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“I’m just trying to help.”
“He wants his Winnie the Pooh bear.”
“Why didn’t we get him one today when we were out if he needs it to sleep?” Colton asked, obviously getting upset. “Eris, if he needs a Winnie the Pooh, we should have bought one.”
“Don’t snap at me.”
“You keep snapping at me, and all I’m trying to do is help,” he retorted – and got up. “I’ve been trying all day to help… and it’s not good enough, is it?”
“Where are you going?”
“Walmart,” he said hotly, grabbing his keys off the dresser. “I’m going to buy my son a Winnie the Pooh, and frankly – I need a breather.”
“Running again?”
The moment the words were out of her mouth, she knew it was a mistake. Colton turned and looked at her, his eyes full of anger and betrayal. His entire form was tense, and he looked like he was teetering on the edge of snapping.
“Now that’s ironic coming from you,” he said tightly; his entire face had this obvious pinched look to it, like he was trying hard not to yell. “You left, changed jobs, moved away, and you kept the biggest joy that a couple could have between them a secret from me… and you are accusing me of running?”
She swallowed silently, letting him vent.
“No, Eris. I am not running,” Colton snapped hotly, grabbing his keys and wallet off the old dresser beside the bedroom door. “This is what being an adult looks like. I may not know how to be a father, but if my son wants something to make him happy, then I’m going to get it because that is what feels right.”
“Colton…” she began, feeling worse than ever – because he was right. She had done nothing but snap at him, argue, and withdraw every time he’d tried to do the right thing. He was trying to make an effort and had even married her today – all because it was the right thing to do in his mind and heart.
And she was throwing it in his face.
He didn’t wait to see what she said, nor could she blame him. He walked out the bedroom door and slammed the front door of the house. No, she owed him an apology and had no idea where to begin or how to fix any of this.
“Daddy go bye-bye?” Zane announced, tearing up and fussing once more. “Zane go bye-bye, too?”
“No, we are going to wait here,” she replied as he threw another tantrum. Sighing heavily, she got up and picked him up bodily, walking into the living room that held a couch, a small television on top of a cabinet, and a recliner.
“Please be a rocker…” she whispered aloud, not really wanting to tell Colton that was missing too. How would he ever understand that she was swimming in guilt for spending so much money… knowing darn well that she’d kept Zane away. He was being so nice, so tender, and she felt like the world’s greatest monster.
Colton would flip his lid that she’d failed to mention that as well just to save money. Her rocker had been an old wooden one she bought at a yard sale for twenty dollars – and it had paid for itself in triplicate over the last three years. Sitting down, the chair gave, and she nearly sighed in relief.
Her son scrambled to get comfortable, propping himself on her shoulder, and she closed her eyes. She knew she was babying him, but he was her precious child growing up far too fast… and she would need to let him grow with Colton in his life, accepting that they might have differences in parenting.
She was still rocking Zane when the lights appeared in the front window, and Colton walked into the living room. He looked at her, his face terse but full of regret as Zane turned to look around at the noise.
“Here,” he said simply, handing him the Winnie the Pooh and pointing toward the bedroom. “Go lie down with him and get some rest.”
“Colton…”
“Zane first,” he interrupted quietly. “We can talk later or tomorrow. I’ll sleep out here and give you some privacy so I don’t bother you both anymore.”
“Give me five minutes, and I’ll be right back,” she murmured, hating this gulf between them. “Maybe we could have some hot tea together?”
“Or a beer?” he muttered, still upset.
“I could use a beer,” she chuckled. “It’s been four years since I’ve had one, and I need to relax a bit.”
“Yeah, you do.”
His eyes glanced up at the sharp retort that spilled from his lips – and she couldn’t be upset when it was true.
“I do,” she replied softly. “Five minutes?”
