Chapter 7
Nia
He sleeps until nine, which is so unlike him. It’s not like he has much choice because once Carter’s awake, Daddy must wake up too. Drake’s idea of sleeping in is waking up at seven, his usual weekend time. But not today. Today he sleeps, and I let him.
He comes into the kitchen with his hair a mess and wearing the robe Carter gave him last Christmas. I pour his coffee, and he sits beside me at the kitchen island.
“I ordered breakfast,” I say.
“Thanks, baby girl.” He takes a sip of the coffee and moans in appreciation.
I might not be able to cook, but I can brew a mean cup of coffee.
“Do me a favor and let your wife take care of you this weekend,” I throw in .
“I’m all yours. I’m gonna be like a big helpless baby.”
“One that’s potty trained though,” I add.
He opens his mouth, probably to say something flippant, but there’s a knock on the door. I check the security camera we keep in the kitchen, and it’s the building security with our breakfast. I go to get it, and when I come back, I set the table for two and pour my husband another cup of coffee. Once we’re seated, we eat in comfortable silence but hold hands under the table. I’m satisfied when he eats his entire omelet, but we worked up quite the appetite until almost one in the morning.
He sits back and lets me clear the table and wash the dishes. Once that’s done, I return to him and put a hand on his shoulders.
He puts his hand on top of mine and says, “Let’s get to it. I’ll go change and meet you in my office.”
When I get to his office, I sit on his desk. He’s kept the letter and flash drive in his safe here. He never took them with us when we moved, and I think it’s because he didn't want to taint our new home with this, but it’s always lurked in the background.
He returns a few minutes later in sweatpants and a matching pullover, looking handsome and content. I wonder if that look of contentment is to make me feel any better.
“I want to say something first,” I say to him. He sits behind his desk like a king on his throne. He pats his lap, and I sit on him. “We can’t control what’s in that letter or on that flash drive. You can’t control how you’re going to feel afterward. Certain feelings might not happen for days, weeks, or longer, but promise me you’ll give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel. Don’t worry about how I’m affected—”
“I can’t promise you that. Don’t ask me not to worry about my wife or my kids. That’s the one thing I can’t give you. ”
I nod in understanding. I knew I was reaching. There’s no way I could make that promise either. “Understood,” I say. “But feel what you need to feel. We’re partners in this marriage and parenting thing. If I need to pick up the slack for you with the kids, that’s what I’ll do because that’s what you would do for me.” He nods and I continue. “Now, like I said, we can’t control what your father left in there.” I point at the safe. “But out here,” I say gesturing about the office. “Out in Paradise Land, there are some things we can control. Whatever is in there, I’m still going to love you. I’m always going to be your wife and the mother of your children.” He puts his hand on my stomach. “You’re still going to be the best father our children could ever have. They’re going to love you no matter what. You’re still going to have the love and respect of your mother, brother, and sister. You’re still the head of Paradise Construction. You’re still the wonderful, amazing, and loving man I met and fell in love with all those years ago. You’re still going to be the best uncle to Mason and Kyle and best friend to Wyatt. Those are really the things that define you. You’re still going to be Drake Paradise and nothing and no one can change that. Nothing in there will change anything out here.”