they’d hug me and help me in any way they could.”
“You come from good people.”
“You might not think you do, but you’re one of the best I’ve met, Mikah. Not many men would take a baby into their home, trusting it’s theirs and doing everything you’ve done to give him a stable and loving home.”
“I want to be better than my own father.”
“You will.” I have no doubts.
I cover his hand with mine on the stroller and we keep walking, connected and close. I never would have imagined being my age, so young, and dating a man with a child, but there’s something so beautiful and right about every moment I’ve had with Mikah and Angelo, I stop questioning it.
I like this guy a lot. And I’ll do whatever I need to help him find his footing, as well as grow closer to him.
Chapter Twenty-One
Paisley
* * *
Katie wasn’t joking when she said Jude lived in an enormous palace. No wonder why she knows where all the best antique and home furnishings stores are. She has to have been decorating the inside since she moved in last winter.
The home is massive, the gate at the neighborhood was my first clue but I’m still surprised by the elegance and size of Jude’s home as Mikah pulls his car into the long drive that has a turnaround near the front door. It’s currently lined and packed with vehicles for manufacturers I can only ever dream of affording. I’m not even sure why this money surprises me. They’re professional athletes, after all. But there’s something different about knowing they have money and seeing it.
It’s so far outside what I’m used to nerves assault me.
Next to me, there’s a man holding my hand, squeezing it gently and behind me, there’s a beautiful, little boy, babbling happily in his car seat.
And how did showing up like a happy little family become my life? And is it stranger that bothers me less than all this money?
“This is pretty much the perfect place to hold a team party.” There has to be thirty cars out front and there’s still space for more. The yard is massive, and I haven’t seen the backyard.
“Pool and ball courts in the back. We can all show up and be big kids. Plus the kids can run wild, too.”
“Does the whole team usually come?”
“Not all, but most. Some of the single guys miss because, well, it’s family friendly. I didn’t come last year, I don’t think.”
For a brief second I consider asking him why this year, but I’m not sure that’s needed. Angelo in the back seat makes this more of Mikah’s speed these days and I’m sure once we step through those doors, someone will swoop in and grab him and Mikah will get a break from daddy-duty for a few hours. Something he probably needs.
We’ve spent most of the weekend together when I haven’t been on campus or at my place catching up on laundry and cleaning. But those times have mostly revolved around Angelo, and it should. I’m not complaining.
But we also haven’t had any “alone” time like we did on Friday and even in the times where we could, Mikah didn’t press for anything after the make-out session on Saturday morning in his bed. I’m not pushing for it. I’m not certain if he needs or wants more time before taking things further, and I don’t need more affection to know he likes me.
He’s teased and implied he wants more, but he hasn’t taken us there. Unless he’s waiting for a clue from me.
He pulls his SUV to a stop, sparkling black Land Rover that’s so clean inside and out and still has a lingering smell of eau de new vehicle scent, it makes me curious how old it is. I’ve learned Mikah is particularly clean and neat, so perhaps he’s had it for years and it still smells new.
Whichever. I open my door and climb out, then open the back door on the passenger side so I can grab Angelo’s car seat from his base. It’s easier to grab him than wait for Mikah and by the time he reaches us, Angelo is in his car seat, the plastic handle over my forearm and I have his diaper bag, something that’s possibly four sizes too large and stuffed full like we’re on a weekend getaway over my shoulder.
“I’ll take him,” Mikah says, reaching out.
“I don’t mind.” I already have him.
“You do too much already.” He divests me of