Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

RYDER

V iolet fell asleep almost immediately after we had sex for the first time last night. But I wasn't done with her yet. I drifted off, then reached for her in the middle of the night. This time she rode me, the light of the moon illuminating her body, giving the entire experience an ethereal quality.

Time seemed to slow, and there was nothing but the rise and fall of her body over mine, the delicious heat surrounding my cock, and her soft skin under my palms. I couldn't get enough of her.

When I woke, the sheets next to me were empty. I reached for my phone, hoping she hadn't left without leaving some kind of a note. But she wouldn't want Faith to see it.

There was a text.

I didn't want to wake you, and I didn't want Faith to find me in your bed. I didn't think you were ready for that.

I wasn't, and I appreciated her forethought because I hadn't even thought about moving to the couch last night. And we didn't have a reason for her to be staying overnight. Her car had been parked in the driveway.

Faith might have said she was okay with us dating, but that was different than finding a woman in my bed in the morning.

Miss you already.

It felt good to share my feelings, knowing that they wouldn't be ridiculed. Stacy wasn't the touchy-feely type, and she didn't like talking about big emotions. Somewhere along the way, I'd learned to stuff them down and not voice them out loud. Maybe that's why I was mostly numb by the time she asked for the separation.

Violet sent an image of her licking ice cream off a spoon.

Are you in the shop?

You inspired me to create a new flavor last night.

I couldn't imagine what that could be.

Just then, Faith burst into the room. Violet must have left it unlocked after she left. "I'm starving."

"I'm up," I said, even as I threw the covers off and swung my legs to the side of the bed. I was grateful I'd thrown on sweats at some point last night for this very possibility.

Faith just gave me a look, then turned and bounded downstairs. She'd wait for me to start breakfast. It was nice to be here with just her. We could decide what we wanted for breakfast and when.

This wasn't Stacy's house. I thought I'd miss our marriage, but the further I got from it, the less I held onto it. It was nice to have my own place, to see my family regularly, and have Faith to myself for a few days a week.

I actually had more time with her. I took a quick shower, dressed, and met Faith downstairs. "Chocolate-chip pancakes?"

"Can we do waffles today?" Faith asked.

"Absolutely." I gathered the mix, the chocolate chips, an egg, milk, and oil.

Faith stood on the step stool to get the mixing bowl.

"You want to see the lights at Monroe Christmas tree farm tonight? They're supposed to be nice."

Faith frowned, probably remembering the Monroe farm was our family's rival. "Is that okay?"

"It's Cole's family's farm. It's fine."

"Okay," she said, but she didn't sound confident. "Can we invite Violet?"

She was the one who'd mentioned the light display. "Are you sure you don't mind if Violet spends time with us? This is supposed to be our time."

Faith rolled her eyes. "We have all day together. I need to go shopping for Mom. Will you take me?"

I sighed as the tension inside my chest tightened. I didn't want to think about Stacy, much less buy her a present, but she was Faith's mother and would always be in our lives in one way or another. "Sure. Did you want to go to the mall, or do you think we could find something nice downtown? They have touristy things, but they're more unique than you'd find in the mall."

"Let's go downtown."

Maybe we could find an excuse to stop by Violet's for ice cream. It probably wouldn't take too much to convince Faith.

We ate our waffles covered in strawberries and whipped cream. I didn't always run in the morning when Faith was visiting because I wanted all the time I could get with her. And we wouldn't have time today.

After we cleaned up breakfast, we headed to downtown Annapolis where the shops were. We took our time, ducking into each shop that looked promising, buying Phil a few spices from a spice shop because he liked to grill. Finding something for Stacy was harder because she never acted happy with anything I'd ever gifted her.

We finally wandered up to State Circle where there was fewer shops and more restaurants. We found a pottery store and went inside.

"What about this?" Faith pointed at a tall, round stoneware crock with a blue stripe and flowers.

