Page 77 of All of Him
But I honestly didn’t believe itwouldbe a mistake.
“I agree,” I lied, stepping away. “You have a big day tomorrow.”
42
Noah
I WAS SO FRUSTRATEDwith myself for my lack of control with Amanda at Temple Bar. I’d thought I had it all figured out, but seeing Ron had thrown me off my axis. After what had happened, I wasn’t sure how much more I could take without letting her know how I felt, but I needed to meet my nephew before making a decision about Amanda.
I carefully drove through Dublin, making my way to a more suburban area, where Morgan lived with her mom. I’d been to the house many times—for holidays and to watch movies. Morgan had moved back in after she left me, so she could have help with the baby.
“I’m sorry about last night,” Amanda said, anxiously running her hand through her hair.
“It wasn’t anyone’s fault,” I responded. “We can talk more about it later though. I have to get through today before I think about anything else.”
“I know,” she said, shaking her head. “I just didn’t want you to be angry with me.”
“Hey,” I said, reaching over and grabbing her hand. “I’m not mad.”
She smiled, relieved, but she was obviously still nervous to meet my ex. I’d thought about not bringing her, but I knew that I wanted only her to take care of me if I couldn’t handle it. I’d cleared it with Morgan, though I didn’t explain why. I’d just told her I was bringing a friend. After what she’d done to me, I honestly didn’t care if she was annoyed by Amanda’s presence.
“This it?” Amanda asked, looking at the dark brick row house.
Black shutters and a green front door called out to me, pulling me into a place I never wanted to be in again. My heart sped up slightly, and I wasn’t sure I would be able to handle the interaction. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a choice.
“This is it,” I answered, parallel parking.
We stepped out of the car, and then I led Amanda up the path, hoping that she didn’t feel too awkward. But who was I kidding? She was meeting my ex, who had just had my brother’s baby.
I sighed. “Good thing you’re used to awkward situations.”
Amanda cracked a smile, then looked at the opening front door.
Morgan stood there, looking tired as all hell, but still the same as she had when she left me. She smiled weakly, then stepped forward for a hug, not paying any attention to Amanda. I hugged her back, taking in a smell that seemed to pull me deeper into the darkness that I’d woken up in. My past was not being friendly to me.
“Come in,” Morgan said, letting Amanda and me walk into the kitchen. She locked the door behind us, then turned to look me up and down. “You’re happy.”
Tears formed in her eyes, and I reached out to hug her again. It felt like the right thing to do, but it was the last thing I wanted after what had happened between us.
“I’m so glad you’re happy.”
“I am,” I admitted, pulling back. “Morgan, this is my friend, Amanda. She’s been getting me through all this shit for the past few months.”
Amanda reached her hand out, shaking Morgan’s. She was taking the whole thing like a pro, and I was proud of her.
“Hi,” Amanda said. “Just ignore me.”
Morgan smiled at her, then turned to me.
“You ready to meet your nephew?”
I shook my head.
“No, but I think I need to,” I admitted.
Morgan’s eyes teared up again, and she led me into the living room, where a bassinet stood next to the TV. I watched as she picked up a little baby boy, waking him gently. I had to admit, she looked good as a mother. I could tell how much she loved the kid. She kissed his nose as he cooed, then brought him over to me.
“Do you want to hold him?” she asked.
