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His eyes shifted toward the empty space beside his desk and then back to her with a shrug. “No reason.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Mm-hmm.”

He gave her the most innocent smile he could manage.

That was definitely my fucking child.

Lakelyn gave the room one more suspicious sweep before shaking her head. “Alright. Dinner will be ready soon. Finish whatever you’re doing, wash your hands, and come downstairs.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And don’t leave these crayons all over the floor.”

“I won’t.”

She gave him one final look before stepping out of the room.

We both waited until the sound of her footsteps disappeared down the hallway.

Kaidence released a dramatic breath. “Whew! That was close. Mommy almost caught us.”

“Yeah, she did.”

He checked the doorway again before whispering, “You think she heard you?”

“Nah.”

“Good.”

I shook my head.

This little nigga was enjoying the secret way too much.

“But I’ll be glad when she can hear you,” he added in a softer tone.

I sighed. “Listen to me, son. Your mama doesn’t understand what’s going on right now. Hell, if I was in her position, I probably wouldn’t believe it either.”

He nodded. “She looked sad when I mentioned you today. She’s always sad whenever she talks about you.”

That one hurt.

“I know, lil’ man.”

My attention shifted toward the bedroom door.

I knew.

I had heard enough of those conversations to understand exactly how badly my absence had hurt her, and I was tired of it. I was tired of watching my woman cry, tired of watching my son ask questions nobody could answer, and tired of being in the same damn house with both of them without being able to sit down at the dinner table like a normal father… but I had to be patient a little longer.

I looked back at Kaidence. “Some things might not make sense to you right now, but they will soon.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

He frowned. “Tomorrow?”

I laughed. “Not tomorrow.”