If I Only Knew(65)

After a few seconds, he puts me down and smiles. “I see you missed me.”

“I did. I missed you so much.”

I can’t explain it, but he’s become such a part of my life. I felt empty, sad, and lonely without him. My heart is his and now I feel like I can breathe again.

“I know that tomorrow is important and I wanted to be here.”

I clutch my chest and then place my hand over his heart. “Thank you. What about your mother?”

“She’ll be okay for a few days.”

“Days?” I ask, feeling dejected already. “I thought maybe . . .”

When did I become this dependent on him?

“It’s just a short visit, sweetheart. Callum and I arranged for a nurse to stay with her until I can return.”

I’m not going to think about him leaving again. I only want to think about what we have. A few days is better than nothing.

“I understand, I’m just so surprised.” Then something else dawns on me. “Callum knew!”

“He did.”

I smile. That’s why he was being so weird. “Can we kick everyone out?”

He wiggles his brows. “Not can, we most definitely will.”

Works for me.

I take his hand and we enter the living room. “Everyone out!” I say and they look up.

“Milo!” A few of them yell out.

Milo walks around, shaking hands, and kissing cheeks. The husbands haven’t met him yet, so I give them a few minutes to make introductions. Honestly, I could care less if they never met because I want every second I have with him.

Preferably not with my friends.

Nicole walks over and puts her arm around me. “I’m taking Ava for the night. She agreed to babysit Colin for us. I asked her the other day so it doesn’t look like you just want to have wild sex with your hot boyfriend.”

“I didn’t like you before, but now I kind of get the appeal.” I smile and bump her hip. She’s a mess, but it’s moments like this that you remember how great of a friend she is.

“I told you, I’m a mother fucking diamond.”

I laugh and kiss her cheek. “I guess you are. I’ll pick her up before the sentencing.”

“No worries, have a good breakfast fuck while you’re at it. You can call it sausage in your biscuit.”

“Nicole,” I chide. “You’re so vulgar sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” She laughs.

“All right. All the damn time.”

Good to see motherhood didn’t change her.

“Milo!” Parker yells as he runs down the stairs. “You’re back!”

“I am for a few days.” Milo smiles as he gives him a big hug.

“I have so much to tell you,” he says.

I don’t know if Milo understands what this means to me. My kids liking a man I’m dating is paramount. They are my entire world, and that man has to be able to step in and become part of it. While I think I would’ve fallen for Milo regardless, the fact that my son came running to him says more than words.

Children are the best judges of character. I remember when Ava wouldn’t go around Scott. I thought it was weird, but looking back, she knew there was something off with him. I believe children are innocent, and they can sense it.

“We’ll get out of your hair,” Heather says as she comes close. “Eli and I fly out tomorrow. I really do wish I could be there, even though Milo is here now, it’s just . . . I love you.”

“And I love you,” I say, pulling her in for a hug, “I know you want to be here, but you’re married to a movie star who is in high demand.”

Eli chuckles. “Gotta give the women what they want.”

She slaps his stomach. “You’re a dork.”

“You’re both dorks,” I clarify.

We say goodbye, and Ava comes downstairs finally.

“Milo is back.” She smiles. “Are you two going to make out and that’s why I’m going to Aunt Nicole’s?”

“Yup,” Nicole answers. “I’m pretty sure they’re going to do more than that.”

She should wear a shock collar and each time she says something stupid, we should get to zap her. Maybe that will teach her what is appropriate.

On the other hand, she’d probably like it too much.

“So gross. I swear.”

Nicole laughs. “You asked, kid.”

“Lie to me next time.” Ava shivers.

“Seriously, I had no idea he was coming here. I’ll pick you up in the morning,” I explain.

“Sure thing, Mom. Make good choices, use a condom and all that,” Ava says as she waves her hand. “I’m really too old to be a sister again.”

“Oh my god.”

Seriously, my kid needs help.

Nicole is about ready to pee herself. She’s laughing hysterically at my dismay.

“What?” Ava asks as though she has no idea why we’re horrified.

“Oh, just you telling your mother to use a condom. I thought I’d never experience this level of comedy, but . . . here it is.” Nicole claps her hands. “Bravo, kid.”

Ava bows. “I’m here every night, folks.”

After everyone is done giving me shit, I get the kids all packed to go. Parker is having a hard time leaving Milo alone, and it’s kind of cute.