In my building.
On the same floor as me.
I clench my jaw and try to sound happy. “That’s…uh…great news, babe. When is all this happening?” I try and fail to sound impressed. I cringe when silence greets me on the line.
“You’re not happy about this?” The question is breathy and filled with concern.
I slump against the counter and let out a tired burst of air. “It’s not that I’m not happy she’s leaving your house. I’d scream it from the rooftops if you’d let me. But moving into my building? On the very floor I live on?” I groan, unable to hold it back. “That’s kind of weird, isn’t it?”
Carson sighs. “Sweetcheeks, I gotta say, sounds like you’re being a little unreasonable, don’t you think? Do you have any idea how happy it makes me to know the woman I love is right down the hall in case Cora needs anything?”
“You mean Misty,” I deadpan.
“Honey. I’m surprised at you. I thought you’d be happy…”
Mentally I chastise myself for being so obstinate. “Ugh. I am happy. I’d just be happier if she was in another building,” I admit rather stubbornly, bordering on bratty.
“You’re just going to have to get over it. You’ll see. Have a good night’s sleep and think it over. This is the best possible outcome we could have hoped for. Really, it is. And besides, before long, you’ll be moving in here, so it won’t matter where she lives in the long run, now will it?”
And there he goes again with the moving in and marriage angle. He hasn’t let it go, but he’s yet to make an official proposal. I think it’s because he knows I’ll decline. We need more time. More time to adjust to this new us. Not just Carson and me, but Carson, Cora, me, and even Baby Mama Drama.
“Can you promise me you’ll think it over? I have to tell Chase tomorrow. Three other couples are on the waiting list for the building, and Chase is doing me a solid by letting Misty skate to the top. I really don’t want to turn him down, and I want to tell Misty what the plan is. If this works out, she could be out of my house by month’s end. Don’t you want that?”
I grind my teeth and rub my temples. He’s right, and I hate it. How did I become the adolescent in this relationship? Perhaps it happened when I found out my boyfriend had a child and became someone’s daddy.
“No, Carson. You’re right. You are. I’m being childish. It would be wonderful to have privacy with you again. And to have more one-on-one time with Cora would be a delight. I love my angel baby.”
“And she loves you. I can feel it deep in my bones, babe. This is the answer. The start of our new harmonious future.”
I giggle, momentarily taken by his joy. He’s such a free spirit sometimes. It’s refreshing to know he hasn’t lost that side of him. Then a thought hits me. “Oh, you didn’t tell me how Misty was doing with Charles.” I fire up the sauce again and take the time to get it back to temperature before adding the chicken I’d already cooked.
“Actually, really well. Dad says she’s a quick learner and smart. He’s enjoying her company.”
Huh. Enjoying her company. Shocking. Then again, that’s probably just my pettiness rearing its ugly head. I curb that bit of enthusiasm to keep the peace. “Wow. Great. Good to hear. So, she’s got a solid job and a potential new place on the horizon. One I assume you’re paying for…” I filter the irritation from my tone. I know Carson too well to believe he’d ever let the mother of his child pay her own rent.
As expected, his response is warning yet kind. “Kat, you know my daughter having a roof over her head, food in her belly, and a happy family is paramount to my sanity. I’m a new father. I don’t care if Misty ever pays her own rent. As long as she has my daughter living under her roof, I’m happy to foot the bill. You know it’s a drop in the bucket. Hell, I’d pay your rent if I could get away with it.”
“Don’t you dare, Carson Davis! Take the thought right out of your head. I’ve got plenty of money on my own. I don’t need or want you paying my way, thank you very much. I know you’re old-fashioned, and I appreciate the offer, baby.” I finish my diatribe with as much grace as I can muster.
“Won’t matter in the long run. You’ll be living here soon enough.” He prods the beast once more for good measure.
I chuckle, pour the uncooked linguini into the boiling water, and set the timer on the microwave. Again, I turn down the marsala and chicken so it can simmer together while I finish the noodles.
