Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“True. Hey, did you talk to Ox about the partnership proposal I gave you?”
“Not yet. I’ll do it soon. I promise.”
“There’s no rush. You take your time to think. I want you to be happy.”
I look at my cousin and smile. I am happy. I like this grown-up version of us. This is the closeness I felt like we lost somewhere. I don’t blame Ven, I think it was all me.
My need to keep my worlds separate did more damage than good in the end. I will forever regret this fact, but I’m grateful as it all comes together now.
I think.
* * *
Ox
I sit back on the couch with my arms spread out behind me. AJ sits beside me with a stack of flash cards in his hands. I got them for him when I had started his room.
I’m so proud of him as he works his way through them today. I’ve been enjoying my time with him while Lex is out with Skittles for a spa day. We made cupcakes and spent some time outside with his Power Wheels.
Of course, he chose the truck after seeing Leo drop mine off earlier. I just love seeing him smile. When he does, I see his mother.
I don’t know how I missed it before. The kid looks just like me and Lex mixed together. Boy, was I in denial.
“Great job,” I croon as he reads the flashcard in his hand to me.
His face lights up with pride and he reads another. “Finger.”
“That’s my boy.” I hold a hand up for a high-five.
“Mommy,” he squeals as Lex walks in with Skittles.
He jumps down from the couch and runs to her. She looks down at him with a smile as he wraps himself around her leg. That same smile on his lips.
“Did you have fun with Daddy?”
“Yes. Daddy and AJ made cupcakes.”
Lex looks up at me with a smile and lifts a brow. I shake my head. The kid didn’t wait two minutes before ratting me out.
I stand and move over to grasp the back of her neck and kiss her lips, then her temple. I take my phone from my pocket and open one of the videos I recorded of us baking and frosting the cupcakes. She takes the phone as I hand it to her.
“Aww, this is so cute. You poured in the eggs and Daddy let you turn on the mixer. Look at my sweet boy.”
“Good job,” AJ croons. “I big boy.”
“This is so stinking cute,” Skittles sings.
“We had fun. You can see us frost them in the next video,” I say as the two watch the video on my phone.
“Wow, Ox. You’re all giving Daddy Day Care vibes. That’s kind of smexy,” Skittles says the last part in this teasing voice and wiggles her brows. “Listen, I’m down to babysit any time. Just call. I have to go before my husband shows up looking for me.”
“Let him. You guys are always welcome to hang out,” I say.
She smiles. “As much as I want one of those cupcakes and to spend more time with you guys, I think I need a nap. I love y’all though. Call me.”
With that, she turns and leaves. I bend to lift AJ into my arms and reach for Lex’s hand. She smiles at me and slides her fingers between mine.
“Your cupcakes await. Come on. Did you eat?”
“I had Starbucks before the spa. I’m starving right now.”
“What do you have a taste for?”
“At the moment, I’m not going to be picky at all. I’d eat AJ’s favorite happily.”
“Chicken nuggets and fries coming up.”
She gives me a beaming smile. Then bites her lip. Placing my son on the counter, I turn and tug her into me.
“What?”
“I love that you know him so well. I had hoped you would bond with him, but this was more than I could have asked for.”
“The kid is kind of hard not to love. Why don’t you let him read to you while I get us all something to eat.”
“Read to me?”
“Yeah, he’s doing great with the flash cards. A little book came with them for when he masters the deck. I think he might be ready, right, buddy?”
“Great job. Use my words,” AJ says.
“Oh my God, I’ve been out for one day. You have our baby reading and he seems to have more words today. What? Are you trying to move him out of the way for the next one?” she says with a teasing smile.
I grab her face and take her lips. I kiss her deeply and groan. She clings to my shirt and lifts onto her toes.
“I’m hoping I took care of that last night,” I say against her lips.
She smiles and pecks my lips. “Time will tell. Time will tell, my husband.”
I release her and smile down at her. I’ve been thinking all day about what all Uncle Blake said, trying my best to decipher his words in hopes I don’t have to have the conversation he’s convinced I need to have with Lex. We’re in such a good place, I don’t want to lose this.