Chapter 32

32

E lias

Waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon was euphoric. A smile covered my face as the realization that I had my girl and our son in my home overnight settled within me. I showered and got ready for the day as quickly as I could. I had no idea what Amanda planned to do while EJ was at school but starting my day with her and ending it with them trick or treating was already setting this up to be a good day.

As I headed down the hall toward the kitchen, the sound of Amanda’s laughter filled my ears.

“That’s hilarious,” she said, looking at whatever EJ was showing her on his phone.

“I know, right? I can’t wait to see what kind of pranks people do at school today.”

“Good morning.” I spoke, gaining their attention.

They greeted me, then Amanda told me to have a seat, and she’d fix me a plate.

“You ready for tonight, little man?” I asked.

“Yes, sir!” he replied excitedly. “I told my friends about our second costumes, and they can’t wait to see.” His eyes shifted in Amanda’s direction. “Ma, can we come to Daddy’s neighborhood last? Mrs. Freeman said she’s giving out mini peach cobblers instead of candy. Can that be the one thing I eat tonight?”

We both chuckled because he was greedy as hell and had a sweet tooth out of this world. I didn’t blame him for wanting the peach cobbler though. That was probably my favorite dessert, and I loved the one my mama made, but Mrs. Freeman’s was a close second. I wouldn’t tell Mama that though.

“If that’s okay with your daddy. Maybe we can make a night of it and grab some pizza and watch movies. We’ll probably have to start early though.”

“Ooh, that sounds fun!” he said as Amanda set my plate in front of me. “Can we do that, Daddy?”

“Whatever you want, Son.” Unable to resist, I wrapped my arm around Mandy’s waist and kissed her arm. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied softly with a smile, caressing my cheek.

She caught me off guard when she gripped my chin and kissed my forehead. It took every ounce of strength I had not to smack her ass when she walked away. I’on know what she was on, but whatever it was, I would match it.

After we finished breakfast, she prepared to leave. I wanted to ask her about her plans for the rest of the day but decided against it. The last thing I wanted to do was seem clingy just because I was no longer with Fiona. Since she had to stop by the house to get EJ’s backpack, they were going to leave out a little early. I walked them to the car, but before she got in, she said some shit that struck my heart.

“I just want to remind you that you’re worthy,” she said, putting her hand on my heart. “I don’t want you to let what Declan said faze you. We don’t let others determine our worth. He might not have seen your value and that you were more than worthy for his daughter, but you’re the best man I know, and any woman would be lucky to have you. Please don’t give up on love, marriage, and a family. You deserve all that and more. You’re the best father any child could have, and I know God is going to bless you with more because He trusts you to raise them well and give them back to Him as a gift. You’re kind, compassionate, a server, giver, and exceptional lover. Don’t let anything or anyone ever make you question that.”

I was speechless.

I’d seen different sides of Amanda, but the warm, nurturer was often only reserved for our son.

When she pulled me into her arms and held me close, I felt the safety and security to express myself and my emotions that I’d never felt with her before. As I wrapped my arms around her, I kissed her neck. I didn’t give a fuck if she felt my dick hardening against her. That was the sexiest thing she’d ever said to me, and my dick and heart had no choice but to react.

“You lucky you got a man and that our son is in this car. Otherwise, I’d suck the gristle out yo’ clit and lick that pussy until she got numb.”

“Boy!” She yelled through her laugh as she hit my chest, but my face remained stone because I was dead serious. “I cannot with you.”

“Nah, you really can. Wassup? I’ll be the nigga you cheat with not on this time around.”

She laughed again, and that time, I smiled.

“Technically, it wouldn’t be cheating because Ryan and I aren’t together. He’s actually leaving tomorrow so...” Her smile wavered slightly as she shrugged.

“I’m sorry, Mandy. Our shit aside, I could tell you really liked him.”

“Yeah…Maybe in a different world, we could have had something special.”

When the light returned to her eyes, I smiled and pulled her closer. “And in this world?”

“My heart belongs to you…even though I don’t want it to.”

After placing a kiss on my cheek, she pushed my arms down and got in the car.

“Thank you, Amanda. Seriously. I needed to hear that.”

I needed her. Needed her in my home, even if we were in different rooms. I didn’t know what led her to stay last night, but I was glad she did.

“No thanks needed. I told you I got you always.”

The wink she shot me made me smile a little bit wider as I closed her door.

Today was definitely going to be a good day.