“There’s something between us, you can’t deny that,” I counter.
“A son. Of course, there’s something between us. We have a son together.”
“Are you going to deny there’s a spark between us, Katie? An attraction that still burns after all these years?”
I watch her swallow nervously. I’m hitting a nerve. I see it in her face. I don’t know if she’ll admit it, but it’s there.
“It’s just residual. Whatever it is, is like the ashes after a fire burns out. Anything between us is in the past. We both have different lives now,” she denies.
“We’re different but we’re here together.”
“Jake—”
“I love my son. I want time with him. I need Lennon in my life, but that’s not why I’m here, Katie.”
“I don’t…”
“I’m here because I care about you, too, Katie.You.”
“This isn’t—”
“And I think if you’re honest, you have to admit you care about me.”
“Of course, I care about you. You’re the father of my child. I’ve loved you for over half my life.”
I smile. “I’m going home, Katie.”
She frowns. “That’s good.”
“It is.” I grin. “I’m going home to get our son and then, I’m bringing him here to see his mother.”
“I…”
Shit, I thought this would make her happy, but instead she starts crying.
“Katie? Don’t you want me to bring Lennon to see you?”
“I do, I want to see him,” she says while tears roll down her cheeks.
“You don’t sound very happy about it.”
“When you said you were leaving, I thought…”
“You thought I was leaving you alone,” I finish for her, regret filling my stomach. Of course, she thought I was leaving her alone. The past has left scars on Katie.
“It’s stupid,” she says swiping at her face. “I want you to go home. I’m sure you have things to do. You’ll have to go back to the rodeo soon. It’s just…”
I grab some tissues from the bedside table and gently begin drying her face.
“I’m right here, sunshine. I’m not leaving.”
“Stop. I’m just being silly. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone. I’m just under a lot of stress and medication. It’s making me crazy,” she grumbles.
“You are absolutely right. You don’t need anyone.”
“I’m glad you recognize that,” she says, swiping the tissue from my hands and taking over. I stare at her, shaking my head.
“Have you ever thought that I’m the one that needs to be here?”