I wouldn't disparage him in front of Ayla. I had a feeling that she'd know who he was eventually. She was a good judge of character, and I'd be the man she could count on going forward. I'd be at every school activity and game, as long as Angela was okay with me being in their lives.
Gus had already solidified his position with those two, and it wasn't a good one. He could improve his relationship with his daughter, and I wouldn't stand in the way of that. But I had a feeling he wouldn't.
I walked inside, setting my phone on the counter.
Angela's forehead creased. "I saw you talking to Gus. Everything okay?"
I rolled my shoulders back. "Yeah, I don't think he'll question my place here again."
Her eyes widened.
"We prove to people who we are through our actions. I intend to be here for you and Ayla."
Her expression softened, and she came around the counter to wrap her arms around my waist. I let my arms close around her, lowering my head and closing my eyes. It felt so good to have her in my arms. I never wanted to let her go.
CHAPTER 24
ANGELA
We made dinner, then watched movies while the snow fell. By the next morning, there was enough to go sledding. I hadn't taken Ayla that many times because we hadn't lived anywhere with a good hill.
Hudson insisted we ride the snowmobiles to a popular hill nearby. We spent the morning on the hill and came home to make hot chocolate.
The snow was a nice reprieve from real life, but it wouldn't be deep enough to shut down the town hall scheduled for Monday.
On Sunday night, I walked into the bedroom to change. Hudson had stayed overnight on Saturday and today, using the snow as an excuse. I was just getting my pajamas out of the drawer when Hudson appeared in the doorway. "Tomorrow's the town hall."
I sighed. "I know."
"I'll be at the meeting to talk about the renovations. I created a potential schedule for repairs."
I folded the pajamas, placing them on the bed. "That's a good idea."
He sat on the bed across from me, his legs spread, and his elbows resting on his knees. "You're worried it will be a referendum on whether your shop will be allowed to reopen?"
My stomach twisted at the reminder. "My lease ends January fifteenth. Eve hasn't mentioned renewing it."
"But she's repeatedly stressed that your shop be completed first so that you can reopen," he said reasonably.
My nose scrunched. "That's not the same as a signed contract."
He nodded. "Hopefully, she'll clear that up at the meeting."
"That's the ideal situation."
He reached for me. "I think you need a distraction."
I smiled as he pulled me between his legs. His hands ran up the back of my thighs.
"We should lock the door," I said, my voice breathless.
He immediately stood and crossed the room to turn the lock. "You don't think Ayla will need you?"
"She only needs me when she's sick. She knows to knock if it's locked."
He turned and moved toward me, pulling me against his body, then lowering his mouth to mine. "I'm going to make you forget about the meeting and everything else."
"I'm looking forward to that," I murmured.
