26. Selene
Selene
“I’m going to the bathroom,” I say, pushing back my chair.
Darby looks at me, his brow lifting slightly like he knows I’m lying. He doesn’t say anything, though. I need a minute.
I weave through the restaurant, my steps quick, my breath coming short. The restroom door swings open easily, and I step inside, pressing my back against the cool tile wall.
The moment I’m alone, the tears come.
I’ve always wanted a dad.
How could I not have noticed that Leo had never asked about his father? He was just a happy, healthy child; that was the only thing that mattered to me. I cover my mouth with my hand, my shoulders trembling. This is real. Leo knows. And he’s happy. Darby is here. And he wants to stay.
For so many years, I never thought this moment would come. I had convinced myself I would carry the secret forever, that Darby would never know, that Leo would never have a father.
Now, everything has changed.
I lean forward, gripping the sink. My reflection stares back at me, eyes red-rimmed, lips trembling. I inhale deeply, then reach for a paper towel. I dab at my face, trying to erase the evidence of my emotions.
I take another breath. Then another. When I feel steady enough, I step back into the restaurant and walk to the table.
Then I see her.
A woman stands next to Darby, her body angled towards him, her hair falling over her shoulder. Her nails are red, her hair a bottle blond.
I stop mid-step.
Darby doesn’t seem to notice her at first. He’s helping Leo cut his burger. But the woman's eyes are so focused on Darby that Leo might as well not be there. She leans in slightly and taps Darby’s shoulder. She flashes a playful smile as her fingers twirl a lock of his hair.
Darby finally looks up, clearly taken off guard. He says something short, like ‘what the hell’. She bursts out in laughter, placing her hand on the table.
Something sharp and possessive rises in my chest. Before I can think, I move. I walk up behind Darby, placing my hand on his shoulder.
“May I help you?”
The woman stiffens, her smile faltering as she looks up at me. I feel Darby turn to look at me, too, but I keep my eyes on her.
She shifts her weight, her fingers curling slightly. “Oh,” she says, her voice light but forced. “I was just asking him something.”
I tilt my head. “And did you get your answer?”
Her lips press together. She glances at Darby, then back at me.
Leo watches the exchange with curious eyes, chewing his food slowly.
Darby places his hand around my waist and pulls me closer.
The woman exhales, clearly deciding this isn’t worth it.
She gives a small, tight smile. “I was just leaving.”
She turns and walks away. Darby is looking at me, but I pull back quickly, feeling heat rush to my face. A small smirk is playing on his lips when I look at him. “Territorial, are we?”
I can’t meet his eyes.
I sit down, picking at my cold food. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I keep my head down, embarrassed, but he laughs.
But deep in my chest, a small warmth spreads beneath the flush of my skin. Because for the first time in a long time, I feel like Darby is mine.
When we leave the restaurant, the warm afternoon air wraps around us. The streets are busy. People walk by with shopping bags, parents hold their kids’ hands, and couples stroll together. Darby walks beside me, but his pace is slower than usual.
I glance at him. His hands are in his pockets, his eyes on the ground. His body moves as if he’s dragging out each step. I nudge him lightly with my elbow when we get to his car. “You okay?”
He looks up and then gives me a small smile. “Yeah. I just…I don’t want to leave you two yet.”
I giggle at how cute he looks. I turn toward the car, where Leo is already buckling himself in. “Leo, is there anything else you want to do?”
Leo’s head pops up immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Yes!”
Darby and I both chuckle at his enthusiasm.
“What is it?” I ask.
Leo grins. “The amusement park!”
Darby’s slow steps suddenly disappear. His whole face brightens. “The amusement park?” He leans down, resting his arms on the open car door. “Kid, you just made my day.”
Leo beams. Darby glances at me. “You up for it?”
I shake my head in amusement. “Like I have a choice.”