"She could put her wooden spoons and rubber spatulas in it." It was useful and thoughtful.

"You think she'll like it?" Faith asked the loaded question.

I sighed because you could never tell with Stacy. "It's the thought that counts."

"I can make her a card too." Faith smiled.

I ruffled her hair. "I love your handmade cards."

She beamed up at me. "I know you do."

"All that matters is what's inside your heart when you give the gift."

"I want her to like it," Faith said softly.

"Then that's enough." If Stacy was rude to her, then I'd talk to her. I was done standing by while Stacy treated those around her as lacking.

Faith smiled. "Let's get it."

I wanted to see her excited, not worried about what her mother would think about something. The lady at the store carefully wrapped the pottery in tissue paper, then tied the bag closed with a red-and-green ribbon.

It was a nice gift. If Stacy didn't appreciate it, then she wasn't the woman I thought I'd married. I wanted to be with someone who was genuinely kind, who appreciated other's thoughtful gestures.

"Should we get something for Violet too?"

"I haven't even thought about it." It was only Thanksgiving weekend, and it was early still. I was confident I'd think of something she'd like.

Faith gave me a look. "Don't wait until the last second."

"We'll have to think about it." Because Violet was special. She wouldn't demand spa gift cards or vacations with her girlfriends. She enjoyed the simple things: a bouquet of flowers, a shared meal. Before I forgot, I sent her a text.

You want to come with us tonight to see the lights at Monroe farm?

Your family won't mind?

It's the only farm with lights. They'll understand.

I'm in.

I'll need to take Faith home afterward.

You want company for the trip?

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. As much as I would enjoy her company, it was too soon to surprise my ex with a girlfriend.

I'd love to spend more time with you, but I need to talk to Stacy about you first.

Did she talk to you about Phil?

I huffed out a laugh because she hadn't.

No, but I conduct myself differently.

I can respect that. Don't worry about it.

I'll pick you up at 6:30.

See you then.

I took Faith to lunch, then over to my dad's house to spend some time with him. We played card games and helped him work on a puzzle he'd recently started. It was nice to have this time with them.

When Faith went to the bathroom, Dad asked, "How are things going?"

"Great, actually. I'm enjoying the one-on-one time with Faith. I didn't get that when I lived with Stacy."

Dad sighed heavily. "Isn't that interesting?"

"I was busy with work, and I let Stacy take lead with parenting. I'm starting to think the divorce was good for me. It's giving me time to reevaluate the kind of father I want to be."

"I'm proud of you. It could have gone the other way."

"I'm not saying I didn't feel like a failure when she asked for the separation." It was more like she told me how it was going to be. "I've always wanted a family. I never thought I'd get divorced." If it wasn't for Stacy, I'd still be in an unhappy marriage. I wouldn't have made the changes with Faith that were needed. I only had six more years with her before she'd leave for college. I needed to make those days count.

"You can't always plan for everything." His eyes were sad. He was talking about Mom's death.

I nodded even as my chest tightened. "We have to live our life to the fullest and hope for the best."

"That's a good way to look at it. What are your plans for the evening?"

"We're going to the light display," Faith answered as she came into the room.

Dad raised a brow. "Monroes' light display?"

I cleared my throat, wondering if he was going to make it a big deal. "Is there another one?"

"Not close by."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "You have a problem with that?"

"Times are changing. That's all."

"How are things here on the farm?" I asked as Faith's attention turned to the puzzle pieces laid out on the table.

Dad sighed. "We need to move on Charlotte. I can't wait for Teddy."

"You gotta do what you gotta do."

"I already told her she could move into the cottage."

"Daphne's old place?" I asked him.

"She needed a place to stay, and we need help on the farm."

"Does Teddy know?"

"Not yet. I'll do it before she moves in."

"See that you do. I wouldn't want to be around when he finds out she's moving onto the property."

Shortly afterward, we said our goodbyes and headed home to scrounge up dinner. I followed a recipe for a fancier mac and cheese, figuring it couldn't be hard.

