The thought of children used to make me cringe, set my teeth on edge.But Samantha changed everything.Now, watching Nick with his kids, an unfamiliar yearning tugs at my heart.My mind betrays me, painting a vivid picture of Alisha, radiant and pregnant with our child.My heart rate kicks up, and questions I've never dared consider start flooding my brain.
A piercing cry cuts through my thoughts like a knife, making Nick set Charlotte back on her feet.The wail grows louder, and Charlotte covers her ears, giving me a knowing look.
"Liam is awake," she announces with big-sister authority, "and he's hungry."
Nick laughs, the sound warm and natural."Yep, my little man is insatiable."
"Daddy, I'm going to Liam's room," Charlotte announces with all the importance of a royal decree."He always stops crying when he sees me."She darts out the door, her footsteps pattering down the hallway.
Emma's voice drifts in moments later, tinged with that particular mix of exhaustion and amusement only mothers seem to master."Nick!Can you get our son out of bed?"
"Yep, I'm on my way."Nick shoots me an apologetic shrug."Daddy duty calls."
"And that's my cue to leave."I stand, carefully gathering the cookie box.The simple act of holding it – this tangible proof of a child's love and thoughtfulness – makes something shift inside me."You have an amazing family, Nick."
My friend's smile softens as he nods."Yeah, I'm a lucky bastard."He places a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and grounding."But you, Alisha and Samantha?You've built something beautiful too."
I scratch the back of my neck, mulling over the wordfamily.It's always felt like a loaded gun pressed against my temple, heavy with expectations and potential for pain.But when I connect it to Alisha and Samantha, something different unfurls in my chest – something that feels dangerously like hope.
"You've got two kinds of family," Nick says, his voice taking on that rare serious tone."The family you're born into, and the family you create as you grow older – your partner, children, friends.Focus on the one that makes you happy, my friend.What happened in the past?It's out of your control.It happened.You can't change it.But you can choose to focus on the people who fill your life with love and happiness."
His words resonate through me like a piano string struck just right.I pat him on the back, managing a genuine smile."Thanks."
"No problem.That's what best friends are for."A mischievous glint enters his eye."And speaking of my girl's question – wouldn't it be cool if our kids became best friends?"
I roll my eyes, falling back on humor to deflect the surge of emotion."Brian and I keep our heads in the game.Even during mind-blowing sex."
Nick's laughter follows me as I say goodbye to Emma and Charlotte.Walking out of the office, his words echo in my mind:Focus your attention on the people who enrich your life.
Alisha's face fills my thoughts – her bright smile, the way her eyes dance when she laughs, how she sees straight through my walls to the man I'm trying to be.The urge to see her hits me like a physical force.An idea pops into my head as suddenly as corn exploding into popcorn.I'm going to surprise her.
With renewed purpose, I navigate through Boston's busy streets, searching for that particular store I noticed last week.When I spot it, I pull over, a plan already forming.It's time to show Alisha exactly what kind of future I'm ready to build with her.
* * *
Watchingthe last customer leave with their purchase, I can't shake the nagging feeling that I'm about to make a mistake.Brian's warning echoes in my head as I grab my purse from behind the counter.
"Okay, we can talk at the coffee place across the street," I tell Carmen, glancing at Amanda."I'll take my break if that's okay with you?"
Amanda nods, concern flickering across her face.As I pass Brian, he catches my arm gently."Don't do it, Alisha," he whispers, his voice tight with worry."She doesn't deserve it, and Cole will be livid when he finds out."
I meet his gaze, seeing the same protective instinct that Cole often shows."Everyone deserves a chance to explain."The words sound noble, but my stomach churns as I stride out of the store.
The sun disappears behind a fluffy cloud as we cross the street in tense silence.The temperature drops slightly, sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the weather.Jeremy stops at the small terrace in front of the diner, his presence both reassuring and concerning.
"I'll leave you two to talk," he says carefully."I'm going to wait here."
Drawing myself up to my full height, I face them both."I want to make one thing clear to both of you.No matter what, I'm on Cole's side."
Jeremy's lips turn up slightly – approval in his eyes – while Carmen nods calmly."I don't expect you to take my side," she says, her voice carrying that same authoritative tone I've heard in Cole's business dealings."That's not my intention.I'm only here to explain a few things.Nothing more."
Inside the diner, I choose a table by the window, positioning myself where I can see my store across the street.Brian exits, shaking his head as he glances our way before disappearing into the crowd.His disapproval weighs on me, mixing with my own doubts.
The waitress takes our order, and as soon as she walks away, Carmen speaks."First off, thank you for giving me a chance to explain."She hesitates, her perfectly manicured fingers fidgeting with her napkin."How are Cole and Samantha doing?"
My eyes drift to the window, watching the flow of people outside as I weigh my words carefully.The truth sits heavy on my tongue."Cole is bitter and upset by your betrayal."
Silence falls between us as our drinks arrive.I wrap my hands around my coffee cup, drawing comfort from its warmth.Carmen's teacup rattles slightly against its saucer as she shifts it back and forth – the first crack in her composed facade.The sound triggers a memory of Cole at his piano, and suddenly, the protective instinct roars to life inside me.
