Chapter 12
12
IRENE
Okay, moving officially sucks, but moving across country sucks even worse, Irene thought silently trying to keep her opinions to herself because of Stephen’s obvious excitement – and the pressure Barrett was under. His text messages were telling from yesterday afternoon.
What does a panic attack feel like?
Should I be sweating like this?
Well, this is strangely nice… but weird.
Definitely weird.
I can’t believe this. I’ll call you tonight… oh wait, I can’t. We’re supposed to all have dinner with the owner before he flies out.
I miss you two.
That last text message made her heart skip a beat. It was sweet of him to say something like that and strangely odd not to follow it up with some snarky comment.
She was packing the last of the boxes at her apartment, emptying out the junk drawers, and dismantling some of the items before the movers arrived. Today was the day, and tonight, they would be sleeping in Quebec. In fact, everything had been planned to have them fly out this evening, arrive in their new city around six o’clock tonight, and everything else would arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Do you have your bag packed? She gestured to Stephen.
Yes. I got my socks, toothbrush, charger for my Gameboy, and a T-shirt.
Underwear? Pajamas?
Oops! He signed and ran for his little cubby, which he used to store his things and his toys. Yeah, this was the last time the two of them would be in this cramped apartment. Hesitating, she glanced at her watch, hearing a knock at the door.
Rising, she opened it without bothering to look because the truck was supposed to be here any moment – only to come face to face with her ex-husband.
“Eric,” she gasped, shocked to her core. “What are you doing here?”
“Can’t I come see my wife?”
“Ex-wife,” she corrected pointedly and then blocked the entrance to the apartment, using the door blocked with her foot to hold it closed somewhat. “I’ve moved on. What do you need?”
“Well, I heard you got married… actually, I saw it on the news, so can you imagine my surprise when I’d just had the chance to savor a bit of that sweetness myself a few months ago,” he purred, and she thought she was going to be sick.
Yeah, good riddance, she thought silently, disgusted. What did I ever see in this slimeball?
“So, did ya’ get rid of it yet?” he asked, giving her a sleazy smile. “Ready for another round, or are you getting enough from your ‘guy,’” he mocked, using air quotes. “He looks like a girl with all that hair. Does he really wear it up in a girly-bun? When you are sick of playing with ‘dolls,’ you let me know, and I can show you how a real man…”
“Enough!” she hissed, utterly disgusted. “I’m done. I don’t know why you are here, but you need to leave. I’m happily married, and what happened with us months ago was a huge mistake.”
“You never answered my question.”
“I don’t intend to either. I don’t owe you anything regarding my life - or Stephen’s since you never bothered to learn to speak with him and signed away your rights. Oh, and FYI – your check bounced. Did I mention that?”
“Yeah – you’ve mentioned it twice now.”
“Once when you knocked me up after using me – and that check you wrote is still bouncing. Let me mention that again, you jerk. I ought to turn you in for writing a hot check or…”
“What you ought to do is remember who was there first,” he said bluntly, reaching out and grabbing her by the jaw, pinching her cheeks hard enough to bring tears to her eyes as he got in her face. “What is it with you anyhow? My friends used to tell me ‘ date a redhead’ because she’ll be hot in the sack ’… and you were, but man – you are not worth the attitude that having a good time comes with.”
Irene wrenched her face out of his hands, practically pulling a muscle in her neck that made her gasp in pain. That was going to smart later on, she thought, glaring at the man before her. Barrett would never be cruel like this or hurt her. He might make her mad or make some snarky comment, but cruelty?
Never.
“You need to leave, or I’m calling the police,” she hissed angrily, pushing Stephen back behind her the second she felt him touch her back to get her attention. She noticed the movers were bringing boxes, tow-dollys, and padding down the hallway in her direction as Eric glanced over his shoulder.
“We’re not done,” he said simply, moving to walk away.
“We’ve been done for a long time now – you just don’t listen.”
“I’ll text you, Irene.”
“Do us both a favor and don’t!” she snapped, but Eric never even acknowledged she was speaking – he just kept on walking. Story of my life, she thought angrily and heard her phone beep. If that was him…
Let me know when the movers get there. I can’t wait to see you both later.
