Ex-Husband's Regret



I fold my hands on top of the kitchen counter. I don't know what to do or say to that.

"How did that make you feel?" I finally ask him after a while.

"I don't know. I talked to Noah, and he told me that she also apologized to him for trying to come in between Uncle Rowan and Aunt Ava."

Well, that's news to me. It seems like Emma was going around apologizing to those she wronged, including children, who most people would overlook.

*She apologized to me too, a few weeks ago," I confess.

"How did that make you feel?"

*Trying to be the parent, are you?" I chuckle. "But we are not talking about me; it's you I'm worried about."

He sighs. "I don't know. I am still angry at her and hurt. My chest hurts when I think about how much it used to hurt when she didn't want anything to do with me."

*I understand that, buddy, and you have every right to be angry. No one can fault you for being hurt, okay? It's also okay when you don't know how you feel. Emotions can be messy and conflicting at times."

I try to explain as best as I can. I don't want Gunner to ever be in pain. I know that he's still hurt, but I also don't want him to hold on to that bittemess and anger for too long.

"That's how I feel," he says, climbing on the bar stool next to me. "I feel conflicted. I am angry, but she also apologized. We were always taught in Sunday school to forgive."

Fuck, how am I supposed to respond to that? I rack my brain for something I could tell him. Who said parenting is easy?

*How about you let your anger towards her cool off first, then we can go from there?"

"Yes, but would you be angry if I forgave her?"

His question catches me off-guard. I lean forward and kiss his temple before ruffling his hair. "Never. It's your decision, and I'll support you if that's what you want, but you have to understand that your mother and I won't be together like you wanted in the past. We won't get married."

He shrugs his shoulder. "I already figured that out the moment you introduced me to Kinley. She makes you smile, and I figured something was going on."

Again, my boy manages to surprise me and catch me off-guard.

He raises a brow at me and smile. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice? I am ten, Dad, not stupid."

I laugh. "No, you aren't... So, you wouldn't mind if I started dating her?"

I am bringing Kinley into our lives. It's important to make sure that my son is comfortable with her and the idea. If

he is not, then to hell with it. I'll always put Gunner before any woman or any relationship.

"I like Kinley a lot," he answers. "I've been wondering when you'll grow some balls and ask her out."

*Gunner!"

"What?"

"Language," I snap. "Where did you even learn that?"

"Uncle Rowan. Noah and I heard him talking with Uncle Gabe once. We googled the meaning and wallah! It's actually more effective than just telling someone to be brave."

I can't. I just can't with Gunner right now... and the fact that he looks so smug like he has accomplished

something big. Well, telling me to grow some balls is an accomplishment.

And why are they even googling such things? I'll have to have a talk with Rowan and Ava the next time I see them. Rowan has to be careful when cursing.

"Go to your room, right now. You are grounded for the next three days." I tell himNôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

He slinks off the stool. Before he leaves he turns to me.

"By the way, that's not the only curse word I know. Uncle Rowan isn't the only one who curses like a sailor; you do too."

*Gunner!"

He winks at me and bounces out of the kitchen as if he's the damn king of the world. I love him, but he can be frustrating at times, especially since he met Noah and Ava. I love that he got out of his shell, but I'm just saying.

Taking my phone, I see a message notification from Kinley. Gunner is right though; I need to grow a pair and ask Kinley out.