“Keep it up, he-man. Keep it up and you’re liable to never get me to move in.”
“Oh, I have my ways.” His tone carries a sultry note, and I feel my nipples tighten with the erotic suggestion of what he might do to me.
“Not if you can’t nail me down.”
“Oh, Sweetcheeks…I have absolutely no problem nailing you. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fri—”
“Shut up! Crazy man.”
“Crazy in love with you.”
I roll my eyes. “Go ahead and tell Chase you’ll take the place. I can put my big-girl panties on and take one for the team.”
“Team Davis?”
“Yeah, Team Davis.” I hum, knowing it sounds good to say that I’m part of a team again.
“I’m excited about this. I really believe it’s the answer we were looking for. I get my home back, Misty gets a place, and my daughter has two loving, safe homes to go to.”
I grunt. “Except the hard part will be getting her to A, leave without a fight. And B, divide custody.”
“It shouldn’t be an issue. Misty’s reasonable, babe. She is.”
My eyebrows rise as if of their own accord, but thankfully, he can’t see me. That woman is not quite right. Definitely has a few screws loose. “If you say so. I’ll have faith.”
“I’m sure sharing custody will be hard at first. She’s not been without Cora even one full night, and I want a fifty-fifty split.”
Trying not to let my Negative Nancy come out, I suck in a long, slow breath before speaking. “That might be difficult at first. Perhaps you should start with one or two nights a week and then gradually over a period of several weeks, possibly even months, increase the number to three and four nights.”
“I just don’t see why this would be a problem. Do you really think she’ll try to keep me from my daughter?” A hint of fear enters his voice.
Quickly I dump the cooked noodles in the strainer and turn off the sauce. “It’s not that I think she’ll try to keep her from you, but it’s a huge change for her. To go from having her daughter every single night under the same roof where she can keep a watchful eye… I don’t know. My Spidey-sense, as Ria would say, is telling me this isn’t going to be an easy transition.”
He sighs heavily, and it sounds like the weight of the world just crushed his happy, unicorn-revealing, rose-colored glasses.
“Honey, I don’t know what she’s going to say or do. Just tread lightly. Think about how this is going to affect her and you right now, not just a year from now. By then it will all be a moot point. So go slow.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Maybe I’ll discuss it with Chase. See what he thinks.”
I snort. “Chase is going to say sue her ass and get full custody. Um, hello, Chase is a happy family man, but he’s a right bastard when it comes to what he perceives as his property. Children are everything in his mind. You’d be better off talking to your dad.”
He chuckles, and some of the lightness he had when he first called returns to his words. “You’re right again. Good idea. Hey, have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Isn’t that a song? Plagiarist.” I laugh.
“Doesn’t mean it isn’t true. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night with my two best girls.”
Tomorrow is Wednesday.
“Me too, babe. I’m going to let you go so I can eat my chicken marsala for one.”
Carson groans. “Argh! I love your chicken marsala. Save me some?”
I snicker. “For when?”
“T
omorrow, when I see you.”
“We’re going to dinner with your family, remember?”
“Fuck. You’re right. Well, promise to make it for me soon?”
I smile and shake my head. “I promise. And hey, I love you too.”
“Plagiarist. I said it first,” he goads.
“Kiss my angel baby for me.”
“You know I will. Tomorrow?” His voice takes on that sexy, sultry timbre I adore.
“Tomorrow.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CARSON
I squeeze Kathleen’s left hand as I hold Cora against my side, anchoring her diapered butt on my hip. Her little legs are flapping against my gut and back excitedly. When she’s awake she’s always happy. I love that about her. Her personality is going to be fun-filled and loving. Still, a tingle of dread is nagging at my subconscious while we stand at the entrance to my childhood home.
Will the family like her?
Will they treat her like one of us?
What are they going to say about Kathleen?
What about Misty?
The questions that have plagued me since this whole debacle started are running rampant through my mind and stressing me the fuck out.