Barrett , she practically sighed in relief. Pressing her lips together, she looked up at the back of the man walking away before glancing at her phone again. Yeah, this might have been an arrangement between friends, but whatever this was with Barrett was a million times better than that pathetic excuse for ‘love’ she’d once had with Eric – and seeing him simply solidified that thought.
I can’t wait to see you either.
Maybe we can order pizza and talk after Stephen goes to bed.
I’d like that a lot.
Me too. See you this evening.
Let me know when you head to the airport.
Will do.
C’mon Stephen, she signed and held open the door for the three men who invaded the tiny apartment, making quick work of her things. They stood there together, watching everything get packed away, cataloged, and hauled out in less than an hour. Her whole life was in those meager boxes. No , she thought to herself. That was my past – my future is waiting in Quebec.
One more stop, she motioned to her son, seeing his excited glance , and then we are off to our new home, and to see Barrett.
I can’t wait to see him, Stephen gestured, his face beaming with joy and love. He’s the best, and I’ve really missed him.
Me too , she replied easily, realizing it was true. She missed Barrett more than she wanted to admit. His smile, his snarky gaze, the way he would make this expression that told her he was hiding something. Oh yes, she was beginning to understand him in a way she never expected.
H ours later, the airport was buzzing with movement, a restless tide of travelers dragging their luggage and weary bodies toward their destinations. It was almost nine o’clock at night when Irene and Stephen finally stepped off the plane, their carefully laid plans lying in ruins. The storm had delayed their flight for hours, and then—just when they thought they were through the worst of it—they’d been flagged for an additional security screening. The humiliation of being publicly searched and patted down under the indifferent gaze of strangers had left her feeling exposed and raw.
Stephen had barely stayed awake through it all, his small frame heavy with exhaustion against her side. She hadn’t been much better, her own limbs sluggish with fatigue, the day stretching longer than she thought possible.
Now, they trudged forward through the crowded concourse, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow over them as they followed the steady stream of passengers toward baggage claim. Her heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Barrett would be there. He had promised. She’d texted him as soon as they landed, but a part of her still felt nervous—like seeing him would make this whole situation even more real.
And then, there he was.
Barrett stood tall near the carousel, scanning the crowd with sharp, searching eyes. The moment their gazes met, his tense expression softened into something almost tender. His lips curved into a worried smile, the kind that felt like warmth on a cold night.
Hey, buddy, he signed, his hands fluid and natural as he crouched down, waiting.
Stephen didn’t hesitate. He broke into a sprint, colliding into Barrett’s waiting arms with the force of a child who had found his safe place. Barrett scooped him up effortlessly, wrapping him in a hug that lasted longer than a simple greeting. It was the kind of embrace that spoke volumes—a reassurance, a silent promise.
Irene’s steps slowed as she approached them, her heart twisting at the sight. Barrett held Stephen close, his hand resting protectively on the boy’s back. Something about the moment made her chest tighten in a way she hadn’t expected.
“Hi,” Barrett whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the airport.
“Hi yourself,” she murmured, unsure of what else to say. The words felt small, inadequate.
He didn’t hesitate. Without asking, without giving her time to second-guess herself, he opened his free arm in invitation. The simple gesture knocked the wind out of her. It wasn’t just an offer of comfort—it was an acceptance, a quiet understanding that she didn’t have to go through this alone. Before she could overthink it, she stepped into him.
His arm wrapped around her, drawing her close, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself rest against someone. His warmth surrounded her, the solid strength of him easing the tension coiled in her muscles.
“I’m glad you made it,” he whispered against her hair, his breath stirring a few loose strands. “I was starting to get worried.”
She let out a slow breath, her fingers curling slightly against his back. “It’s certainly been a day…”
He pulled back just enough to look at her. “Are you okay?”
“Just worn out.”
“I can imagine.” His voice was soft, understanding. And then—before she could process it—he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. It was brief. Gentle. But it was also the first time either of them had shown anything resembling affection.
She froze, her breath catching in her throat.
“Is this okay?” he murmured, his thumb tracing a small, absentminded circle against her shoulder.
She swallowed hard and nodded, unable to form words. It should have felt strange, but it didn’t. Instead, it settled something deep inside her that had been restless for too long. She let her head rest against his chest for just a moment longer before he exhaled and finally let go.
