Atlas
“So, are you his father now or something? You did abuild a family?” The question pisses me off more than I can admit. It takes immense restraint not to punch Seth square in the mouth. I still might.
Noah is Cora’s brother, and I know she cares deeply for him. I do too. He’s a great kid. She’s done a great job raising him. I would be honored to have a kid like Noah be mine. I could be a father figure to him, but I don’t want to overstep with Cora. We haven’t even discussed it yet, and I’m afraid of what will happen if I approach it.
Cora and Noah have two of the purest souls, and I can’t fathom why her father would just shove them aside like they didn’t matter. She’s wary when it comes to who she lets into Noah’s life, and I’m so fucking honored that she trusts me with him. It burns me from the inside that his own father couldn’t see what he had.
“No, I’m not his fucking father,” I spit out harsher than I intend to. When I have kids of my own, I vow they’ll never wonder if they have my love. Cora knows I care for them.
“But that doesn’t matter because I still want to be there for him. For him and Cora both. You don’t have to understand it, or respectmy decision, any of you.” I give them all a pointed look. “But she is it for me. Her and Noah are my family, just like you guys are.”
“Okay, alright.” Seth throws his hands in the air in surrender. “I just don’t want to see you get attached, and it not work out.”
“Why wouldn’t it work?” I question him. There is no fucking future scenario where we aren’t together. Cora, Noah, and I will continue adding to our little family unit. She’s let me in, and I’m not going anywhere.
Taking a stack of plates off the counter, I put them back into the cupboard for Emma. Looking at the clock on the wall, I realize I have to get ready to go with Cora soon. We’re having dessert at the Morgans’ in about half an hour.
“I’m done with this conversation. I’ll see you guys later. We’re heading to the Morgans’ soon.”
Seth nods, seemingly still stuck in his own world.
“I still think Cora is too good for you.” Kash laughs, shaking his head.
I don’t disagree with him because she is. I know she is, but I’ll be damned if I do the honorable thing and leave her.
Walking toward the living room, I almost knock Emma over. Grabbing her arm to steady her, I say, “I didn’t see you. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. But I’m surprised at you, Atlas.”
“Why, what did I do?”
“You told Cora you would go with her and instead you bailed on her to hang out with those yahoos.” She gestures toward the kitchen.
Staring at her, my brain tries to catch up. “What are you talking about?”
Putting her hands on her hips, she stares me down. “I’m talking about how she left with Noah, and you just told her you’d meet her there. Not exactly a good impression.” She tuts.
She left?“What do you mean,she left?” Why would she leave and not say anything? Brushing past Emma, I head into the living room to findit empty.
Whirling around, I face her again.
“What did she say? Exactly.”
She looks at me strangely, then explains, “She told me she appreciated my kindness, as if she needed to.” She shakes her head. “And that you told her you wanted to stay here for a bit with them.” She gestures behind her, to where the guys now stand.
“That makes no sense. She didn’t come to talk to me. Did she tell you guys she was leaving at all?” I ask, looking at each of their shocked faces.
“What the hell? Why wouldn’t she take me?” I ask aloud. It doesn’t make sense. Sitting down on the couch, I think about how the evening went. Lunch was nice, and her and Noah seemed to relax, even after the spill. Pulling out my phone, I go to her contact and call, frowning when it goes straight to voicemail. That’s not like her.
We started cleaning up, and Emma sent her out here with a bowl of apple pie and ice cream for her and Noah. Glancing at the table, I see the empty dishes, and my heart drops.No.
“No,” I whisper. “No, no, no,” I chant over and over, grabbing my hair with my hands, feeling the panic seizing me.
“What’s wrong?” Emma sits next to me on the couch, but I shoot to my feet, pacing back and forth.
“Dude. What’s your deal?” Rhett asks, concern marring his face.
Freezing mid-stride, I look at them. “She heard,” I mumble. It takes them a minute, and their faces all fall. It’s the only thing that makes sense.
