else knows?” I asked.
“No one,” Walker said.
“Right,” I snapped. “And why should I believe you? You are the one who told me you wouldn’t tell anyone, and look how well that went.”
“Don’t be too hard on him,” Hailey said softly. “That’s a lot for anyone to find out. He just needed a little advice. He really hasn’t told anyone else, but their mother sure is pushing.”
I shook my head as I struggled to wrap my mind around what was happening. I knew the secret wasn’t shared in malice, but it was still a little terrifying. How long would it be before someone came after Harrison or me? I swallowed back against the lump growing in my throat as Hailey quickly moved across the room and sat on the couch next to me.
“Please don’t be upset, Stacy. You had to know we’d find out eventually.”
“Of course, I knew everyone would find out, I just thought I’d have more time to figure things out first.”
“What is there to figure out? No one is going to come after you for parenting rights or anything else if that’s your concern.”
“Maybe not right now while things are going good, but what about if things go south? Then how willing is everyone going to be to play nice? I’ve seen what a custody battle can do to kids.”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Jackson spoke up. “I don’t care what my mother thinks, Harrison is your son and Walkers. Whatever the two of you decide, that’s between you. There won’t be anyone else sticking their nose into things.”
I took a deep breath. There wasn’t much that I could do besides hope that they were being honest with me. My fears started to ebb as we sat in silence. Everyone seemed to be waiting for me to say something, but I didn’t know what. Harrison’s world and mine were about to change forever. I just didn’t know if it was going to be for the best or not. I needed to approach things with an open mind.
“Alright then,” I said. “I guess the cat is out of the bag. What now?”
“Now, you get to know us and decide if we can be a part of Harrison’s life,” Jackson said. “I have to say, I’m pretty damned excited to be an uncle.”
I smiled. “That’s good to know. He’s an awesome little boy without question. He’s as curious as they come. Right now, he’s obsessed with anything green or yellow.”
“He’s got an artist’s eye, like his mother,” Hailey added. “I’ve never seen a kid that young be so inquisitive about the world around him.”
“Oh, but he’s got a temper too,” I added. “When he’s tired or throwing a tantrum, that boy gives me a run for my money.”
Walker laughed, “That sounds a little more like my family.”
“Aint that the truth. We see that in our own brood. Stubborn little shits! I wouldn’t ask for it any other way, though. At least we’ll earn our grey hair honestly.” Jackson said.
“What are you talking about? You’re already going grey!” Walker added.
A pillow went flying across the room, narrowly missing Walker's head as he ducked. The room erupted into laughter as my tension eased. It was nice to be relaxed around adults for a change. Except for my parents, I didn’t spend much time outside the company of Harrison. We talked a while longer about the kids and moved to the dining room where Walker had prepared a fantastic meal. The rest of the evening flew by.
Before long, I was hugging Hailey goodbye as she and Jackson left for their own house. After they left, I became increasingly aware that there wasn’t a soul around but myself and Walker. My body ached to feel his touch. Whenever we slept together, though, I always found myself more confused than ever before. Everything was going so perfectly; I didn’t want to mess that up.
“I should get going,” I whispered.
He reached down, tilting my chin, so our eyes locked onto each other. I knew if he kissed me, it would be my undoing. His head tilted down, his lips brushing against my cheek as a shudder of desire rippled through me. As his hands moved down my arms and his lips found my neck, the breath in my chest froze. I was his to do with as he pleased. There was no denying the way my body reacted to Walker when he touched me.
“Get home safe,” he said. “Text me when you get there,