The amusement park is loud and full of energy. The air smells like popcorn, caramel apples, and fried food. Kids laugh and scream as they run past, holding colorful balloons. Leo grabs Darby’s hand immediately, dragging him toward the first ride he sees.
I stand back, watching. Darby goes on every single ride with him.
The spinning teacups, where they both throw their arms up and spin until they’re dizzy.
The bumper cars, where Darby lets Leo “win” by crashing into him over and over.
The water ride, where they get completely drenched, their laughter ringing as they step off.
I trail behind, my heart swelling with every moment.
Darby doesn’t just tolerate Leo; he doesn’t just humor him. He’s completely present and fully engaged, and I can see how much he truly cares for him. I feel sadness spread in my heart again for keeping them apart for so long, but I’m so happy I don’t let it ruin my joy.
This is perfect. Better than perfect.
Darby catches my gaze after one of the rides, and his eyes are soft. He probably knows what I’m thinking. He’s always been a master at reading me. Instead of saying anything, he reaches for my hand, lacing our fingers together as we follow Leo to the next attraction.
By the time the sun sets, Leo is exhausted, and Darby takes us to his house, which is closer than mine. Leo rubs his eyes, barely keeping himself upright as he stumbles through the front door. Darby ruffles his hair. “Come on, kid. Let’s get you to bed.”
Leo yawns and nods. I hesitate, but Darby gives me a look. “I got it.”
I let out a slow breath. Darby leads Leo up the stairs. I follow behind, stopping at the doorway as Darby kneels beside the bed, pulling the blanket up to Leo’s chin. Leo mumbles something incoherent, already half asleep.
Darby chuckles, brushing Leo’s damp curls back. “Had a big day, huh?”
Leo barely nods, and Darby’s expression softens as he looks at his son. His son. “Sleep tight, kid.”
Leo’s eyes flutter open slightly. “Night, Dad.”
Darby stiffens for a second, and then his entire body relaxes. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His lips press into a line, his throat bobbing slightly. Then he opens his eyes, leans down, and gently kisses Leo’s forehead. “Goodnight, buddy.”
Leo is asleep before Darby even stands up.
Darby and I head downstairs. He hands me a glass of white wine and leans against the counter, watching me. His eyes glint with amusement. “So,” he starts, and I already know he’s about to tease me.
I raise an eyebrow. “So?”
He smirks. “Are we going to talk about what happened at the restaurant?”
I fake a frown. “I have no idea what you speak of.”
He tilts his head, and his smirk turns into a full smile. “You know exactly what I speak of.”
I shift on my feet, suddenly feeling too warm. He starts walking towards me. “I had no idea you were the jealous type.”
I groan, covering my face with my hands. “Darby.”
He steps closer. “I’m not complaining, my love. It was kind of hot.”
I drop my hands and glare at him. “I wasn’t jealous.”
He grins. “Oh, really?”
I fold my arms. “I was just making sure she wasn’t bothering Leo …and you.”
He chuckles. “Right.” I roll my eyes, but a small smile tugs at my lips. The amusement fades slightly from his face. His green eyes darken, turning serious. I grow serious too and ask the one question that has been on my mind since I woke up in his arms this morning.
“Where…where do we stand, Darby?” I ask quietly.
He watches me for a long time. Then he sighs like the answer to the question is already supposed to be obvious to me.
“I want to be in both of your lives.” His voice is steady, sure.
“I’m not going anywhere, Selene. So, where we stand is together.
” He pulls me into his arms and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
“And for the record,” he murmurs, “you’re still my girlfriend. ”
I frown slightly. “What?”
“We never officially broke up. So, technically…” He leans in. “You’re still mine.”
“That’s not how it works,” I tease.
“It is now.”
His hands slide to my waist, pulling me in. His breath is warm against my lips. “You’re my woman, Selene. And the love of my life. That has never and will never change.” My heart stutters.
Then he kisses me, and I get lost in him completely. I’m the love of his life!. He wants to be in both our lives. He wants to be with me. He’s not going anywhere, and neither am I.