more children with her.
“Alex.” He stops and turns to look at me. I take a few steps so I can get close to him and kneel. “I have something I want to talk to you about.” I look at Ashley, and she instantly smiles, knowing where I’m going with the conversation. “Are you okay with mommy and daddy starting to spend more time together?”
“What? Yeah! I want you and mommy to be together. I want us to be a family.”
“We want that too, honey.” Ashley chimes in. “As long as you’re okay with that, then we will start as a family. Daddy will come over more, and we’ll put you to bed and wake up with you in the mornings.”
“This is the best day ever.”
“We’re glad that you think that, buddy. I hope you have a great day at camp.”
“Thanks, Daddy. I love you.”
I smile and hug him. “I love you too.”
Chapter 30
Ashley
For the past month, Clayton’s been coming over and spending the night. Since his place is a one-bedroom, spending time at my house makes the most sense.
Having Clayton with me, spending time with us, makes me believe this is truly our second chance. The walls are down. My heart’s ready to love him and keep him in our lives. The doubts are gone. I believe in Clayton.
I believe in us.
It’s Saturday morning, and we’re outside, hanging out with Leigh and my mom. Dana and Jesse are coming over with my nephew, Axle Jamison.
“Dad, I’m glad you’re here more.”
“Why’s that?”
I lean in and listen to their conversation.