Taylor reached into his jacket and took out a little red car.
“Yay!” Nicholas said, running off with it.
“I recognize that car,” I said.
Taylor nodded. “You gave me that one.”
“Those were your favorite things when you were younger. I struggled with a way to relate to you back then, and those were the only things I knew for sure that you liked. That’s why I sent so damn many of them.”
“I’ve decided to pass them on to Nicholas,” he said. “I don’t need them anymore. And he loves them. Just trying to space them out, not give them to him all at once.”
Nicholas took the car inside to show his mother, leaving us alone.
“How have you been?” I asked Taylor.
“Better lately, actually.”
Hopesparked to life inside me. “Really?”
“Yeah.” He nodded.
“I left you a couple of messages when Blair told me about Juliana’s pregnancy. Not sure if you got them. I hope you know how happy I am for you.”
“I know. I got both messages. And the gift card.” He smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I want to do more but—”
“It’s okay.”
“Was the pregnancy planned?” I asked.
“Definitely not.”
“Been there…” I chuckled.
“I guess that’s one thing we have in common now.” He grinned.
My heart leaped again. “What brought you by today?”
“Oh, you know…just in the area,” he teased.
I arched a brow. “That’s it, huh?”
“No.” He kicked some dirt. “I realized that if I’m gonna be the kind of father I want to be, I need to work on my own issues.”
“Boy, can I relate to that feeling…”
“I’ve started seeing a therapist.”
I nodded. “You’re a better man than I am. I keep saying I’m going to go, but I never do. I’m proud of you for that.”
“Good. I’m sending you the bills.”
“I’d let you. I’m not even kidding.”
“Well,I’mkidding.”
He began to pace around the yard, and I followed alongside him.
