AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He kisses them each on the cheek and shakes my dad’s and Uncle Brandon’s hands, ignoring Damien, who just laughs. He gets to Sophia, who has stuck to my side, and she stops him in his tracks when she asks, “Why do you kiss everyone?”
He blinks in surprise as my dad and I laugh.
“Well, sweetheart, it’s the way that gentlemen greet a pretty lady.”
She gives him a doubtful look and shakes her head.
“No, thank you.”
God, I love my kid.
Dad laughs louder, and Sophia lets out a small giggle in return. Josh rolls his eyes.
“She’s definitely your daughter.”
“Don’t feel bad, Joshua; she didn’t want me to kiss her hand the first time I met her either, if it makes you feel better.”
Josh grunts. “It doesn’t, she shouldn’t want you to touch her.”
Tanya and Kayla walk back into the room, each carrying a tray with drinks on it. Josh straightens and goes tense at the sight of Tanya, and I don’t like the reaction. They hand out the drinks, and when Tanya turns to greet Josh, she pauses as a confused look takes over her face.
“Hello.”
She holds the tray in front of her, and Josh just nods at her.
“Josh.” He faces me when I call his name, and it breaks whatever weird spell took over him.
Lisa comes out of the kitchen and announces that dinner is ready. Everyone moves to the dining room, and as we sit around the table, I look at Tanya to see if she’s ready. She gives me a small nod, and once everyone is settled, I stand back up and grab my drink.
“So, there is another reason that we wanted to have this dinner with you all. We have news we would like to share with you.”
Tanya is sitting next to me, and I reach over to take her hand in mine, smiling down at her; she gives me a weak one back, and I want to ask her what’s wrong, but everyone is waiting for the news. I stare at her another moment, then turn back to the table.
“We’re having another baby.”
Mom gasps and Aunt Sarah covers her mouth.
“That’s great news, son. Definitely a boy this time; I can tell.”
I point at Dad, and Tanya lets out a startled laugh that makes everyone else laugh too.
“He is definitely your son; he has been saying the same thing.”
Dad smiles at Tanya, a fond fatherly smile. I know this is hard for him; they had a close relationship before everything happened. I sit back down, and the table comes alive as everyone starts talking about babies. Sophia even joins in some, and I’m really happy to see everyone including her. Even with Damien here, I don’t think my mood could be ruined.
Lisa serves a delicious dinner with salad and baked chicken. Sitting there with every person in my life who is important to me, my beautiful daughter and her mother next to me, a child on the way, it all seems so surreal. Everyone is done eating, and I’m just sitting back, enjoying the view of everyone around the table.
“Why don’t we move to the living room? I have some gifts for someone.”
Mom winks at Sophia, and she perks up in interest, rushing out of the dining room ahead of everyone.
We all follow, and as we are walking through the threshold, I reach back and take hold of Tanya’s hand. She smiles at me, but again, it’s off.
“Hey, you okay?”
“I’m fine; just a bit of a headache. You go out there. I’m going to run to the restroom.”
I study her face. Something is off, and I can’t figure out what, but I just kiss her head and go to the living room with everyone else. Something has been off with her all day, and I’m worried that maybe this dinner was too much.