Kathleen runs her hand down my chest. “Relax. If I’m not nervous, you shouldn’t be either.”
I huff. “You have nothing to be nervous about. My family loves you.” I level her with my no-bullshit stare.
She smirks. “And they love you too. They’re going to lavish Cora with love and attention. You’ll see.” Her soft, secretive smile reminds me I have her no matter what happens.
Before I open the door, I turn to her. “You know, I couldn’t do any of this without you.”
Kat beams and tilts her head. “Yes, you could. You’re stronger than you think. But you’ll never have to worry about being alone, because I’m here now.”
“Thank Christ!” I sigh and press my forehead to hers. I lean in and lay my lips against hers.
Cora takes that moment to participate, pushing her little face in between ours and giving us both an openmouthed slimy cheek kiss.
Kat and I crack up. Leave it to Cora to lighten the situation.
“All right, let’s do this.” I open the door and lead my girls inside.
Cora’s eyes widen at all the lights. Most specifically, the chandelier hanging over the entryway. She points her chubby finger at it and says, “Ooooo.”
“Yes, baby girl. This is where Daddy grew up.”
I snuggle her closer, taking as much comfort as I can before we enter the sitting room off the entry, where I can already hear voices, laughter, and soft music playing. Dad must have put on the record player, because easy, jazzy blues crackles through the door.
Once we enter, I feel the stares as they travel from me to Kat and zero right in on Cora. Chloe is standing near the bar, pouring amaretto into a tumbler. Cooper is leaning against the fireplace with his phone at his ear. Chase is sitting on the couch, his arm around Gillian. Their twins are nowhere in sight. My father is sitting opposite them in a single chair. The only people missing are my brother Craig and his wife and kids, but they’re in New York. We have a promise to Skype in the near future so they can virtually meet Cora.
When I make my way farther into the room, my father stands up. He smiles widely and opens his arms.
“You are a vision, Kathleen. I’m thrilled you came tonight.”
Kat willingly embraces him. “Charles, it’s been too long.”
“Hopefully that time span is but a memory?” He cocks an eyebrow coyly.
She grins. “That’s the plan.”
He pats her hand. “Good.”
Then he turns to me. I haven’t moved an inch. Never in my life have I felt fear when approaching my father, but I’ve never been in this type of quandary either. Charles Davis is a man who has earned the love and respect of his children, high-powered businessmen, and leaders all over the world. And right now, I’m afraid this situation provides the potential for either his disdain or disappointment.
However, as is his way, he walks over to me, puts a hand to my shoulder, and squeezes. “Son. You look well.”
I swallow the cotton ball in my throat. “I am, sir.”
“Are you happy?” He squints as if he’s assessing me straight through to my soul. Fathers have that ability. I hope to have it with Cora one day too.
“Yes, sir.”
“Then I’m happy for you.” He returns just a hint of a smile before his eyes turn to my daughter.
“And you must be my granddaughter, Cora.” His blue eyes soften instantly when he pets her soft blond hair.
Cora perks up when she hears her name. “Da-da,” she says proudly.
I’m stunned stupid as my daughter lifts her arms out toward my father. He reaches for her and expertly pulls her into his arms and against his chest. Even dressed in a suit and tie, my father manages to be approachable to a toddler he’s never met. My heart melts instantly.
“That’s my little love,” he coos to her. “Come visit with your granddad, eh?”
Kathleen comes back over to me, loops an arm around my waist, and leans into my side. I wrap an arm around her and watch while each member of my family introduces themselves to my daughter. It’s a moment I’d never imagined in a million years but one I’ll remember for a lifetime.
“See, babe, they love her already.” Kat rubs her hand down my chest warmly, and I hold it over my heart, just where I want her.
“She’s a Davis. What’s not to love?” I quip, making her giggle.
