Never Been Ready (Ready #2)(64)

He stopped dead in his tracks when he reached the living room. He gave us an appraising look. He looked me up and down, trying to figure out my place in his world. His eyes then shifted to Leah, and recognition registered across his small features.

"Hey, you're that nurse from the hospital," he said, allowing me to hear my child's voice for the first time ever.

He sounded so grown-up yet young at the same time, reminding me of his age. He was seven, going on eight. I'd missed the years where he'd learned to talk and said his words wrong. I'd missed him going to school for the first time, learning to read and write. Anger at Heather threatened to take over my calm demeanor, and I reminded myself that he was here. I'd found him. Leah had found him, and every day forward, I would be here.

Leah smiled at Connor's recognition of her. She bent down slightly, so she could be at eye level with him.

"That's right. I'm Leah, and this is Declan. He used to be a friend of your mom's. We thought you might like to spend the day with us. We were headed over to Colonial Williamsburg and thought you might like to join us."

"Well...Sarah took me there a few weeks ago...but I could be, like, your guide or whatever."

"That sounds great. Doesn't it, Declan?"

"Sounds perfect. Let's go!" I said.

Colonial Williamsburg was almost sectioned off from the rest of Williamsburg. It was about ten minutes from the newer area where Sarah and Devin lived. I followed the signs to the main gate, but Connor stopped me.

"You know, you don't have to buy tickets. You can see almost everything without having to buy a ticket."

"Really?"

"Yeah, Sarah told me so. She says the tickets are cool if you want to see reenactments or go into the buildings, but if you just wanna walk around, shop, and eat, you can just park and go in," he said.

"Well, glad we have our own tour guide to show us the ropes then," Leah said.

I saw Connor smile shyly in the rearview mirror.

We headed back to the street and found a lot to park in. It was a cold winter day, and there weren't as many people here since it wasn't tourist season, so parking wasn't an issue.

Getting out of the car, I pulled Leah to me and asked, "Did you know the thing about the tickets?"

"Of course I did. I've been here a gazillion times."

"Were you ever going to tell me, snuggle bear?"

"Mmm...nope. I love reenactments. Guys in colonial uniforms are hot. And snuggle bear? Seriously? That's gross."

I laughed. It really was awful, but I just couldn't resist. "It was worth a shot, and there will be no checking out anyone in a uniform...unless it's me."

"Yes, sir," she teased. "So, Connor, since you've been here, where's a good place to eat? I'm starved!"

Connor, being a child, suggested one of the pubs where everyone dressed in period clothing and said, "Ye," a lot. Luckily, the food was good, and we stuffed ourselves on bread and stew. After an hour-long meal though, Connor still hadn't spoken much. He'd stirred around his stew and pulled off pieces of his bread, but that had been it.

I gave Leah a look that basically said, Am I doing something wrong?

She gave me a look back that was soft and warm as she held my hand under the table, giving it an encouraging squeeze.

After leaving the restaurant, we strolled around the dirt streets and visited several shops. Around the third one, Connor was busy, looking at a toy sword, when I came up next to him, trying to figure out what to talk about. Then, he beat me to it.

"How did you know my mom?" he asked quietly as he fiddled with the swords.

"She was, uh...my girlfriend for a long time," I answered honestly.

I briefly thought about just saying that we had been friends, but I didn't want to start out my relationship with my son on a lie. I was already lying about who I was. We didn't need any more deceit. I would do my best to always be truthful with him, especially with the things that truly mattered.

"But you broke up?"

"Yes. We realized we weren't right for each other, and I moved to California while she stayed in New York."

He was quiet for a long time after that as we made our way through the gift shop. He returned back to the swords several times. He'd pull one out and hold it in his hands like a little knight. I suddenly remembered I'd never given him his present. It was still sitting in the trunk of the car, and now, seeing him with that sword in his hand, it seemed unimpressive.

I found Leah by the jewelry as she was looking at a small silver necklace.

I asked, "Hey, would you mind walking with him to go get some hot cider while I get something real quick?"

"Sure," she answered, taking one last look at the necklace before gathering up Connor in search of cider.

I picked up my two purchases quickly and tucked the small one into my pocket. Then, I went in search for Connor and Leah and found them at a small stand selling hot cider. I came up, pulling the toy sword out of the bag as I approached. Connor turned and saw the sword, his eyes going wide with excitement.

"Every soldier needs a sword," I said, bending down to hand him the sword with a bit of flare. Might as well put those acting skills to good use.

He took it in his hand and looked up at me in wonder.

"Thank you, Declan," he said.