had in-person check-ins for a time, but once his proficiency was clear, I didn’t feel the need to cross paths with him. He used to be skittish about open access to my place but once he realized that he wasn’t going to walk in on me with anyone else, he comes and goes when he needs to. The only way I know he’s been there is that my suits are gone and replaced by Monday.
I try to think about Lancaster, but my mind is mulling over how nice this weekend has been so far with minimal disturbances. I’ve been getting some work done and have been taking calls, but I wake up with my kids, braid some hair, and get to spend the morning watching them play.
The sliding door opens and Natalie steps out. The wind ruffles the coppery curls around her face. She looks soft and approachable. It’s instinct to get up and give her a kiss. We’re not there—yet.
I keep my ass seated but close my laptop. Work for today is done. “How’s your mom?”
“Better. She said she got through yesterday without napping. She might nap today, but wants to get outside for some sun.”
“That’ll be good for her.”
“As long as Dad can keep her out of the garden. She needs to work up slowly and she won’t once she puts gardening gloves on.” She sits in the chair next to me. Her sunglasses are still on, hiding her expression.
“I can make sure I’m around this week.”
Her brow crinkles over her shades. “Take another week off?”
She makes it sound like I announced we’re sailing across the world. “No, but I can come over for a bit each evening so you can get some work done.”
She stares at me. “Each evening?”
I shouldn’t be so insulted by her disbelief. I need to prove that I can do it. I did it before, when we were married.
Well, I usually brought the work home, which will happen again. But with Helena’s help, I can carve out a few hours each night. A few hours that will be easier if I’m around. “Why don’t I bring my supplies for the week over? That way I don’t have to waste time going back and forth.”
Her mouth forms a troubled line. “I don’t think that’s a…”
“I’ll be around in the mornings if you get up early, or in the evenings.” She’s going to try to do it all herself. Whether it’s her default or because she thinks I’ll flake, I have to convince her to let me help. “You still need to check on your parents?”
“I can do that with the girls.”
“Don’t swimming lessons start this week?” I don’t miss the beat of surprise. She didn’t think I’d remember what my own kids have going on.
She nods. “And the sports sampler.”
“The what?” I’ve never heard of an activity that sounds like an appetizer.
“They play a little of every sport to see what they like. It’s easier than having both of them trying full seasons of each sport while I drive all over town.”
“You’ll still be running around. Let me help. Then they don’t have to disrupt the first week by coming to the condo.” It’s getting harder to call it my place. This house has always been my place.
She thinks it over, but her expression doesn’t look happy. “I…I could use the time in the evening to keep setting up my business.”
I keep my smile just shy of triumphant. I’ve got another week with them. Another week to woo Natalie. More time to prove myself.
Chapter 7
Simon
Abby and Maddy race up the stairs and run into my condo. “Where’s your suitcase, Dad?”
Their shoes pounding on the hardwood floor echo through the empty place. My condo is an old building renovated to capture the old rustic beauty and meld with a new look. High ceilings, exposed brick, and brand new luxury plank on the floor made it trendy. That wasn’t what prompted me to buy it. It was close to my office. Less drive time was less thinking time.
Cool relief wafts over me. I won’t have to come here all week.
As soon as Natalie and I told the girls that I’ll be staying another week, they wanted to come here and get me packed ASAP. Like me, they’re afraid their mom might change her mind. So I gathered them up and gave Natalie some quiet time to get her run in and catch up on some office work.
“Just grab my gym bag.” All I need to do