“O—okay,” I say before I can talk myself out of it.
“Okay?” He keeps his focus trained on Ella, but I do notice his jaw tick ever so slightly.
“I’ll think about it,” I repeat, steadier now.
Jamie nods, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “Good. That's… that's good. You should go and have fun.”
I nod, unable to say anything else. My hands fidget as we both turn back to Ella, who’s now dancing in a line. The silence between us feels different now. It’s awkward, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but at least I know whatever I decide, he supports it.
When Ella's class ends, she comes barreling out of the studio, sweaty and beaming.
“Did you see me, Mommy? Did you see my jumps?”
“I saw everything, baby. You were amazing.” I pull her into a hug, breathing in her familiar scent.
“Jamie, did you see?” She turns to him, her eyes wide and hopeful, and in that moment, I know I’ve made the right decision. I can’t break her heart.
“I saw.” He crouches down to her level, and the tenderness in his expression makes it hard to breathe. “You looked like a real ballerina up there.”
“I'm gonna be in the recital!” she announces proudly. “Mommy, can Jamie come to the recital?”
I glance at him, finding him already looking at me.
“Of course he can come,” I say softly. “If he wants to.”
“I want to,” he says immediately, still focused on Ella. “I wouldn't miss it for anything.”
Ella squeals and launches herself at him, and Jamie catches her easily, holding her tight, and looking like he never wants to let her go.
“Can he come over for dinner too, Mommy?”
“Of course,” I say. “If he can?”
“Oh, I can.” Jamie’s smile widens as Ella cheers and throws her arms around him. Jamie laughs as he catches her, holding her close.
Seeing them together like this makes my heart feel full.
That kiss between Jamie and me needed to happen, so we could get here. If we want this to work, we need to be a strong and stable familyfor her.
It doesn’t matter that I felt tingles all the way down to my toes. What matters is, he’s here and I refuse to do anything that might affect that.
Chapter 16
With my head against my seat, I try to subtly look at Tiff from the corner of my eye. She’s watching the road, driving us back to Zach’s house, and I can’t stop staring.
God, she’s fucking beautiful.
Her fingers tap anxiously against the steering wheel as she tucks her bottom lip under her teeth.
I desperately want to reach over and calm her nerves, but I don’t. It’s not my place. Never has been. Most likely, never will be.
Ella’s soft snores fill the silence, and I can’t deny how much I enjoy this. Being here—being with them… feeling like we’re a family.
Family?
Fuck, Jamie. That’s a dream you blew up when you suggested Reese date the only person you’ve ever truly been interested in.
“So,” I say, clearing my throat. “What time should I be at your house for the babysitting?”