Epic Sins (Epic Fail #1)(78)

“Sam, you’re home,” she says in her sing-song voice. “You look exhausted.”

“Back-to-back shifts will do that,” I say and sink into the living room couch.

“Kai started walking the other day,” she exclaims, and I smile from ear to ear.

“Really? That’s amazing.” I can’t believe I missed it.

“Max said he was table surfing like a pro and then just let go and kept going. He falls a lot, but it doesn’t stop him. No way.”

“Quiet at the house today?” I ask Peggy. She gives me a sideways look and knows I’m trying to fish for information.

“Garrett’s at his lawyer’s office today, and Max is home with Kai.” Her face lights up and she continues, “You know, Garrett will be gone for a few hours. You should go over to the house and see Kai walk. I know he’d love to see you too.”

I sigh. I haven’t been back to the house since that day. The day that everything between us changed.

I kick off my Danskos and curl my legs underneath me. “I haven’t slept in forty-eight hours. That’s my priority right now.” Cassie’s words ring in my head and my aunt’s expression elicits guilt.

You’re punishing Kai.

I stand up and slide back into my shoes before I change my mind. I hear Peggy breathe a sigh of relief when I walk toward the front door. “Give Kai a kiss for me, okay?”

“Of course,” I say and shut the door.





MAX IS SURPRISED TO SEE ME when he opens the front door. “Sam, how are you?” he asks. “It’s been such a long time.” He steps aside and I walk past him.

I look around the foyer and see recent pictures of Kai adorning the walls. The last time I saw him was a few weeks ago when I met him and Peggy for breakfast at the diner. “Peggy says he’s walking,” I say and strain my neck to see if he’s in the kitchen. It’s quiet in the house, so I assume he’s asleep.

“He’s like a bull in a china shop. Thank goodness your aunt baby-proofed this entire house because everything would be on its end otherwise.” He shakes his head. “Kai’s a piece of work.”

“I bet he is.” I smile.

“Would it be okay if I go upstairs and peek in on him?” I ask hopefully.

“I don’t see why not.” Max smiles and walks into the kitchen, unlocking a series of gates along the way.

I slowly climb the staircase and follow the soft pings of music coming from his room. I open the door and tip-toe in. My nose fills with his baby smells, and the soft scent of powder relaxes me. I feel at home in his room, and I slide out of my shoes so I can feel the thick carpet between my toes. The aromas and sounds begin to relax me. I reach the crib and peer in. He’s on his back with his head turned to the side. His Dalmatian and my Googie are clasped in either hand. His breaths are even and peaceful, and I could stand here all day taking in all of his perfections. I back away and sink into the rocking chair. This chair was my bed for months, and I close my eyes, trying to feel the weight of Kai against my chest. While those times were heart-wrenching and difficult, I try to remember the moments when we bonded. His cries would fill this room and stab through my heart.

Tears come to my eyes as I realize how incredibly far Kai’s progressed. How incredibly far Garrett has, too. I look over at the crib and watch the instruments spin slowly above him. That’s when a large picture on the wall catches my eye. It’s a close-up of Kai and me, our faces pressed against each other. Our smiles are huge. Two teeth peek out from his gums, and his mouth is wet with drool. His hands are on either side of my face, and he’s about to plant a wet, slobbery kiss on me. I remember the exact day that picture was taken, but it seems like a distant memory.

I pull the blanket to my nose and inhale his scent.

Why did everything have to change?

My eyes become heavy and I allow myself to drift off to sleep.





“MA-MA! MA-MA!” I HEAR, and it feels like I’m dreaming. I open my eyes, and Kai is standing in his crib, squealing. “Ma-ma!”

Garrett steps into view and walks over to the crib. I shake my head and wonder if I’m still asleep. “Hey, little guy, what are you saying?” Garrett asks as he lifts his son out of the crib. Kai’s giggles fill the room, and he squirms out of Garrett’s arms. As soon as his feet hit the carpet, he’s running clumsily toward me in the chair.

He reaches me quickly and throws himself into my arms.

“Hey, Kai. I’ve missed you,” I say and pull him against me. He’s squirming in my lap and says again, “Ma-ma.”

Garrett says quietly, “He’s been saying that for the past few days. Every time he sees your picture or hears your name.” He sits down on the bed and faces us.

“Really?” I ask, and Kai plants a wet kiss on my cheek.

“Yeah, I don’t know where it came from.” He scratches his head and smiles as he watches Kai and me together.

“Da-da?” he says and points toward Garrett.

Garrett smiles and waves to his son.

His face becomes softer and he says to me, “How have you been?” He shifts uncomfortably on the bed, and Kai wiggles out of my lap and runs to his toy box on the other end of the room. He pulls the top open and begins digging through it, looking for toys.