“I get why you’ve kept it on the down low. But he’s feeling better about this, as you’ve said. You need to tell him, all right?”
“I will. When I know more, after this visit, Iwilltell him. I just want to know all the facts first.”
She caresses my cheek with the edge of her knuckle. “You are going to be just fine, Darcy. You both will.”
***
I reach over for Benjamin’s hand to provide support. Even though he’s trying very hard to conceal it, I can tell he’s panicking. We’re on the way to Jasmine’s and John’s house. I manage to free his fingers from the fist he’s formed and flip it over onto my lap, massaging his skin from palm to jumpy fingers. His eyes never leave the road, but his shoulders relax—a good sign.
John and Jasmine’s house looks like them. Warm, beautiful, and larger than life. Out of the way of the city, their mansion is complete with expensive landscapes and Mediterranean vibes. Their wealth is on full display and protected by a towering gate.
“Come on. We’re late,” Benjamin says, unbuckling his seatbelt. I smile at his nervousness.
I shut the door and take his outstretched hand. “It’s going to be fine.”
He looks down at me, not bothering to say anything.
I ring the doorbell, and wanting to disarm him, I lift onto my toes enough to peck his cheek. Somehow he manages to disarm me when he cups my cheeks and plants his mouth on mine. I blush, pulling back hastily when the door opens.
Jasmine chuckles and hugs us both. “Hello, you two. Come in. Come in.” We enter behind her, and I gawk at the size of her foyer.
“Your home is beautiful, Jasmine.”
“Oh, thank you so much. We just finished the remodel.”
John walks out, shrugging into his jacket. “Thank you for doing this for us. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to go out on the town.”
Benjamin glances at me, blinking.
“You look terrified,” he says to Benjamin, patting his back with a chuckle.
Benjamin shakes his head. “I’m fine.”
“What are you guys doing tonight?” I ask.
“We’re going to see a play and have some dinner in the city. If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss it…” She glances at her watch. “Dante’s in his chair. He missed his nap, so he shouldn’t be up for too long. I have a bottle for him in the fridge. Give it to him in about an hour and he should pass out after that.”
“Okay.”
“Let me show you his room and changing station and all that,” Jasmine says, taking my hand. I follow her, letting Benjamin relax his nerves with John.
I follow along, listening intently while she explains the routine for the night. I’m sure of myself when we approach the men again.
“Don’t worry about anything. Have fun.”
Jasmine picks up her clutch. “Thank you. We’ll call when we’re on our way back. Text me if you need us at all.”
“Of course.”
I close the door behind them. “You know, I don’t ever think I’ve seen you this nervous.” I chuckle.
Benjamin’s eyes narrow. “Funny.”
“Let’s go see Dante.”
He’s in the living room in a bouncy chair, playing with one of the dangling toys attached to it.
“Hi, you!” I gasp, reaching down. Wide eyed, the boy blinks up at me with the most gorgeous hazel eyes. I lift him out of the bouncy chair. He kicks his legs, bludgeoning my sides, and I hold my breath while he closely assesses my face. “Hi, Dante, I’m Darcy. This is Benjamin, your godfather. You already know him.”
