"How did you know she was my mom?" The question is directed at Cory but I anticipate my mother putting her two cents in before he has a chance to answer.
"She comes to the park." He pulls back from their embrace and grabs her hand. "I talked to her."
"Wait. What?" My attention has turned to my mother now who is still standing with her back to me.
"I was curious." The words float from her mouth and are meant for me even if she's not going to turn around.
I take the lead and walk around her to stand behind Cory. I rest my hands on his shoulders. "You've met him?"
"Not officially." Her gaze is set on his beautiful little face. "I go to the park sometimes and sit on a bench. He came to talk to me."
"She told me you were her daughter, Princess Sadie." I jump at the mention of my nickname. He rarely calls me that anymore.
"When?" The pieces of this puzzle aren't fitting together.
"A few weeks ago," my mother offers. "I saw you and Hunter with him at the grocery store one day. I followed you to the park."
"Mom," I spit the word out in utter surprise. "You should have just called me."
"And said what, Sadie?" Her eyes finally settle on my face. "I want to meet the child you live with?"
I cover both of Cory's hands with my ears." Try to be sensitive."
He shakes his head pulling my hands into his. "She sometimes brings me candy."
I'm angry. I'm angry that she's been forging a relationship with him and I haven't heard anything about it. "Where's the nanny when this is going on?"
"I explained to her who I was," she says flippantly. "She understands discretion."
"Hunter won't like this." I struggle to hold onto Cory's hand as he plays with a row of paintbrushes sitting on a shelf next to us.
"Daddy knows her." Cory points to my mother.
"What?" I bend down so I'm eye level with him. "Daddy knows her?"
"They talk at the park sometimes." He nods his head before he kisses my cheek. "Daddy says she's not a stranger."
"I'm not sure about that," I whisper in a muted tone.
"I didn't want your father knowing." It's a confession I didn’t see coming.
"I asked Zander to let me tell you."
"Hunter," Cory blurts out. "Call him Hunter."
We both smile at this declaration.
"Hunter it is." She reaches to tap him on the top of his head.
Chapter 19
"I found out today that you and my mom are besties." I try not to let a laugh pop out with the words.
His fork drops onto the plate. "We're what?"
"You and Sadie's mom. Besties." Cory pipes up.
We both stare at Hunter and his eyes drift from me to Cory.