Redemption(49)

How could she possibly say those words and not expect me to want to rush over to her and scoop her up in my arms? It took every ounce of will and every fight left in me not to do just that. I was desperate to know. Desperate to hear the answers from Tyler that I’d been waiting to hear for years. But I bit my tongue. I held back because I didn’t want to pressure her.

“He’s beautiful. Just like his mother.” Tyler looked my way briefly and smiled before turning her head. “Thank you for bringing our son into this world. Words would never be enough to express how proud I am of you.”

Tyler’s eyes welled a little. “Stop it, Dean.”

I smiled. “Stop what?”

Tyler turned and held me with her beautiful green eyes. “Stop making it impossible for me to hate you.” She smiled and let out a little chuckle.

“That is always going to be my intention.” I raised my eyebrow and smiled. “You’re always going to be my Rosey. You know that, don’t you?”

Tyler nodded. “Yes, but a lot has changed since then. So many years have passed. I’m not the same person anymore. I’ve grown up, and so have you.”

I leaned forward a little, gaining her attention. “You’re right about that, Tyler, but the feelings haven’t changed. My feelings have never changed. Falling in love is something you don’t just grow out of. It doesn’t work like that.”

Tyler smiled and looked at Jeremy splashing in the water. “I know it doesn’t.”

Jeremy climbed out the water and ran back towards us. “I’m hungry. Can we go eat now?”

Tyler nodded. “Okay. How about Dean helps get you dry whilst I get dinner ready?”

Jeremy nodded and held out his hand to me. “I can show you where I put all my other action toys.”

I took his hand just as Tyler handed me his towel. “His clothes are waiting on his bed for him.”

I nodded and let Jeremy lead me up the stairs and to his room. It was just how I imagined with Spiderman and Superman posters on the wall. He had toy boxes in the corner with heaps of playthings to keep him amused all day long. On the bed were his clothes, so I sat down and offered Jeremy the towel.

“Let’s get you dry.”

He smiled and came towards me. “Do you love my mommy?”

His question startled me a little, but it also made me smile. “I love her very much. She is the greatest person anyone could ever meet. She is also the best mum any boy could wish for.”

Jeremy nodded, but didn’t say anything else. He let me dry him, and when it was time to get changed, I closed my eyes to protect his modesty and helped him with his pants. Once his top was on, I dried his hair some more.

“I think you’re all set, grown-up. Shall we go downstairs and help your mum with the plates and stuff?”

Jeremy smiled cheekily and held out his hand. “I’m ready.”

Once we got downstairs, Tyler was in the kitchen, stirring what looked like spaghetti sauce.

“Mommy’s spaghetti bolognaise is yummy.” Jeremy rubbed his tummy and licked his lips.

I smiled. “I can’t wait to try it.”

“Are we all set then?” Tyler looked at us with a smile.

Jeremy nodded and looked up at me. “Will you help me with the knives and forks?”

“Sure thing. Just lead the way, grown-up.”

Jeremy giggled and pulled me towards the drawer. He had this big grin on his face that lead me to believe he was up to something.

Once we got back to the table, I found out why. When Jeremy got around to Tyler’s place at the table, he put down a baby knife and fork, looked up at me and giggled, placing his finger to his lips.

If I thought I wasn’t in love with him before, I was even more so now. My son had the Scozzari cheek. There’s no doubt about it.

I winked back and placed my finger over my lips, too. Once Tyler came in, I poured her a glass of wine and then my own, and waited for her to notice. She served some spaghetti, poured a little sauce over each, then sat down to pick up her fork. She hesitated for a minute, smiled, and looked up at Jeremy. Of course, by now, Jeremy was desperately trying to hide his giggles, but it was of no use.

“Jeremy Dean Florentino, what am I going to do with you?” She shook her head with a smile, got up from the table and walked into the kitchen.

Once she was out of earshot, I leaned forward. “Do you know what else winds your mum up?” He shook his head and I told him my little secret. Jeremy sniggered just as Tyler returned.

“What are you laughing at?”

Jeremy giggled. “Nothing, Mommy.” He looked at me and I gave him a little wink.

I looked down at my plate and the smell of the bolognaise hit me. It was a familiar smell I came to love when Tyler was living in London. I had always wondered about this bolognaise and now I was about to try some.