"I still don't see how that means he loves me."
"Connect the dots, Reyna. Earlier tonight, the guy finally realizes that what he wants isn’t power or the company. What he really wants are you and those babies. He came over here hoping to get them but ultimately decided that you were done with him. Are you done with him?"
I was tired not just physically, but mentally as well. I was having a difficult time tracking these conversations.
I stood and folded the throw blanket, tossing it on the back of the couch. "Yes. I am done. I don't want what we had before." I started toward the bedroom.
"Reyna, I don't think he wants what you had before, either. I think he wants something real."
“I thought you didn’t like him.”
She shrugged. “I don’t not like him. I just think he’s a jerk sometimes. But what I think doesn’t matter. What you think is what’s important.”
"I'm tired. I'm going to bed."
She stood up and followed me down the hall. I thought she was going to keep talking about James, which I didn’t want, so I hurried to my room.
"By the way, I wanted to let you know that I'm going to be going to New York in a couple of days. I’ll visit my parents and pick up a couple of things I want here with me. Maybe I’ll see a few friends."
Relieved that the conversation’s focus was now on her, I leaned against the door jamb of my room. "By old friends, do you mean the ex who has been trying to get in touch with you?"
"Maybe. I haven't decided yet. Anyway, while I'm gone, you can stay here. You can stay here for as long as you want or need, okay?"
I nodded, and then feeling guilty for being annoyed at her, I gave her a hug. "You're the best friend I've ever had. Thank you, Vivie."
“Aw, I love you too, honey."
In bed, I tossed and turned again, but this time, it was from replaying James’s visit and trying to see what Vivie had seen. Was she right? Had he come here for me and the babies, but when I didn’t admit that I loved him, he got scared? I wanted to believe that but couldn’t. I didn’t feel bad for not laying my heart out for him again. He and I were done as a couple, that I had no doubt about. But I could have been more receptive to his wish to be a father. At some point, I’d let him know that. In fact, I’d go see him so we could start a co-parenting plan.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE
James
When I left Reyna's apartment, I stood outside her door for five minutes kicking myself for not laying it all on the line for her. Considering all the times I'd hurt or offended her, I owed it to her to bare my heart even though I knew whatever feelings she had for me before were now gone. I nearly turned around and knocked on the door again but then remembered how late it was. She was pregnant with twins and needed her rest, not me groveling at her feet.
On the drive home, I made plans to woo Reyna back to me. I didn't know if it was even possible, but I had to try. Not to protect my image or reputation, but because I loved her. I'd taken too long to accept that, and the end result was I was going to be alone for the rest of my life because I knew for sure I wouldn't love again. Reyna was it for me. She was smart and kind. She challenged me, which could be annoying, and at the same time, I knew I needed it. I wanted it. The question was how could I convince her that I was sincere? That I was worth a second chance? That she wouldn't be taking a risk if she gave me that second chance?
The next morning, I woke up early, and for the first time in a long, long time, I felt excited to start the day. By the end of it, I might feel like shit, which was a distinct probability if Reyna was going to close the door on any chance of my winning her back. But now, with the sun shining on a new day, I was bound and determined to prove to her that I was the man for her and our children.
As I brewed my coffee, my phone rang, and checking the caller ID, I saw it was Simon Jones. Up until that moment, I hadn't thought about the company, which proved to me that I'd made the right decision last night. I didn't know what the hell was next for me career-wise, but I knew I had time to work it out. A lot of time, if I managed my money well. Maybe I would take Reyna and the babies on a round-the-world trip.
I ignored the call, grabbing my coffee, my tablet, and my stylus, and I sat on the back terrace to make my plan to woo Reyna back. Would she be interested in a hot air balloon flight over the desert? Was she afraid of heights? There was so much that I didn't know about her, but I hoped that starting today, I'd have the rest of my life to discover everything about her.
At eight, I called my attorney and told him about the divorce papers Reyna had submitted. I wanted to tear them up, but I knew I would have to honor her wishes. If this divorce was going to go through, I wanted to make sure that she and the babies would be cared for. Reyna was angry enough at me to refuse money, but I was going to give it anyway. I knew her well enough to know that she might not want it for herself, but she'd use it for the babies if it was needed.
I told him I would fax over the papers Reyna had served me, and he agreed to draw up new papers. When I was off the phone, I thought about where Reyna would live if she didn't come back to me. I imagined Vivie would let her stay at her place as long as Reyna needed, but from what I saw, the condo was small, particularly for two adults and two babies. And I was sure Reyna would want to have her own place.
I searched through home listings in my community to see if there was a three-bedroom home available that might be suitable for her and the kids. It would keep me close to all of them. I’d prefer them to move in with me, but if I couldn't have them here, having them live nearby would be the next best thing.
There were two good options, one that was just a few houses up the street from me. I sent a message to the Realtor and then got up to get a new cup of coffee. Just before I reached the kitchen, there was a knock at my door. I hope to hell that it wasn't Simon. Or George. I wondered if George was visiting my father today. He was probably shitting his pants wondering when the police were going to show up. I smiled at that.You deserve it, you fucking bastard.
I reached the door, tugging it open. My breath caught as Reyna stood on the doorstep. She had one hand over her belly and a nervous smile on her face.
"Reyna?" It was all I could do to keep from reaching out and pulling her into my arms and promising to never let her go again.
"Hi, James."
For the longest time, we simply stared at each other. I finally found my manners and stepped back, holding the door open. "Come in. Can I get you something to drink?"