Barrett set Stephen down carefully, shifting his attention back to him.
Sorry, buddy. You’ve grown since I saw you a few days ago.
I’m getting taller, Stephen grinned, signing back with enthusiasm.
Yes, you are, Barrett signed, nodding, his smile full of something she couldn’t quite name. It’s busy here, so let me carry your bag and you hold Mommy’s hand when we cross the street.
Then, he turned back to her. “Gosh, I didn’t realize how much I missed you both until I saw you. Are you ready to see the house?”
Irene hesitated, shifting on her feet. “I’ve seen it on the computer screen.”
Barrett’s lips twitched in amusement. “Well, yeah…”
“But,” she interrupted before she could lose her nerve, “I can’t wait to see it in person.” She took a deep breath, then added, “Oh, and I made a doctor’s appointment so we can transfer our records, and I can get checked.”
There was no hiding away from the constant reminder that she was pregnant again – and she was starting to show. No, if things were changing, if their friendship was going to grow deeper, there had to be open honesty and truth between them. She’d been upfront regarding the baby and wanted to do so again before anything else changed between them.
Something flickered across Barrett’s face—something unspoken but deeply felt. “I hope it’s on a day I can go with you,” he said softly, holding her gaze.
His intensity made her heart stutter.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he reached out his hand.
Irene hesitated, nervous for reasons she didn’t fully understand. She handed him her bag—since he already had Stephen’s—but he simply slung it over his shoulder and held his hand out again, smiling.
She blinked.
“Ohhhh,” she let out an awkward chuckle, realizing what he meant.
With a deep breath, she placed her hand in his. His fingers curled around hers, firm and steady—a reassuring squeeze.
“Much better,” he murmured, a slow grin tugging at his lips. And then—unbelievably—he winked at her.
Her stomach flipped.
Was he… flirting with her?
Was she supposed to feel this? The nervous energy curling in her belly, the ridiculous rush of warmth spreading through her limbs—this wasn’t part of the plan. She wasn’t supposed to get butterflies over a man who was just her friend .
But Barrett wasn’t just anything.
She tightened her other hand around Stephen’s, stealing a glance at him. Her son was watching them closely, his bright eyes filled with something she couldn’t quite decipher. He had never been like this around Eric—never observant, never invested. But then again, Eric had never tried to be a father.
Barrett did.
And at that moment, as he smiled at her, his fingers laced securely with hers, Irene knew the ‘what if’ lingering in the back of her mind was no longer a question.
It was already becoming something real between them.
T he car ride home was a quiet one – except for the faint snores coming from Stephen in the back seat of the vehicle.
“Is this a rental?” she asked quietly, looking around at the spacious van and remembering he had his big fancy blacked-out Tahoe.
“Actually, it’s yours,” he replied, not pulling his eyes from the road as he turned down a driveway. “The car carriers will be here in a few days with both vehicles, but until then, I wanted you to have something safe and dependable to drive with the children.”
“You bought me a car,” she questioned flatly, stunned.
“Yeah, I did,” he said in the same tone, giving her a sideways look as he pulled up to the house, pressing on the mirror button. A garage opened, and she saw a gorgeous flecked floor instead of a concrete slab – completely with a sign that said “MRS.” in front of her spot.
“You’re ridiculous,” she chuckled nervously, glancing at the unbelievably sweet man.
“I know, but you’re stuck with me regardless,” he tossed out playfully – and then handed her the keys. “I hope you don’t mind a blue minivan.”
“I couldn’t care less what color it is.”
“The teams’ colors are blue and red – and well, they really want us pushing the whole ‘solidarity’ thing, but if you want…”
“Barrett,” she interrupted, putting a hand on his arm. “I’m thrilled and a little shocked that you bought me a car. I mean, that’s like saying, ‘ Oh yeah, I hit the lottery and forgot to tell you’…”
“Oh yeah,” he chuckled, and her mouth dropped open.
“You didn’t?”
“I did,” he smiled softly, getting out of the car and walking around toward their side, not breaking eye contact as he opened the passenger side of the car and took her hand, helping her out like she was some damsel exiting a carriage back in the eighteen hundreds. “Well, I didn’t - but it felt that way when you got off the plane and I saw you.”
