“We’re fine. Kelly’s fine. Trust me. I know how lucky I am that she’s even considering something with me.”
“Just don’t keep making the same mistakes.” Lucy pushes herself off the table. “Because from where I’m sitting, you look no different. You look like Dad. Just sayin’.”
“Lucy,” I say, my voice sharp.
“Hey, don’t get mad at her for telling you the truth.” Mom looks me dead in the eye. “It’s okay to take things slowly. It’s a good idea given you’ve got Adele to think about. But if you hold back too much, you might miss the chance to really make this work with her. You get that, don’t you?”
“Yeah, sure.” I look away, wishing they’d just mind their own business. They’ve got no idea how good things are with Kelly this time. And the best thing I can do is keep doing what I do. Fixing things. Providing. Letting her know she’s not alone. I’m not built for too much emotional stuff, but I try. Besides, I’ve always been this way, and Kelly knows that.
Thankfully, Adele appears in the kitchen doorway. She’s got her overnight bag slung over one shoulder, ready to spend the weekend at Jenny’s.
“Hey, Adele,” I say, catching her in a hug that lifts her a few inches off the ground. “Did you have a good time today?”
“Yeah, Dad,” she says, and there’s something solid and real between us—today things have felt better than they have in weeks.
I knew I was right: a steady foundation is what kids need. We’ll get through whatever’s been going on with her, including any food issues that Kelly might have noticed, the same way we always have: by making sure she knows she has a safe, stable home, and parents she can rely on to provide everything she needs.
She looks up at me. “Thanks for the party.”
“Anytime, kiddo. I’ll pick you up from school on Monday.” I give her arm a last squeeze, waving to Jenny and her family as they head out the front door.
“Drive safe!” I call out, before the door closes.
Mom, Lucy, and I keep cleaning in silence, the two of them exchanging glances they think I don’t catch. I’m busy thinking about how they shouldreallymind their own business when Kelly and Nora walk in, arms full of paper plates and cups.
“Where should we put all this?” Kelly asks, flashing me that adorable grin of hers. I smile back, holding out a garbage bag for them.
“Right in here. Thanks.”
Nora dumps her plates first, and Kelly steps closer, the air between us shifting. My eyes automatically flick to her mouth—soft and tempting.
“Hey,” I lower my voice. “You guys are probably heading home soon, but do you want to stay a little longer? I could use some help… with the leftover cake.” I glance over my shoulder and catch Lucy smirking at us from across the kitchen.
Kelly looks at me, her lips curving up slightly. “Sure. I’d love to.” She turns to Nora. “Are you okay taking my car? I’ll catch you at home later.”
Nora gives her a knowing look, one eyebrow raised. “Sounds good. See you later, lovebirds. Thanks for a great afternoon, Jake.”
“Any time.”
Kelly tosses Nora her keys, and Nora heads down the hallway where she grabs her coat. Mom, clearly amused, gathers the last of her containers and pats me on the arm before heading toward the front door with Lucy.
“Don’t forget what we talked about,” Lucy calls out, her voice teasing.
“Yeah, sure,” I say, already staring at Kelly. The front door closes with a click, and it’s hard to focus on anything now I’m alone with her, my heart thudding in my chest like I’m seventeen again.
“Alone at last,” Kelly says, leaning back against the counter.
“Finally,” I say, stepping closer, my hands finding their way to her waist, lifting her up onto the bench. She sits there, her legs instinctively parting as I step between them. My hands rest on her hips, and for a moment, we just look at each other—this thing between us, something old and new all at once.
“I’ve really enjoyed having you here,” I finally say, my voice low. “Mom and Lucy… they’re both glad we’re giving this a second shot. I am too.”
Her eyes soften as she tilts her head, one hand resting gently on my chest. “I’m impressed, you know. Watching you and Jenny co-parent Adele. It can’t be easy, but you guys are making it work. You’re a great dad.”
Those words hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I lean in a little closer. “Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.”
“I was honestly nervous about today. But it felt easy and comfortable. Even with Jenny.”
I pause, letting her words settle in. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about being here. I’m glad it felt comfortable for you. It was for me too. Like you were supposed to be here.”
