Chapter Three
Winter smiled as he changed Connor’s diaper, he was exhausted, but he knew it came with the territory of becoming the baby’s legal guardian, well almost legal. Even though it was a few months before the summer break, Winter decided to take a leave of absence until the new semester, in September.
He’d also contacted the community college that he’d worked at every summer telling them that he would not be available to work that summer. Winter was hesitant to leave Connor with anyone at the moment, he wasn’t sure what he was going to do once the new school year started, but that was for later.
He could take a few years off if he wanted to and live off his investments and inheritance that his grandparents had left him. But no matter what he and Connor would be fine.
Well, that’s if I don’t have to go to court and fight for custody.
While he was making funeral preparations, Winter had found Richard’s and Caroline’s last will in their home office. It was a shock to him when he found out that Richard had a little brother that was in the Navy. Winter had remembered Caroline trying her best to tell him something, but at the time he wasn’t paying attention. All he wanted was for his friend to live so that she could see her little boy grow up.
Honestly, Winter was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that he wouldn’t be able to pick up the phone and call his best friend and talk about every and anything under the sun. Or them sitting on the couch sharing a blanket, binge-watching their favorite series, and them tearing at the same spots no matter how many times they’d seen it. Winter knew for certain that without Connor he wouldn’t be able to function.
Winter had gotten in contact with the Red Cross to notify Richard’s brother about his death. That was two weeks ago, and he still hadn’t heard anything from the military officials or Creed Mikami.
Maybe he died, and Richard never got around to changing his will. Or they weren’t close and had a falling out, and he died before they could fix things.
In Richard’s will it stated that in the event if something were to happen to him and Caroline, any children they had would be left in the care of Creed Makami and Winter Di Matteo. He hoped that Creed’s brother wouldn’t contest Richard and Caroline’s will.
“There, you’re all clean,” Winter said brushing a finger against Connor’s cheek. “You’re such a good baby, but then again you’re the only baby I’ve been around.”
Winter picked up Connor and then the prepared bottle he’d brought with him and walked over to the rocking chair by the window and started feeding the baby. He still wasn’t sure if he’d ever get the hang of caring for a baby. Taking care of Connor made him realize how unprepared he was. Even with all the instructions, he got before leaving the hospital, he still felt clueless. His parents were supportive of him and visited a couple of times to help him out with Connor.
He looked down at Connor hoping that he’d be able to live up to the promise he made to Caroline. Putting the empty bottle to the side brought Connor to his shoulder tapping his back gently. “Come on, little guy, let me hear how good your meal was.” On cue, Connor gave the cutest burp that made him chuckle.
The doorbell rang and Winter, stood slowly with Connor in his arms trying not to wake him. Winter laid him down in his crib, smiling at his sweet sleeping face. He and Dad had moved all of the baby’s things over to his house. He couldn’t bear to stay in the home that Caroline and Richard shared, it brought back too many memories.
The doorbell rang again reminding him that someone was at the door. He looked at his watch as he walked down the stairs, noting it was a few minutes after seven. He was used to getting up early for work, so that part of his life didn’t change much with having Connor in his home.
“I’m coming,” he said to whoever was waiting impatiently on the other side of the door.
He opened the door and gasped when he saw the handsome man standing in front of him — tall, beautiful light brown skin, dark gray eyes, and muscles for days.
Shit, maybe even years.
A pleasant scent wafted under his nose, and his body started to react, but he ignored the feeling. It had been a while since he gotten laid. “Can I help you?”
The handsome man stared at him for a couple of seconds before responding. “Yes, I’m looking for Winter Di Matteo.”
Fuck, he has a sexy voice.“I’m Winter Di Matteo, again who are you?”
“I’m Creed Mikami, Richard’s brother.”
“Oh shit,” Winter said as his eyes widened in surprise. “Well, you sure took your time getting here.”
Creed Mikami seemed a bit taken back by Winter’s remark, but he wasn’t going to apologize for his attitude.
“Look, I just found out two days ago that my brother and his wife are dead, so excuse me for not rushing here quick enough for you.”
“Oh,” was all Winter could say. And he felt ashamed for jumping down the guy’s throat.
“The letter I got said that you’d be the person to ask about my nephew.”
“He’s sleeping.”
“What?”
“I said, Connor is sleeping.” Winter folded his arms and leaned against the door frame.