When we pulled the casserole dish out of the oven, I wasn't so sure. After it cooled, Faith took a bite. "I think I like the boxed stuff better."

I groaned as I bit into a crunchy noodle. "Just what every cook wants to hear."

Her lips twitched. "The boxed stuff is easier too. Just sayin'."

"You're a tough crowd."

Faith shrugged. "You tried, right? That's all that matters."

"For sure."

After dinner, we cleaned up, then headed over to Violet's. It had only been a day, but I missed her when she wasn't around. I tried not to think too hard about what that meant. I wasn't looking for anything serious. Not after being married. But Violet was.

She'd want to get married and have kids. I wasn't sure I'd ever be in a place where I'd want those things again. Or at least not any time soon. I'd been burned once.

When I parked, she came up to the truck. I pushed open the door for her, since she wasn't giving me time to walk around and get it. "You could have waited inside."

"I was excited to see the lights."

"Me too," Faith said from the back seat.

Violet turned to ask Faith, "What did you do today?"

"We hung out with Grandpa. I taught him a bunch of card games."

"I bet he loved that," Violet said.

"He enjoys having Faith close by and seeing her more often." Even if it was only on weekends.

We got in the line of cars headed onto Monroe Farm. Attendants in orange vests were directing each vehicle where to park.

Tonight, I wasn't a Calloway. I was just a single dad, hoping to spend time with his daughter and his new woman. We hadn't discussed labels, and I wasn't in a hurry to define us. I wanted to take it moment by moment.

After we parked, we got hot chocolate at the stand, then took our time walking. Faith ran ahead and then came back to report what display was coming up next.

Even though we didn't touch or hold hands, it was nice to be with Violet. To enjoy this time with her. All too soon, we'd seen the lights, and it was time to take Faith home.

"I'll drop you off, then take Faith home."

"Thanks for including me tonight. I've never been to the light display."

"It's a nice addition to their farm. Dad said he hired Charlotte without getting Teddy's approval."

"It's his farm, right?"

"Yeah, but Teddy stepped in when Mom died, and I don't think he's going to be happy." Not that he was happy about anything he didn't have control over.

"I hope she can make some improvements like the Monroes did. They've really increased business here."

Their farm was busier than ours. Then again, we didn't have a light display or a shop like they did.

At Violet's house, I got out to walk her to the door. "I'd kiss you, but?—"

"Faith might be watching."

Violet smiled, looking past me to the truck. "She probably is. She's curious about everything."

"She's a good kid. Thanks for tonight." She put her arms around my middle and hugged me.

I stroked a hand down her back, feeling her smooth hair against my palm. "I'm sorry you can't come with me. I plan to talk to Stacy tonight."

She looked up at me without pulling away. "What are you going to say?"

That was a good question. "What do you want me to say?"

Her brow furrowed. "Are we dating? Seeing each other?"

"I'll tell her I met someone, and that you spend time with me and Faith."

"You think she'll be okay with it?"

"She's seeing someone. What could she say?" The thing was Stacy could say a lot. And she'd never been the type to see that she was being hypocritical.

Violet was appeased by my words though. "Good luck."

"Night, Violet."

"Text me when you're home safely." I loved the concern I detected in her voice.

"I will." I waited for her to close and lock her door before jogging down the steps to my truck. Even though we didn't get to hold hands or kiss, it still felt like the perfect night. Holding back made everything more heightened.

The separation would draw us even closer.

I backed up the truck and headed toward Virginia.

"She's nice," Faith said from the back seat.

"She is."

"But Mom won't like her."

I chuckled uneasily. "Why do you say that?"

"Because Violet is exactly who she says she is. There's nothing underneath, if you know what I mean."

"You don't think your mom will like her because she's genuine?"

Faith shrugged. "It's just a feeling I get."