* * *
The dining room is bustling with activity, laughter, and people talking over one another. Cora is sitting in a high chair next to Chase’s twins, who are both in booster seats, at the table set for ten. My father should be sitting at the head of the table, but he isn’t present yet. Chloe is already sitting to the right of his chair. Ever since Mom died, Chloe has stepped in as the matriarch of our family. Cooper, the second oldest, is at the opposite end of the table. Chase and Gillian of course are as far away from Coop as possible. Even though they’ve mended fences considerably, they will never have great fondness for one another, but they’ve become civil over the years. Mostly after Chase lost Aunt Colleen to the same madman who hurt my girl and her soul sisters. I think that time gave us all a cold, hard look at our mortality and made past transgressions seem more trivial.
The staff brings in the children’s plates first. All perfectly cut up with a mixture of healthy and kid-friendly options and three bright sippy cups.
“I want a weal cup, Mommy,” Claire demands loud enough for the server to hear.
“Mrs. Davis, I didn’t know. I can bring her one.”
Gillian purses her lips. “No, she’s fine. Claire, next time we have dinner here, we will tell the staff in advance. Not after. You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit. Remember?”
Claire glares at the sippy cup and crosses her arms. “But it’s for babies!”
Gillian closes her eyes and takes a breath.
Chase leans forward. “Claire, use the cup and there will be dessert in it for you. I’m pretty sure I saw some home-baked cookies in the kitchen.”
On that note, Claire picks up her cup, sucks down the drink, and tucks into eating her dinner quietly.
Gillian shakes her head. “Must you always bribe her?”
“It worked, didn’t it?” He grins.
She nudges his shoulder playfully.
The server sets plates in front of each of us and then sets another one down in front of the empty seat next to me. Just when I’m about to ask who’s missing, my father enters the room, escorting Misty, her hand resting daintily in the crook of his arm. I squeeze the hand I have casually resting on Kathleen’s thigh so tight she yelps and looks up.
What. The. Fuck.
I narrow my eyes at my father as he approaches my seat. “I found this little thing working away in my office. I figured since we were having a family dinner,
she should come and eat with us. Don’t you agree, Carson?” Father directs her toward the empty seat.
“Uh…” There just aren’t words.
He pulls back the chair to seat her. She’s wearing a black pencil skirt and a blue silk blouse showing more cleavage than would ever be necessary or even appropriate at work—let alone a private dinner.
Misty pushes a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. I notice belatedly that her hair is in beach waves, flowing just to her shoulders. It looks identical to Kathleen’s hair. Which is shocking because just this morning, Misty’s hair was perfectly straight and hung down past the middle of her back.
I squeeze Kathleen’s leg again, still not able to utter a word.
“See, now the entire family is here,” Charles says in a “more the merrier”-type way.
Heat fills every pore, and I have to remind myself my father knows not what he’s done. He has no clue what the situation is between Misty, Kathleen, and me.
Without even looking at Kat, I know she’s pissed. The fire scorching my palm is enough to show she’s seething on the inside, regardless of how she appears on the outside.
“Isn’t this awesome!” Misty says to me, loud enough for most of the table to hear. “Now Cora will feel right at home with her mommy and daddy and the entire family together.” She puts her hand on my shoulder and then caresses it down to my elbow, as if she has the right to such an intimate touch.
“We’re going to have to have a serious discussion about this,” I say in a low growl.
She blinks innocently and places her napkin in her lap. “Are you not happy I’m here?” She speaks so loudly the entire table stops eating and looks at me.
Chase’s jaw locks down and a muscle ticks away in his cheek. Gigi has eyes only for Kathleen, probably doing the secret girl-talk thing where there are no actual words exchanged, just subtle body language only the best of friends would pick up. The kids are eating away and talking nonstop. Cooper is smiling like a loon, happily picking up a forkful of food and shoveling it in his mouth, obviously completely entertained by my horror.
“Honey, would you fill my wine?” Kathleen’s request breaks the tension, allowing me to ignore the question.
Fate: A Trinity Novel: Book Five Page 17