Chapter 20: He’s All In

NADIA

My fight for custody of Nathan was more challenging than I expected; my mother was fighting me. She was arguing that she had cleaned up her life, and I was preventing her from having a relationship with her son.

I knew my mother was selfish, but this was a new low for her.

“I’m scared that we won’t win,” Nathan told me.

“Let me do the worrying.”

It was easier said than done. I knew Nathan would still worry, and I knew he would continue to blame himself for this.

I sent a text to Reece asking if he had a moment for a call. To my surprise, he texted back quickly, saying he did.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” I apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m taking my lunch, so it was perfect timing.”

“Why are you so nice to someone you haven’t met?”

“If you’re in Theo’s good graces, then you must be a good person,” Reece replied.

Guilt ran through me like a train. I was horrible to Theo, and his family was still nice to me.

“My mother has decided to fight me on this, and I can’t afford a lawyer, so I don’t know what to do. She is saying she’s sober, and I’ve been keeping her from seeing Nathan, which isn’t true.”

I was at my breaking point and sobbed into the phone.

“Everything is going to work out,” Reece said. “I’ve contacted a friend from law school who lives nearby, and he’s willing to meet with you. I was going to call you this evening to let you know.”

“How can I repay you?”

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m happy that I could help. I’ll text you the number you’ll need to call.”

“Thank you so much! If there is anything I can do, let me know.”

“Actually, there is one thing. You can call Theo.”

“What?”

“Call him. He misses you, and it’s driving him crazy. He’s trying to give you space, and he won’t admit it, but he’s miserable. He loves you, Nadia.”

“He barely knows me.”

“He knows enough to know you’re the one for him. I have to go; let me know how things go.”

I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss him too.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.

“I am, but would you mind making dinner tonight? I’ll be right back, and if you need anything, ask Ms. Clery next door.”

I needed to clear my head and go for a walk.

***

By the time I got back, Nathan had dinner done. He cooked a simple spaghetti dish.

He was eleven and still learning to cook; spaghetti was usually what he made because it was easy.

“Are you going to call him?”

“What?”

“Theo. Are you going to call Theo?”

“Why would I?”

“Because you miss him, and he misses you.”

“How do you know?”

“Your conversation wasn’t quiet. You had Reece on speakerphone.”

“What if he has moved on?”

“I don’t think he has; you’re too unforgettable.”

“Again, how are you so wise?”

“The best person raised me.”

I couldn’t help but cry.

“Are you sure you’re okay? This is the third time today that you’ve started crying.”

“I’m just overwhelmed, and what you said to me was more than what I was expecting.”

“Please call him. I would hate to do it behind your back.”

“Fine.”

I wanted privacy, so I left the table and went to my room. Part of me hoped that he wouldn’t answer.

But on the second ring, he did.

“Nadia?”

I didn’t know what to say, so I stayed quiet.

“Nadia, is everything okay?”

“Yes, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Is this a bad time?”

“No. Did you need something?”

“I miss you,” I blurted out.

“I miss you too.”

“I’m sorry for everything that I did and said.”

“And I’m sorry for leaving you. Are you free tomorrow? I have something I want to show you, and you can bring Nate.”

“I’m free.”

“Great, I’ll text you the address.”

“All right, see you tomorrow.”

Theo acted as if nothing had happened. He accepted my apology, which made me feel more guilty.

***

I met Theo alone, so I dropped Nathan off at Jay’s house. Nathan didn’t need to be here if it didn’t work out.

I was thinking Theo had given me the wrong address. But then I pulled in front of a house, and he was standing outside of it. He turned around and smiled at me before waving at me to come over.

“What are we doing here?”

“I was thinking about what you said. You told me you couldn’t be with me because you thought I’d leave. I bought this house to show you I’m not leaving. I am staying here; this is where I belong.

I belong with you in this house. I’m not saying I expect you to move in, but one day this will be home to you and Nathan.”

“You bought a house to prove to me you would stay?”

“Yes. It was time for me to settle down. I just didn’t know it until you came along. I’m sorry for everything, Nadia. I love you, and I want to be with you.”

“Shit… I’m crying again.”

Theo laughed and engulfed me in a hug.

“I’m the one that needs to say sorry. I was a bitch to you,” I said.

“Let’s put all that behind us. Do you want to see the inside?” he asked.

I nodded.

“You’ll have to help decorate and pick out furniture because I have nothing but clothes and toiletries,” he said.

“You’re lucky I have good taste.”

The banter between us felt good; it felt normal.

“This house is actually yours?” I asked.

“It is,” he replied.

“And you did this for me.”

“I did.”

I jerked Theo close to me and slammed my lips against his. He quickly took control of the kiss and dominated my mouth with his tongue.

“I miss this, and I missed you,” Theo murmured against me.

“I missed you too.”

When the kiss finally ended, Theo pulled me into a hug.

“Don’t overthink things. Let’s take it a day at a time, and I hope this was enough to show you I’m all in,” he said.

“It’s more than enough.”