Page 87 of Take My Kiss
“No, I think we should do it together.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah.” He nods, chewing his bottom lip. “He called me Dad today.”
“Oh.”
I’ve always felt guilty that he didn’t grow up with a father, and seeing how close he’s getting to Colton is going to make it even harder when we leave.
“He understands I’m not his real dad, but says I protect him like dads are supposed to.”
“He adores you a lot, Colt.”
I mean, who can blame him? Colton stepped up the moment we walked in the door. Most men run in the other direction as soon as I mention having kids.
“Feels like I’ve let him down already,” he mutters. “He loves playin’ with Remy.”
“Welcome to being a parent,” I say half-heartedly. “It never gets easier, and you worry nonstop.”
He pulls me in for a hug and kisses my hair. “Thanks for being there. I’m glad you came.”
“Of course.”
We hold hands as we walk up the stairs, and I hold my breath as we approach the door. Sam’s never been good with his emotions and will hyperfixate on what happened.
“I got the cameras and deadbolt installed before everythin’ happened.” He doesn’t move to walk inside. “Should’ve kept a closer watch on ’em.”
“It’s not your fault, Colt. You couldn’t have known a bobcat was nearby.”
“I knew Remy wandered, but he always came back when I called for him, so he was never far. Bodie and I were outside with ’em and were within earshot of where they were. But then the damn WiFi wasn’t connectin’ to the doorbell app, and I got side-tracked tryin’ to reset it.”
I force Colton to look at me before he gets lost in his thoughts.
“When Sam was three, I took him to the park and ended up spillin’ his ice cream he couldn’t finish on myself. I glanced away for twenty seconds to dig out some baby wipes, and by the time I checked on him again, he was no longer in the sandbox. I called his name, looked everywhere on the playset, and still couldn’t find him. It wasn’t the first time I panic-searched for him ’cause he’s wandered off or wasn’t where he was supposed to be. Luckily, another mom found him on the other playground and brought him back to me.
“Sam can know the rules and say he understands ’em, but he gets easily distracted and is impulsive. He’s been that way his whole life and was even tested for ADHD when he was in first grade. When I met Wilder at the shelter, Sam roamed off while I was changin’ Lily in the bathroom, and although I’d warned him to stay put, he was so excited to see him and took off. So, if Remy was leadin’ ’em, Sam probably followed just to see where he’d take him ’cause he was curious and forgot he was supposed to stay close.”
“I’m torn between feelin’ grateful Remy stepped up to protect Sam when he needed it and upset with myself that I didn’t prevent it.”
“I know,” I whisper, squeezing his hand again.
We quietly walk through the door, and for a split-second, I anticipate Remy greeting us in the entryway.
“Mom!” Sam squeals the moment we go into the kitchen.
He’s eating at the table with Lily, Bodie, and Raven. There’s a wooden rocking horse next to Lily’s chair that wasn’t here this morning, so it must be new.
“Hey, sweetie.” I kiss the top of his head when he pushes out of his chair.
“Where’s Remy?” He looks between Colton and me. “Bodie said he was at the hospital.”
I kneel down to his level and exhale slowly. “Remy had to stay with the vet.”
“Why?” His eyes water, and he sniffs. “I want him here with me.”
“He needed surgery to get better, “ I explain.
Tears flood his cheeks, and I pull him into my arms while he cries.