Irene swallowed the lump in her throat as she stared at him emotionally – only to see him slide open the side of the van as he scooped up Stephen’s exhausted form, holding him limp against his shoulder. Was there anything more beautiful than a man caring for the child he willingly chose to call his own?
She was melting.
“Maybe you were right,” she whispered, looking at him. “Maybe my guardian angel is listening to me after all.” Her voice faded at the glorious smile he gave her, reaching out for her hand – and to her shock? He kissed the back of it before walking toward the door of their new home.
“Let me put him in his room – and we’ll talk.”
As they entered the house, her trembling hand drifted up to cover her shocked mouth as her lips parted. The video footage did not do the house justice. The oak floors were warm and inviting – and beckoned you forward the moment the garage door opened into the massive kitchen. In the middle was a huge island with a dark granite countertop and four padded stools were already waiting to have relaxed moments as a family.
Her eyes burned with tears, realizing that he’d given her almost everything she could have wished for – a home, friendship, acceptance, and removing all of life’s burdens from her shoulders. He gave her a car, a home, and opened his life to them without a fight and she never imagined things could ever feel this good.
Taking in everything, she saw Barrett carrying Stephen across the empty living room where a massive stone fireplace stood in the corner. They could have a roaring fire in the winter, telling stories together, or snuggling and watching the snowflakes fall in the safety of this nest, this cocoon of happiness that he’d gifted her.
That cool, icy man she’d met that first day had transformed into nothing short of a miracle, layer by layer, piece by piece… and she was falling for him. Oh my gosh, was she falling hard.
Seeing the open doorway, she walked toward it and caught a glimpse of him gingerly lying down Stephen on a bunk bed – and spotted the desk off to the side with a gift laying on top of it. The big bright green bow caught her eye, and she chuckled tearfully as she realized that the walls of the room were painted with three shades of green – each a different color so it wasn’t so overwhelming.
There was a dark, forest green wall as an accent, a much lighter green wall beside it, and the last was the palest shade of green – with three big blocks painted in the various shades. This was something tasteful and not childlike, yet indulging her son and respecting his requests. It was something that would honestly work for him as he grew into his teenage years… causing her to marvel at the man she’d married all over again as Barrett turned to her, holding up a finger to his lips.
She nodded as he took her hand and pulled her from the room with him, pulling the door slightly – and hesitated.
“I don’t have a sticky note to leave him.”
“I think he’ll realize where he is when he wakes up and sees that gift from you…”
“From us,” he corrected gently, and she smiled.
“What did we get him?” she chuckled, acknowledging what he’d said and following him as he led her to another door.
“Well, I got him a new Gameboy color and a few games…”
“Oh Barrett,” she whispered, touched, meeting his warm gaze only to realize he was waiting with a mysterious smile on his face. “What are you up to?”
“This is for our little one – and you,” he said tenderly, his voice rapt with emotion as he glanced down and tentatively put his hand on her stomach. “Is it crazy that I want to think of the baby as my own? I’ve always wanted a family, and while I know neither are…”
“They are yours,” she interrupted thickly, laying her hand on his where it touched her. “They’re yours because you want them. You treat them like they are precious without asking or being forced to…”
And he looked at her in disbelief, angling his head slightly, almost confused.
“Of course I want them. Each is a miracle, Irene,” he breathed emotionally, staring at her. “I don’t care about your ex because you’re here too – and that’s the only part that matters. Now, are you ready for your surprise?”
“I don’t know,” she chuckled tearfully. “I’m not ready for much more. I’m already on the verge of tears…”
“Good,” he laughed softly – and opened the door, holding it for her, silently beckoning her forward. “C’mon…” and then flipped on the lights.
Irene gasped.
She couldn’t help it.
Turning to him, she crumbled and laid a hand over her heart, feeling such love and so many emotions as her eyes touched on everything – including Barrett’s proud smile. He had one of the bedrooms painted into a nursery… and it was incredible.
The top half of each wall was a pale beige, while the bottom was a warm buttery yellow. There was a ripple that bisected each wall horizontally with colorful dots giving it a childlike appearance – pink, blue, green, yellow, purple, and more. A white crib stood in the corner with a big puffy yellow heart pillow propped in the corner, and a dresser was off to one side, with a changing pad on top.
