“Hey.” Kara opened the door, greeting me with her huge smile, flashing me her dimples. “You’re early.”
“I couldn’t wait to see you.” I pulled her into an embrace, wasting no time kissing her. I ached for her, craved her in every way.
“Hmm,” she hummed against my lips as I took the kiss further. Moving my fingers down her throat and over her breasts.
Would it be wrong to carry her upstairs and tell her after we…
“Wait!” She broke the kiss. “There’s been a change in plans.”
“Oh?”
“Zoey was supposed to have a sleepover at her friend’s house but they had to cancel.”
“I see.” Not that I wasn’t thrilled that my daughter would be joining us for dinner but I couldn’t possibly confess in front of her.
“Are you upset?” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “We could order in. We don’t have to go out.”
“I’m not upset.” I kissed her, assuring her that including Zoey in our plans was always an option. “I’d love for Zoey to join us. That makes the night even more special.”
“I was looking forward to a date night.”
“I’m sure we could have one very soon.”
I’d finally worked up the nerve to tell her and now I’d have another night with them. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe the universe was trying to warn me to keep my secret to myself. I had to change my plans. That’s all. I was used to making things happen and making them work for everyone involved.
“X!” Zoey came down the stairs holding a wrapped present in her hands. “We have something for you.”
“You do?” I knelt in front of her. “Can I have a hug first?”
“Yes!” She giggled as she wrapped her little arms around my neck. “Did you hug Mommy?”
“I did.” I let her go and winked at Kara, standing there looking even more beautiful than she had a few minutes ago. How was that possible? Perhaps it was me falling even more for her. “This is the best part of my day. Seeing the two of you always makes me happy.”
“I’m happy!” She handed me the package. “I made this for you. Mommy wrapped it.”
“I can’t wait to see what it is.”
When I sat on the floor, Zoey settled into my lap. I reached out my hand and offered it to Kara. “Come on, Mommy, join us.” It’s where you belong.
“I’d love to.” Kara sat next to me, leaning close enough for me to smell her sweet shampoo. “Zoey worked very hard on your gift.”
“Let’s see what it is.” I carefully opened the package, revealing a hand drawn picture in a black and silver frame. “You drew this?”
“I colored it too,” Zoey said with pride. “For you.”
“She’s been working on it for days,” Kara told me. “I think she might be a budding artist.”
It was a picture of the three of us, holding hands, and walking through the park.
“We’re in the park,” Zoey said. “We’re together.”
“I love it.” This was the most valuable gift anyone had ever given to me. I would cherish it always.
“I thought if we framed it, you could put it in your office,” Kara suggested. “Then when you’re really busy you can remember that we can meet at the park whenever you need air.”
“Like the day we met.” I studied the picture, knowing in my heart this was the life I was meant to live. It didn’t matter how I got here. I never wanted to leave.
“Mommy was sad that day.” Zoey looked up at me. “When you’re here she’s never sad.”
“Your mommy will never be sad again.” I gazed into Kara’s eyes. “I’m always going to be here for my girls. I promise.”
“Thank you.” Kara kissed my cheek, taking my hand in hers. “We’re always going to take care of you too.”
I hope that’s always true. I kissed the top of Zoey’s head, taking in the moment.
14
Xavier
A week had gone by since I almost made my confession. After giving it some thought, I realized telling Kara the truth wasn’t the right decision for any of us. All it would do was make things tense between us. To some it may seem as if I was doing a horrible thing. I didn’t see it that way. I had built a relationship with Kara. If I told her the truth, she would view it as me deceiving her to get close to Zoey. That wasn’t it at all. It was true that I never set out to be with Kara but fate had different plans. When Lanie gave Zoey away my life changed and I didn’t even know it. Zoey belonged to Kara. I would never think otherwise. If lying to her kept us in this perfect family bubble then so be it but I swore there would never be another lie between us.
When we pulled up to my house, I noticed a car in front. One that I didn't recognize. The snow was steadily falling, blanketing the streets. I looked forward to spending a cozy night cuddled by the fire with my girls. Zoey had fallen asleep on the ride home. It was late, so Kara had put her in her pajamas before we left. She’d already eaten dinner, so she was probably out for the night.
“Alec.” I studied the car out front. “Get as close to the house as possible. I don’t want Zoey out in this for too long.”
“I’ve never seen that car before,” he said. “Maybe they’re visiting someone.”
I didn’t pay much attention to the car. “We can put her in the guest bedroom.” I stroked Zoey’s hair before leaning over and pressing my lips to Kara’s. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I was thinking the same thing.” She ran her thumb along my lips, giving me an opportunity to kiss her fingers. “She’s going to love making breakfast with you in the morning.”
“I promised her pancakes.” They were calling for significant snow so Zoey’s school was already closed in anticipation of the weather. I thought it would be a perfect night for them to spend with me. “Lila made dinner and left it in the warming drawer.”
“She’s thoughtful.” Kara unbuckled her seatbelt. “I am hungry.”
“Let’s get inside.” I gazed out the window as Alec opened Kara’s door. “It’s really starting to come down.”
I took Zoey out of her carseat, stopping to stare at her for a second, admiring how perfect she was. Tonight, she and her mother would be where they belonged. After dinner, I planned to ask Kara to move in with me. I wanted them with me. Always. My family.
“Xavier.” A voice called from behind me.
When I turned to see who it was, I glared at my unexpected guest. The one person who had the potential to blow my world apart. What the hell is she doing here?
“Kate.” I cleared my throat as Kara joined us. “What are you doing here?”
“I…” She stared at Zoey. “She’s an angel.”
“Thank you.” Kara smiled.
“She’s yours?” Kate was surprised. “How can that be?”
“We need to get her inside.” I handed her to Kara, hoping Kate would do minimal damage. “I won’t be long.”