Page 71 of Forever Mine
Chapter 24
My sleep was fitful, at best. I didn’t know what to think about Scott and his situation. Although I had a child, one of the things I’d always shied away from was dating men who had children. I wasn’t up for any baby-mama drama and I kept a respectful distance from Nolan and Nadia.
Even if Nolan one day decided he’d had enough of supporting Angel, I’d never think about upsetting his life. The way I saw it, we each had a fifty percent stake in her life and if it came down to it, I’d put in one hundred percent for the child who’d lived inside me and now shared my space.
I didn’t know if Scott’s situation had somehow changed, but if the baby didn’t belong to him, what was Lucy doing at his parents’ place? It could only mean one thing. They were sympathetic to her and maybe even believed that her child belonged to their son.
I untangled my legs from the sheet, then lay on my back staring at the ceiling as the night receded and the rays signaling dawn crept across the wood panels on the other side of the bedroom.
This uncertainty made everything seem static. I’d been so eager to tell Scott I was ready to move forward. My plan was to ask him to come back sooner so we could work things out. Now, I didn’t have a clue where our relationship stood.
I sat up and tiptoed down the hall to Angel’s room to poke my head inside. Both girls were sleeping head to tail with their limbs stretched out. If only I’d had that kind of peaceful rest last night.
Mom was missing from the other double bed, and I guessed she was in the kitchen. I followed the aroma of coffee to where she sat flipping through a magazine.
She raised her head as I came into her line of sight. “You’re up early.”
“Yeah, I was restless last night.”
“Everything all right?”
Despite feeling like my insides were scrambled, I nodded. “Yes, I’m good.”
She sipped coffee and then said, “Your father would have been proud of the woman you’ve become.”
I wasn’t sure where she was going with that statement, but I pulled out a chair and sat. “I’m glad.”
“But … ” She pushed the magazine to one side.
Nodding slowly, I said, “I suspected there would be a 'but.'”
She laughed and patted my hand. “There’s such a thing as being too proud or in your case, going to the extent where you cut off your nose to spite your face.”
My brows contracted, but I stayed quiet.
“I like Scott,” she continued. “He’s not who I would have chosen for you, but I’m not living your life. While he came as a surprise, I’d be blind, not to mention dishonest, if I didn’t admit how good he’s been for you. Don’t be a fool and let your experience with Nolan cloud your vision.”
“I didn’t intend to,” I said softly. “I'm past that, but there are things Scott and I need to get through. Maybe we’ll make it together or maybe we won’t. Only time will tell.”
Mom squeezed my shoulder and got to her feet. “I hope you put your all into making things work. He seems to be a good man.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She kissed my forehead and hugged me. “No problem. You deserve some happiness in exchange for the time you lost with Nolan.”
“I’m getting way ahead of myself here, but say Scott and I get together, how would you manage if I moved abroad?”
“Honey, I’ve lived my life already. Yours is ahead of you. My cousins in the country would be only too happy to keep me company if I need it. Worry about you and your baby. I’ll be fine.”
I couldn’t help the tears that brimmed in my eyes. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”
“Love you too, baby.”
I pulled from her strength and squared my shoulders. I wasn’t certain what the future would look like, but I’d listen to what Scott had to say and then decide what direction to take.
I made a cup of coffee and stood by the window breathing in the morning air. My neighbors weren’t up as yet and now was the perfect time for a walk. After I put the coffee cup in the sink, I exchanged my pajamas for a sweatsuit and sneakers.
“Be back soon,” I said as I went past Mom.