“Oh.” My heart pinches.
“I think it’s a point we needed to hear, maybe we should be putting in more effort.”
“What more can we do?”
“Summer vacation, we should spend time together, the three of us.”
My eyes grow big, and my mouth opens but no words come out. I feel my throat go dry, and I swallow. “Like a family trip or something?”
“Something like that. Why don’t you come stay at my place after Connor’s hockey camp finishes? A little lake time, all three of us.” There is so much conviction in his voice that I know he believes his suggestion is a plausible solution.
A gasp escapes me. “You’re serious?”
“Very.”
I step to the side as I take in the last minute. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
It’s really not.
It would mean more time with Ford, memories of our younger selves, and the confrontation that Ford is no longer married to hockey.
Ford is quick to grab my arm to draw me back to him, ensuring our eyes meet. “It’s an excellent idea. We’ve had family dinners together, but this is something more and for him. Showing Connor that we are all one team.”
“One team.” I huff a laugh because this isn’t what I imagined calling my dream family.
“He needs this, Elle,” he pleads.
“I… I don’t know.” I’m doubtful.Verydoubtful.
There is a pause as we both stand there as two former lovers trying to find our road forward.
We both promised to always put Connor first, and that’s my inner turmoil at this very second. Do I ignore the warning signs if it means putting Connor first?
“Margo… it’s her birthday, and she’s asking that you visit.” He adds fuel to the fire.
“Ford…” What do I say to that? Margo did so much for us. She stood up for us when nobody else would.
“We owe her.”
I blow out a long breath. “I know.”
“Is it so bad that we give a little time for Connor and Margo?”
I look at him like he’s crazy. “You know it’s not just that.”
Do I need to spell out all the reasons this is a bad idea? His heated look is reason one, and my jumping heart is reason two.
“Come on, Elle, neither one of us will be able to sleep knowing we could give Connor a week to help ensure he knows all is okay.”
“You’re right. It’s just…”
He catches my gaze and places his hands on my shoulders so I can’t escape. “You can have your own room… if you want.” Ford’s swaggered-mischief ways cause me to smirk, but I still give him wide eyes. “You can study and relax whenever. We can take Connor to places together on your breaks.”
I should be more focused when studying, but Ford is presenting an offer to consider.
“I mean, I guess a little family time would be reasonable.”
“Then agree.”
