Page 80 of If You Love Me
“Tyrion, put me down. I’m too heavy.”
I smacked her ass again. “I’m built for this, baby.”
“You better stop slapping my ass like that,” she said, low enough for only me to hear.
I grinned as I moved her into position to cradle her in my arms. “Or what?”
She blushed as she scrambled out of my arms. “I don’t know yet. But don’t test me.”
She cupped my chin and kissed me. Summer watched with the biggest grin on her face. Every time her mother and I kissed, it was like it did her all the good in the world. She’d confessed that she loved seeing us together. She said it made her feel like we were a real family. I knew she longed for that. It was one of the reasons I’d even been open to dating after Evenie.
Of course, she had a real family with our loved ones, but it was different with having two loving parents. She deserved that, and now that Evenie was back, it was my mission to give her the family she wanted with the person we both wanted it with.
25
Evenie
“You’re here earlier than usual,” Dr. Stewart said as I sat down across from her.
“Well, I start work today at ten, so I needed an earlier appointment.”
I was both nervous and excited about officially being back atCurated Realm, but I needed this. I’d been home too long, and I’d found myself almost falling into a depressive state several times. I had to get out of the house.
“That’s wonderful news. That’s a big step for you. Are you feeling confident that you’re ready?”
I nodded. “I am. It’s time to get back to a normal routine. I’ve slowly integrated normal things back into my life.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“Driving. I’m now taking Summer Rose to school. Her dad still brings her home, but it feels like a regular mom thing to do.”
“How’s it been?”
“It’s been great, honestly.” I giggled. “Summer never lets me have a dull moment. We created a playlist of both our favoritesongs to listen to on the ride. She loves poking fun at my taste in music. I listen to a little of everything. You should have seen her face when “Back To Life” by Rascal Flatts came on and I started singing. She was like,‘Mommy! You like country music!’.I knew I had to put her on to some of my favorites then.”
Dr. Stewart smiled. “I love this happiness on you, Evenie. This is the first time I’ve seen you smile like this since we began seeing each other.”
“If nothing else makes me smile, it’s her. She’s such a wonderful kid. I’m lucky she’s mine.”
“She’s lucky to have you too. So, I know you had to celebrate getting a job. What did you do?”
I blushed. “Well, Summer and her father cooked me dinner this past weekend. My best friend and her family joined us. They made and served all my favorites. We ate and had our own little movie night and dance party. It was nice… refreshing. Saturday, we did a little family project, and Sunday, we just chilled and relaxed around the house.”
“How did it feel being with Tyrion? I know you were struggling with your feelings and him having a fiancée.”
“Well, he doesn’t have a fiancée anymore. She took it upon herself to send me divorce papers with his forged signature, and that was the end of that.”
“How does that make you feel?”
“Would I be wrong to say I’m glad it’s over?”
“If that’s how you feel, then that’s how you feel.”
“That’s how I feel. That woman wouldn’t have been happy, even if she had him to herself. I was always going to be a threat to her because I’m Summer Rose’s mother, and I was always going to be around. Where I would have respected her as the person he chose to be with, she wouldn’t have offered me that in return. It would have always been an ‘I have one up on you’ type of deal. I don’t need that. It’s bad enough I hit her—”
“Wait, you hit her? Evenie.”
I raised my hands in defense. “Dr. Stewart, I know I was wrong, but she had it coming. I spared her, her slick mouth, and her disrespectful ways long enough. It was one time. I don’t plan to put my hands on her again unless she hits me first. I promise.”
