Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 103050 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103050 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 515(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
I’ve never come close to introducing a woman to Willow. Never even considered it. A romantic relationship has just not been a focus for me. I’ve been focusing on my business and how to be the best dad I can be. All I’ve cared about for years is my daughter.
But now? Now I hate knowing that Aurora is upset.
And I want to spend the evening with Aurora. Willow will be in bed anyway. Not that I would sneak Aurora in. I would hate for Willow to wake up and find a stranger in her house.
No, if Aurora came round, she’d have to meet Willow. Of course, I’d have to get the okay from Gabby, but I know my ex well enough to know she wants me to meet someone, settle down, and be happy.
Introducing Aurora to Willow feels big.
But it doesn’t feel wrong.
“Come over to the townhouse tonight,” I say.
Silence.
“Tonight?” Aurora says finally.
“Tonight. If you come at six thirty, you can meet Willow, and then after bedtime, we can order in and have dinner at home.”
I can hear Aurora’s breathing down the line. I just want to see inside her brain. What’s she thinking?
“I don’t know,” she says.
“What don’t you know about?”
“I don’t want you to introduce me to your daughter because you feel bad about canceling our date.”
“That’s not it,” I say. “At least that’s not all of it. I want to see you. And…I think it might be…nice.” As I say the words, the idea forms in my head more clearly. I bet Willow and Aurora will like each other. The two of them are the most likeable people I know.
“I’m leaving in three months, Deacon. Not even. It’s less than two months now.”
I’ve always known that Aurora wasn’t in New York permanently, but I didn’t really think much about it.
Until now.
I hate the idea that she’s going back to the UK so soon.
“I know you like Willow to have consistency and stability,” she continues. “Are you sure you want to introduce her to someone who will disappear soon?”
Willow’s already said that she wants me to have friends. She can meet Aurora. They’re not going to get attached in an hour. It might even mean that Willow feels happier about me being on my own three nights a week.
“There are no blood oaths to take. You won’t see her for long before she’s in bed. I’ll send a car for you.”
More silence, and I can see Aurora’s face as she tries to make the decision.
“Okay,” she says. “I have to go or I’m going to be late for work.”
“I’ll see you later.”
I can hear her smile when she says, “I’ll see you later.”
I end the call and try to bite back a grin. Aurora’s going to be here tonight. I get to have the best of both worlds.
“Daddy,” Willow screams from downstairs.
I shove my phone in my pocket and pad out of my bedroom. I’ll call Gabby later, but I know she’ll be fine, if for no other reason than it takes pressure off of her and Ray. And I know she trusts me to have Willow’s best interests at heart. I would never do anything that I thought would upset our daughter.
Aurora makes me happy, and the thought of Aurora and Willow being together in the same room fills me with some kind of peace that I’m not quite sure was possible.
TWENTY-THREE
Aurora
I have godchildren. I know how to act with them. I know how to talk to them, but I’m still nervous as Deacon’s driver pulls up in front of the townhouse.
It’s a huge building. I can’t believe one family lives in such a big house. And not a family, one parent and one child.
I get out of the car and stare up at the five stories. In London the place would be worth a fortune. I can’t imagine it’s cheap in New York. I make my way up the steps to the front door, pull my shoulders back, and press the bell.
I hear a squeal, which settles my nerves a little. Someone sounds excited rather than sulky. That’s got to be good.
Deacon opens the door, beaming at me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so relaxed. My gaze sweeps down his body—a tight navy t-shirt, faded jeans, and his bare feet. Desire stirs in me, but I’m going to have to keep it in check.
“Come in,” he says. “Welcome.”
He holds the door open, and as I pass him, he places a kiss on the top of my head. I press my palm to his chest and then immediately remove it. I don’t know what he’s told Willow and I’m not sure whether I should touch him. I’ve never navigated a situation like this before.
“Willow, Aurora is here.”
Little click-clacks fill the air, like high heels on hard floors.