"Maybe." What could I say? Your mother doesn't always make sense? She's a little jealous of other people. And even though she'd let me go easily, she might not feel the same when she realized I'd moved on. She thought I'd be begging for her to take me back. She thrived on that kind of energy.

She could have been bored in our marriage. The thrill of the chase was long over. That's what I enjoyed about being with Violet. It was the time we spent together, the things we shared. It didn't have to be anything fancy. Low-key was enough to make me feel content and happy.

Then the sex last night had been better than I expected. And I didn't think it was because she was the first one I'd been with after the divorce. It was the connection we had.

What if the divorce had to happen because Stacy wasn't the one for me? What if Violet came into my life for a reason?

Faith put on her earbuds for the rest of the ride, and I worried about Stacy's reaction. I wondered if it would be better to hold off on telling her. As soon as I considered the idea, I pushed it out of my head.

I didn't want Faith to get in trouble if she brought up Violet's name in conversation. And I didn't want Violet to think I was keeping her a secret.

The reality was that Violet would be spending a lot of time with us. It didn't make sense to hide her.

When I finally pulled up to my old house, I didn't feel a sense of loss or even regret. It was the first time I felt nothing. This was somewhere I used to live. Not the home I spent our marriage in. It didn't have any kind of hold on me.

Hopefully Stacy didn't either.

At the door, I knocked because it wasn't my home anymore.

Stacy opened the door. "Oh, good. You're here."

"We saw the holiday lights before we headed home."

"You mentioned that." Stacy looked like she was in a hurry to shut the door in my face.

"Listen, I have something I need to talk to you about."

"That's my cue," Faith said as she hugged me and went inside.

Stacy closed the door and stepped onto the porch. "What is it?"

"I wanted to let you know that I'm seeing someone in case Faith mentions it," I said with my heart thudding in my ears.

Stacy rubbed her arms. "Our divorce isn't even final."

I barely restrained myself from rolling my eyes. "It's a formality at this point. The hearings already scheduled in a couple of weeks. And you've been dating Phil since you asked for a separation."

Her head tipped to the side. "Are you accusing me of something?"

"I don't care if you were with Phil before. It makes no difference. You were right to end things. We hadn't been happy for a long time."

Stacy stilled. "What are you saying?"

She hadn't expected me to say that. I was always the one encouraging her not to give up on us. "Just because we weren't meant to be together doesn't mean we don't deserve to be happy with someone else."

Her face was pinched, and her tone had a bite to it. "Who are you seeing?"

"Her name is Violet. She owns an ice-cream shop in town." Nerves fluttered in my stomach.

"How interesting." Her nose wrinkled, and I wondered if she'd ever respected my job.

I didn't rise to the bait and defend Violet. It would be pointless. "I thought you should know."

"Is she staying overnight at the house when Faith is there?" Stacy asked, her foot tapping.

"Is Phil?" I shot back.

Her nose pinched.

"If you don't want to answer these questions, then you shouldn't be asking them of me." She wanted to control everyone around her. Yet she didn't play by the same rules.

"Do we need to revisit our custody agreement?" Stacy asked.

"I see Faith every other weekend. What would you propose? I not see her at all?" Now I was irritated.

A snide smile curved over Stacy's face, and I wondered how I was ever in love with her. "You live in another state. It's obvious Faith isn't your number-one priority."

"I moved to be closer to my family. I want to spend more time with Faith. No judge will give me less time." I was confident about that. My attorney mentioned that judges respected other clients in similar roles with the government because of our security clearance. Apparently, it made us inherently trustworthy.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," she said with less confidence this time.

"We should be working together to make Faith's life the best it can be. Which includes seeing both of us." I walked away because that's all I had to say on the subject. I wanted to avoid custody battle, especially when our divorce was so close to being final.

I was calling her bluff. I hoped it worked because I didn't want to complicate the divorce or get into a lengthy and expensive battle with my ex-wife.

I was hoping this stand was the only one I'd need to take.