“I’ve been there for you since Lennon was born.”
Chelsea wasn’t sure what equated to “been there” in Rick’s mind—then she realized she did. It meant, he had been there—like, in the room—watching while she took care of her son. Apparently, his mere presence was supposed to be some great gift he offered while she fed Lennon, changed his diaper, and rocked him to sleep. Rick had only held Lennon a handful of times, always done at her request—not because he offered—when she needed to go to the bathroom or grab a bottle from the refrigerator.
There was absolutely no comparison between Rick’s contributions and Preston’s.
Preston was a true partner when it came to caring for their son. Perhaps the argument could be made that was because Lennon wasn’t Rick’s son. But she knew her ex well enough to know that even if they’d gotten married and had kids, the majority of the childrearing would have fallen to her, because he made more money and therefore would have considered himself the bread winner.
“Rick, I’m sorry you got the wrong impression about my feelings, but?—”
Rick cut her off. “You’re saying all of this because of him, aren’t you?”
“Not at all. I knew we were in two different places the morning you kissed me.”
“How convenient that also just happened to be the day he showed up.”
“His name is Preston,” she said, louder than she intended.
“You’re making a mistake, Chelsea. You barely know this guy, and yet you’re ready to throw away a lifelong relationship with me in the hopes that what? He’ll pick you? Just because you had a baby with him? The guy is using you, and he’s going to hurt you. The only reason he’s hanging around is because you gave him a son. I’m sure that’s feeding his overweening ego for now, but something or someone else will come along soon, and you’ll be left on your own. I’m offering you a real future. I know you’re unhappy living with your parents. Move in with me. Today. Let me prove myself to you. And then…maybe soon, you’ll consider marrying me. I’ll be a good husband to you and father to Lennon. I’ll give you a home and provide for you.”
“I seem to recall you making that offer before. You didn’t show up.”
Rick stilled, and for the first time, she got the sense her words were sinking in. “You’re right. I didn’t. And it was the biggest mistake of my life.”
Preston said Rick would regret letting her go the night they met. He assured her that he’d be sorry one day. It looked like that day had arrived, but it didn’t make her as happy as she thought it would.
“I know you don’t want to hear it again, but I am sorry, Chelsea. More than words can say.”
She nodded, her throat tight. “I know that. But you and I are done. And I mean completely. I don’t want to see you again. Not for a long, long time.”
“That might be tough…our mothers…”
“You managed to avoid me for months after the wedding. I have no doubts about your abilities there.”
Guilt suffused his features. “You’re right again. I did. Chelsea, I hope, for your sake and Lennon’s, that man…” Rick drew in a slow breath. “That Preston sticks around and follows through.”
“He will,” she said, with a certainty she felt all the way to the core.
Rick leaned forward, attempting another kiss. She pulled away, shaking her head.
A rustling sound captured their attention, and they turned toward the door of the kitchen, spotting Preston standing there, Lennon sleeping soundly in his stroller in front of him. She’d been so distracted by Rick, she hadn’t even heard the bell.
Preston didn’t say anything, simply looked from her to Rick, then back again. One of these days, she was going to have to ask him for pointers on how he managed that poker face of his because, while she couldn’t read a single thing on his face, she feared he was seeing every speck of the panic on hers.
“Uh…Preston Jacobson, this is Rick Dwyer. Rick, this is Preston.” While Rick didn’t need the introduction, Preston did—and the slight furrowing of his brows told her that he remembered exactly who Rick was. That was when the poker face faltered, just slightly.
Both men nodded by way of greeting, but neither reached out to shake the other’s hand. Instead, they looked like kickboxers sizing each other up before the ringing of the bell.
So…this was going well.
Rick cried uncle first on the stare down. “I need to get back to the office.” He turned toward Chelsea. “I’ll see you…” He paused.
“Goodbye, Rick,” she said firmly, reinforcing her stand.
Rick walked away without another word, ignoring Preston—and Lennon—on the way out.
Preston leaned on the doorjamb, clearly waiting for an explanation.
“So…that was my ex,” she started lamely.