“Do you know how many different patterns of infant sheets there are in the baby section?” he said softly behind her, laying a hand on her shoulder. “I had no idea if you wanted Winnie the Pooh, or Noah’s ark, or whatever that weird blue dog thing is…”
She turned – and immediately fell into his arms, hugging him tightly as she pinched her eyes shut, trying not to cry. She didn’t want him to get the wrong impression, thinking that she was sad. This is what overwhelming happiness and joy felt like – and she couldn’t hide it.
“And what in the heck is a crib bumper?” he muttered against her hair, kissing the top of her head… and she snorted indelicately as they both began laughing together. “Are you happy?”
“Very,” she said simply, clutching him in a hug and just needing to hold him close as they stood there together. This man was nothing short of a miracle. For someone to open their home, accept them as his own, welcome and provide for them, and so many other things – she knew deep in her heart that she didn’t deserve someone as wonderful as him, but wasn’t dumb enough to turn down the chance to be a part of his world either.
“I have one more surprise for you…” he whispered tenderly, smoothing her hair. “Do you want to see it?”
“I’m not sure how many more surprises one person can take,” she replied, looking up at him and marveling at the tenderness in his gaze.
“Things are going to be okay between us – I promise.”
“I know,” she breathed, touched. “I think I finally know that.”
“Good,” he smiled softly, withdrawing ever so slightly and lacing his fingers with her. “C’mon…”
Obediently, she followed Barrett down the hallway and saw they passed what looked like an office. There was a wall of built-in bookshelves and a window seat that needed a pad on it so she could sit there, read, and sip on hot cocoa someday. Everything her eyes took in had a feeling of home to it, and she was feeling so blessed to realize that this was going to actually be their house they shared as a family. At the end of a very long hallway, he turned and winked at her… and opened the last door.
This room had carpeting, and she looked at him questioningly. In the guided tour, she thought this was a den or second living room – only to see that wasn’t the case. In the middle of the room was a large sleigh bed with end tables on either side. There was a seating area off to the right located in an alcove that seemed to have a bay window, and a plush looking rocker-recliner. This room was painted a cool shade of gray, giving it a relaxing feeling and reminded her of a spa she saw in a magazine once.
“This is… our room?”
“It’s the master suite, yes.”
“Oh wow…”
“No twin beds,” he chuckled softly. “Every store in the area was fresh out of twin mattresses. Can you believe that? Man, what bad timing, huh?”
“Fresh out, huh?”
“Sold out,” he replied flatly, but his lips were twitching as a smile spread across her lips in awareness. Gosh, he had such a snarky attitude and sometimes she wondered what he was like when he was talking smack on the ice with the other players.
“Darn.”
“That’s what I said.”
“I’ll just bet,” she chuckled, moving slightly to touch the large dresser beside them. “Nice color. I like the gray.”
“Me too.”
“Calming.”
“Our haven,” he said quietly – and she turned, her eyes meeting his.
Barrett was watching her, waiting, almost like he was giving her space to find her footing, letting her take the lead where any of this went next.
“It’s beautiful,” she admitted.
“But you aren’t crying, so I must have been ‘off’ on my choices for this one…”
“Actually, you are spot-on.”
“No big emotional response though?” he chuckled tenderly, angling his head slightly, obviously watching her response. Looking at him, it was hard to hold back all the things she was feeling, and the words she was so afraid to admit were forming in the back of her throat. She’d been hurt so badly, rejected by the one person who was supposed to care for her, for their family, and had ended up alone, picking up the pieces, and now she was feeling all of that again – but with an intensity that was staggering. Instead, she offered the one thing she could say that could be interpreted by him, yet would satisfy the urge to say the unthinkable.
“I think I’m finally home,” she whispered softly, holding his gaze and saw him swallow in awareness. Neither of them was ready to admit something was there, even if they were barreling forward at a breakneck speed toward the same result.
“Welcome home, Troll doll,” he smiled tenderly, holding out his hand to her.
“I’m happy to be here… Dumpster fire,” she replied and met his smile with her own, realizing that neither was saying it hurtful at all, but as a silent teasing nod to the other, almost like it was a personal moment between them. He cracked first, chuckling, before pulling her back into his arms and hugging her again.