Page 84 of False Promises

We remained quiet for a minute.

“Can I pick Jack up and spend time with him?”

“Yes. Whenever you want. Let me know. Nothing has changed between you guys. Even if I’m married now. You are still his daddy in every way that counts. And will forever be.”

I blew out a cleansing breath and unfolded my tall self, stretching my legs before me. “I’m coming to Green Mountain. Before flying to New York.”

“Oh yes, that singing competition TV show. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

“Yes, I was ecstatic when I agreed to it. Now it feels like another weight on my shoulders.”

“It won’t. Enjoy the experience. It will be good for you to put some distance between yourself and everything else. Clear your head. Be around people in the industry. Find your mojo back.”

I moved to my feet and wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my shirt.

“When are you coming?” Dahlia asked.

“Now. I’m coming now.”

“You are?” She did a poor job of hiding the surprise in her tone.

“Yes. I’ll come to get Jack for a few days. You’re right. I need some time to think. Away from here.”

“Great. I’ll tell him. He’ll be happy to see you. Since our visit to LA, he’s been asking about you a lot. More than usual. I know he misses you too. Begging me to board a plane daily.”

“Good. Because I miss him like crazy. Always do.”

On reaching the lobby, and without a thought, I boarded the first cab to the airport, not even taking the time to call Ed so he could drive me or ask June to book me a private flight.

Every mile taking me away from my apartment loosened the knots in my chest.

“Have a safe flight,” my best friend said.

“Yes. See you soon.” With a curve resembling a smile on my lips, I hung up, feeling better than I had in days.

* * *

“I love you, Jack,” I said, pulling the boy to my heart and nuzzling his neck. He giggled and twisted in my arms. “Ready to spend time with me?”

A wide smile brightened his face, and he bobbed his head in the way he always did. With so much energy I feared it would fall off. His tiny arms wrapped around me, and he pressed a moist kiss to my cheek.

“Awesome, because I’m making your favorite dish tonight. Hungry?”

“Yes,” he said, his smile never faltering.

“How do you feel about camping in your room? With flashlights and bedtime stories under a blanket? Wanna build a fort with me.”

“Yay,” he exclaimed, clapping his hands. “I want to go camping.”

“I see you boys have it all covered. Just ring me if you need anything. Or if you have no idea how to set up a tent,” Dahlia said, laughing. The sound clear and addictive.

“Nah, we’re good. Hills men here. We’ll figure it out. Or we’ll sleep under the stars. Heard the ceiling of his bedroom in there,” I pointed to my cabin, “is full of them. And they even glow in the dark.” I turned my attention back to the little boy in my arms. “Ready?”

He nodded with enthusiasm.

And this sight brought a curve to my lips.

“Say Bye, Mama.”