Fair Lakes Series Box Set - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,287

with a smiley, toothless Milo, who seems to have enjoyed his catnap. He instantly starts to babble, and even grins ear to ear the moment his dad unhooks the buckles and picks him up.

“Hey, little buddy, I’m going to work for a couple hours. You’re going to play in here with Hollis.” Milo’s eyes instantly turn to me as if he knew exactly what his dad was saying. In fact, he reaches for me at that moment, and I swear my heart is going to leap from my chest. It’s a mixture of elation and love for the little guy, and as I snuggle his little body into my chest, more tears fill my eyes.

Colton pulls me into his arms and kisses my forehead. “We’ll figure this out, Hollis. I promise,” he whispers. He kisses my lips once more before bending down and kissing Milo’s forehead. “I’ll be in the large matted room if you need me, or Gabby and Chase are floating around here, okay?”

I nod, unable to form words. Colton hesitates, but it doesn’t really seem like it’s because he’s leaving me with his son. It has more of a protective way about it, as if he doesn’t want to leave me, period.

When the door closes, I glance around and take in the room. It’s exactly as Colton said, and exactly as I’d expect from a man like Harrison Drake. I can’t imagine too many guys have an office set up for the owner’s kids, but this one does, and it says a lot about the guy who runs this place. A lot about Chase and Colton too.

I pull an activity mat from the shelf and set it out on the floor. The moment I lay Milo down, he starts kicking and reaching for the animals that dangle. Each one makes a noise, which seems to keep him entertained, at least for now. I take a seat on the floor next to him. Sure, I could sit on the couch, but I’d rather be close to him. I’m not exactly sure how this talk is going to go tonight, so I’d rather soak up as much of his sweet smiles and scents while I can.

Just in case.

I spend the afternoon playing with the baby. We have a quick snack and diaper change, and he goes right back to playing. He’s currently sitting in a Bumpo seat, trying to eat a cold teether, his little gums gnawing on the plastic as if it were his job. It seems to bring him a little relief, though, so I don’t care. Even if his shirt is completely soaked with slobber. I’d gladly change his outfit four more times if it meant he was happy and content.

The door behind me opens. I expect to see Colton there but am pleasantly surprised to find Gabby at the entrance. “Hey,” she whispers, instantly smiling when she sees her nephew sitting on the floor. “He’s sitting up,” she observes.

“I hope it’s okay. I saw the Bumpo seat along the wall and thought he might like to try it. I’m right here and watching him closely to make sure nothing happens to him,” I tell her, my heart starting to pound in my chest. I guess I’m not sure if he’s supposed to be sitting up or not in this thing, but I’ve seen him sit on the couch with Colton before, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt anything.

Gabby waves her hand. “Oh, it’s fine. He’s the perfect age for it,” she observes, that smile still on her pretty face. Her belly is getting bigger every time I see her, but that doesn’t stop her from coming over and squatting beside Milo. “Hey, little man. How are you?”

Milo grins at his aunt, waving his teether in her direction.

“Aww, I heard those nasty toothies are being mean to you,” she coos in a voice meant for babies. Gabby takes a seat on the opposite side of him and helps hold the teething toy. The baby continues to chomp on it, big wads of drool hanging from his chin.

I reach for the cloth and wipe his face, which irritates him a little, but he keeps moving that toy against his gums. “He’s having a tough time with that first tooth, aren’t you, buddy?” I say, the smile instantaneous on my lips.

“He seems to be doing better today,” she notices.

“He had a dose of Tylenol before we left, so he’s feeling better right now.” When I glance up, she’s