And Matty—
I shake my head. “It’s too soon.”
He stares at me for a long moment, his face sobering. Then, he nods. “I understand. Still, I … brought some gifts …” he trails off, gesturing at a bag on the steps I hadn’t noticed.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He shrugs. “I wanted to. But, uh, you don’t have to tell them—” I’m already shaking my head before he finishes “—It’s from me.”
I press a hand into his chest and give him a quick peck on the lips.
“Of course, I’ll tell them. I’m just not ready to—”
“It’s okay, Sunshine,” he smiles again.
“Thank you,” I whisper as he reaches for my hand, linking our fingers together.
“Can I see you later?”
“I don’t know …”
“Please?”
“It’s just … we have this whole family tradition today. Presents, then pancakes, then a holiday movie marathon where we eat all the candy and popcorn off the tree garlands we made last week.”
“Sounds fun,” he says wistfully. “Minus the stale popcorn.” And I hate that he can’t be a part of it. That he hasn’t always been.
“It is. What about you? Aren't you spending the day with your mom?”
He shrugs. “We did a Christmas Eve thing. She’s going to Aidan and Piper’s today.” And he wasn't invited, is the part he doesn't say. His brother is still avoiding him despite his best efforts and those of Piper and Nora.
My heart hurts at the thought of him spending the day alone, but I have to think of the boys here and maintain the boundaries I’ve set.
“Well, enjoy.” Riley raises my hand to his lips, kisses my knuckles, then releases me and turns, taking the steps quickly. At his truck, he pauses, looking back at me over his shoulder. “See you tonight, babe,” he calls, then winks and disappears into the vehicle.
I watch him back out of the drive and wave as he passes on the street. It’s not until his taillights fade in the distance that I fully take in his parting words.
Tonight?
“Whowashere?”Alexasks a short while later as he joins me in the kitchen.
“Riley,” I respond, turning from the stove where I’ve just flipped the last pancake, and frowning at the scowl that immediately crosses my son’s face.
“Don’t be like that,” I say. “You told me you were okay with us spending time together.”
He takes a seat at the table and crosses his arms, huffing out an annoyed breath. “I know.”
I move to get the maple syrup from the fridge—the real kind from somewhere in Quebec, none of that fake stuff.
“Well? Did you change your mind?”
He rolls his eyes as a yawning Matty stumbles sleepily into the room and takes a seat beside his brother. “Change your mind about what?” he mumbles.
“About Riley.” I answer, placing the syrup on the table before continuing, “And me … seeing him.”
That has Matty’s eyes widening, and he sits up straight in his chair, suddenly awake. “Seeing, seeing?” he asks, glancing over at Alex.
“Well, uhm, yeah. I was hoping to talk to you both about that, though I hadn't necessarily planned to do it today.”
