And as I walk into the house, I feel like we may just be lucky, and easing him into our new dynamic might be a breeze. But I also wonder why he never asked if we were getting back together. It doesn’t even seem to be a thought in his brain.
I realize that not many things in life make me nervous. I do well under pressure; how else was I a star hockey player? Yet telling Connor about his mom and me? It has me anxious.
Maybe I won’t get the father-of-the-year award, but I think tomorrow we rip the band-aid off, because I’m sure as hell not sneaking around.
15
FORD
Walking into my home office, I pause when I take in the mass of post-it notes, highlighters, and notebooks splayed across my desk. My head tilts to the side as I wait for Brielle to look up at me, or at least notice that I’m here, as she is immersed in her book.
Clearing my throat, I wiggle my fingers at my side and my eyes circle the room, taking in the morning light.
“Morning,” she says as she finishes writing a note before slamming the pen down and offering me a gorgeous smile.
I approach the desk, happy that she is making herself at home. “What time did you get up?”
“I think six.” She doesn’t seem sure. “Wanted to get a study session in.”
I perch on the edge of my desk and dip my head down to kiss her. Would have preferred if I woke to her in my bed, but Connor is back, and clearly, Brielle has a few things on her mind.
She hums as I kiss her deeper, and I wish I didn’t have to pull away. “I think you need a break.”
“Oh yeah?” she whispers before her tongue delves into my mouth and her fingers curl around the fabric of my shirt.
I touch her wrists to steady us. As much as I have a few scenarios for this room, we need to talk.
Reluctantly pulling away, I give her one more quick chaste kiss before holding her hands on my lap. “How about we do a pool session this morning, then I take Connor into town so you can have a little space to study?” I suggest.
“Sounds good. Is he up already?” she wonders.
“I heard him stirring when I came down the stairs.”
“I should go make him some breakfast.” Brielle begins to get up, but I’m quick to hold her wrist to prevent her from getting far, and she gives me a bewildered look.
“He knows how to use a bowl and spoon. One morning of Coco Puffs isn’t going to kill him. He’s fine,” I assure her because I know she insists he eats a big healthy breakfast every morning, often including her slaving over the griddle to make him pancakes.
She smirks to herself. “I guess you’re right.”
“Relax, okay?” She nods in agreement. “So, I was thinking while I’m with Connor that maybe he and I could have a little talk. Man to man, you know?”
“What do you mean?” She seems a little curious and concerned.
I run my hand along her arm to ease her. “I know we have a lot to discuss, but I think he’s old enough that we don’t need to be so delicate around him. He’s smart.”
She sighs and sinks back into the chair. “Shouldn’t we tell him together? Wait a little, too? I mean, we’re so fresh.”
“We’ve been together for ten years, just not in a physical sense. I think you can agree.”
Her nose raises slightly. “After I sit for the Bar, then we can tell Connor and drop the bombshell to our parents, figure out how to make this work.”
“We’ll work.” My tone is a little sharp. “We will do all of that, but Connor is different, and I think sneaking around him only elevates stress levels.”
“Maybe.” She breathes out. I notice she is biting the inside of her cheek. “Don’t you want to tell him together?”
“I think it’s a talk that he and I need to have. Can you trust me on this?”
Her eyes meet mine and are filled with faith and contentment. “Okay. Tell him.”
