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Chapter 30
Patience
Gregor
“You really don’t have to do this,” I say as I hand Chloe over to Cee.
“It’s fine. We’re going to have a pajama party, watch a few movies, and play with dolls.”
I look at the two dressed in pajamas and want to stay home and join them. They look adorable. Chloe wraps her arms around Cee’s neck and gives her a tight squeeze.
“I could always bring someone in to stay with her. You’re more than welcome to come with us to dinner.”
“I think your mother is looking forward to dinner with just the two of you. We’ll be fine here. I’m excited for our playdate. You enjoy yourself.”
I want to tug her into my chest and kiss her, but I hold back. Cee has made my little girl so happy over the last four weeks. The two are always together when I arrive home or when I come out of my home office when I work from home.
“Okay, dear, I’m ready,” my mother sings as she meets us in the foyer.
I look at Cee and Chloe one more time before turning to leave. The way Chloe beams up at her says a million words. I know the feeling, I’m in awe of this woman too.
“If you need us to come back, just give me a call. Ethan will be here with you.”
“Shouldn’t he be with you? We’re in no danger here watching TV and playing with dolls.”
“He’ll be with everything I hold dear in this world, right where he needs to be. Mother and I will have enough manpower with us.”
Cee’s cheeks glow with color and she looks down. It’s the truth. These two are my world. If anything happened to either of them, I don’t know how I would move on with my life.
“Have fun, girls,” my mother says as she wraps her arm around the one I offer.
I lead her out to the car feeling like I’ve left a part of me behind. I’m silent the entire ride to the restaurant. It’s someplace my mother heard of and wanted to try.
***
“You know what’s most important, Gregor?”
I look up from my plate at my mother. She’s watching me closely. I wipe my mouth and give her my full attention. I’ve been a bit distant throughout dinner. My mind is back at the house with the two loves of my life.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“I said, do you know what’s most important?”
“No, what’s that?”
“You haven’t given up. When your father and I were having trouble, it was his persistence that won me over. I’d pushed him away and filed for divorce, but I still loved him.
“I made the mistake of allowing him to see that. From that moment, he fought with everything he had to make things right between us.”
“It’s funny. I don’t remember you two ever showing that you weren’t in love. Despite how harsh he was with us. You always stood by him.”
“You were only a few months old when we first separated.” She takes a pause and purses her lips. “You boys think your father is so hard on you. He truly does it all out of love. I think that’s what made me want the divorce in the first place. Unlike you, your father had no patience for the grief I was going through.
“He saw a healthy baby boy and wanted another. I mourned the loss of having you in my womb. I saw it as betrayal of our bond to have another. Clooney didn’t understand any of that and used his high hand to force me into snapping out of it.”
She shakes her head. “The mistakes we made. I think you’re doing the right thing being patient with Cee. Don’t give up.”
I snort. “I won’t, but I’m starting to question my sanity. I know how determined she can be. If she doesn’t want to forgive me, she won’t.”
