That One Night (That One Series Book 1) by Josie Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

to stay in his life, you better be in it for the long haul.”
    I didn’t notice myself getting louder, but I must have disturbed Archer in his sleep since he’s starting to fuss. I get up from my seat, side-step Ben, and walk up to Archer’s crib. Stroking away the fine dark hair from his face, I tell him that I love him and he falls right back asleep. When I get up, I notice Ben standing on the other side of the crib, looking at Archer.
    “He’s so beautiful. And so tiny. I want to try it. I want to be there for him. I ...I want to try and be a good father. I...”
    He stops talking and seems to be looking into the distance. I can tell something is haunting him. Something that took root that night all those months ago. But it’s not my business. Not anymore. Or maybe it never really was. All I need to do is make sure he doesn’t hurt Archer—that he doesn’t walk out on him whenever he feels like it. The way he has walked out on me.
    “Don’t try. Be a good father. Like I said, there will be no second chances. I will not let you break his heart.” I don’t add “like you did with mine,” but from the look on his face that isn’t necessary.
    “Frankie, listen, I...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...”
    “Don’t. Just don’t, Ben.” I interrupt him, not wanting to rehash the night nearly two years ago.
    “But I want to...”
    I don’t let him finish. I can’t deal with an apology or explanation right now. It’s too much at once. Do I want to know where the hell he has been for nearly two years? Yes, of course I do. But more information, more words, and more emotions — they might just kill me right now, making my heart and head explode.
    “Right now I really don’t care what you want. I don’t care why you left. I don’t care why you thought it’d be enough to leave me a one word note. I just don’t have it in me tonight. I don’t have it in me to care. Ok?” My voice is wobbly, my lips trembling. Don’t you fucking dare start crying now.
    No matter how much I fight it, I can’t help the guilt from snaking its way into my heart, especially when I see the frown on his face. Much to my own dislike, I relent.
    “Listen, Ben. It’s all a bit much right now. I didn’t expect to see you here. I honestly didn’t know if I would ever see you again. Can we talk tomorrow? Please.”
    He nods and looks between me and Archer. “Can I touch him?”
    His insecurity, his hesitation weakens my resolve to be an evil bitch and I manage a little smile.
    “Yeah, go ahead. He doesn’t bite...yet. Just be gentle so he doesn’t wake up.”
    I watch him as he gently strokes his hand over Archer’s tiny hand that is balled up in a cute little fist while he sleeps. He hasn’t done it for months, but for some reason he grabs hold of Ben’s finger and holds on to it. This moment is so intense and emotionally raw, but beautiful at the same time, I’m not sure if it breaks my heart a bit more or puts back a little piece that was missing. I have to swallow the lump in my throat as I watch Ben wipe his eyes.
    “Why don’t we go to the park tomorrow after breakfast? We can talk without anyone interrupting us and you can spend some time with him.”
    I think Ben is too emotional to speak. Instead, he just nods his head, slowly freeing himself of Archer’s strong little grip.
    He walks to the door, but before he closes it behind him, he stops. He doesn’t turn around, but I can hear him whisper. “I won’t hurt him, I promise. And I won’t hurt you again either.”
    As the door closes behind him, I collapse on the bed. I feel like I have gone through ten rounds with Mike Tyson. And despite feeling emotionally drained and missing my home, it’s the first night in eighteen months I feel fully content—falling asleep with the knowledge that Archer will grow up with his father in his life.

Chapter 6
A Walk In The Park
 
     
    It seems neither of us can sleep in the next morning, and even Archer seems to be