“Wow, he’s really going all out,” I said, smirking. “Sounds like a smitten kitten.”
She rolled her eyes. “He’s just being nice.”
“Uh-huh,” I teased.
I finished making the oatmeal and brought it to Bebe, sitting beside her to make sure she ate slowly, spoonful by spoonful. Afterward, I tucked her back under the blanket, kissed her forehead, and headed upstairs to shower.
As I stepped out, my phone buzzed on the counter. A text from Will lit up the screen, and I noticed a missed call from Jason as well.
Will: Morning, babe. How’s everyone doing? Are you up for some visitors? Ivy and I can come by tonight with dinner.
I smiled at the casual intimacy of his words, feeling warmth spread through me. Will had started talking to me like a real boyfriend lately. After months of sneaking around, it felt… normal.
I replied quickly:
Natalie: Hey, you. We’d love to see you both tonight. How about five?
Will: Works for us.
I tapped Jason’s name and called him back.
“Hey, Nat,” he answered. “How’s Bebe doing?”
“She’s good,” I said. “She ate a little oatmeal.”
“Good to hear. Can we stop by before I take my parents to the airport? Maybe in an hour?”
“Sure,” I said.
“Oh, and I was thinking, why don’t I keep James with me for the next few days? I’m not traveling next week, so I can check in on Bebe and help if you need anything.”
“That would actually be great,” I said, surprised by the offer. Jason wasn’t known for taking time off, but it felt genuine. “Thanks, Jason.”
“Of course,” he said.
An hour later, Meredith opened the door, greeting Jason, James, and Jason’s parents, Deb and Richard. James ran toward me immediately, throwing his arms around my waist.
“Mommy! I missed you so much!”
“I missed you too, buddy,” I said, hugging him tightly.
James then approached Bebe on the couch, looking hesitant.
“Daddy told me I can’t jump on you or the couch,” he said solemnly.
“That’s right, James,” Bebe said, her voice soft but amused.
Deb handed me a bouquet of flowers. “Thought the house could use some color,” she said, her tone surprisingly kind.
“Thank you,” I said, graciously, as I took the flowers and set them on the counter.
Upstairs, as I packed James’ duffel bag with his school uniform, Jason appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
“Would you mind if Brooke and I took James to a movie tonight?” he asked casually, though there was something measured in his tone.
I paused, my hand frozen mid-fold. His question caught me off guard, and I was stunned by how I reacted. “Do you care if Will and Ivy come over tonight?” I asked, my voice sharper than I’d intended.
Jason straightened, his expression tightening. “I didn’t even know things were serious with you and Will. You didn’t bring it up to me and, honestly, I was surprised to see him last night. Iwas focused on Bebe last night but I wish I’d had some notice, Natalie.” He paused, his jaw flexing. “I’m not going to make a big deal out of it, even though he fucked my wife.”
