Serenity (Inevitable #5)(100)

       
         
       
        

Sasha smiled. "Actually, I think that was your assessment of the situation when I told you about Hayley. But to answer your question, things have actually gotten worse."

She told Tessa about Hayley's all-too-frequent outbursts lately, the frantic phone calls from Matthew's ex, all the times he'd gone rushing down to the house to deal with the newest crisis.

"Hmm." Tessa tapped her index finger against her chin. "You know, forgive me for saying this, but something smells really fishy about everything you just told me."

Sasha nodded. "I've thought the exact same thing, Tessa. But I don't dare share my concerns with Matthew. He feels so guilty as it is about his kids, even though I assure him all the time he's a great father. I can't even imagine his reaction if I suggested that Hayley might be making all of this up just to get his attention."

"You're right. Unfortunately," commiserated Tessa. "He might or might not believe you, but I fear he's going to have to come to that conclusion on his own. Just don't let that little witch drive a wedge between the two of you, okay? Matthew needs you more than ever right now."

"I know. In fact," admitted Sasha, "I've been giving his offer a lot of serious thought lately - the one about moving in with him. And I never thought I'd say this, Tessa, but I think I'm going to take him up on it."

Tessa gave a little squeal of delight, and reached over to hug her. "That's fantastic news!" she exclaimed. "And I know Matthew will be insanely happy at your decision. In fact, maybe it will be the motivation he needs to get tough with his daughter. If you're right in your suspicion that she's acting out in order to break the two of you up, then moving in with Matthew would put a real damper on her little schemes."

"I thought about that, too. But it's not the reason why I'm inclined to take him up on his offer. It just feels like the right time is all."

Tessa nodded. "I agree. So when are you going to tell him?"

"Tomorrow night, I think. We've got tickets to the final ballet program of the season, and are going out to an early dinner first. I thought about telling him over dinner."

Tessa clapped her hands in glee. "Perfect timing! Oh, he's going to be so happy, Sasha. And I'm thrilled for both of you."

Before Sasha could reply, one of the twins began to fuss and then let out a low wail, quickly followed by his brother.

Sasha laughed softly. "What was that you were just saying about perfect timing? Guess the dishes are going to have to wait until later." 





Chapter Sixteen




Matthew was whistling cheerily as he chose a suit, shirt, and tie from his closet, his mood about the best it had been in several weeks. For the first time in nearly a month, he hadn't felt the need to go into the office today - a Saturday - and had not only slept in but spent a good two hours at his health club working out. He had run into Ian there, and accepted his invitation to brunch after their workouts. Coincidentally, Tessa was attending Sasha's yoga class at the same time, and having tea with her afterwards.

He had spent the afternoon answering some emails, calling his parents, and Facetiming with Casey, who was away for the weekend at a school trip to Disneyland. And tonight he and Sasha had a special evening planned - dinner at a chic French Vietnamese restaurant, followed by a performance of the San Francisco Ballet. Sasha, with her dance background, was especially excited to be attending the performance, and had been looking forward to this evening for the past few weeks.

And he had every intention of making this a night to remember for her, especially since he felt like a heel for cancelling out of several dates lately. The frequent phone calls from Lindsey begging him to come and deal with Hayley's latest tantrum or episode of bad behavior had forced him to back out of dinner dates or quiet evenings at home with Sasha, and he was determined to make all of that up to her tonight. Of course, she had assured him multiple times that she understood his dilemma, that she wasn't the least bit angry or upset, and that she applauded his efforts to be a good father to his daughter. But none of her reassurances had done much to assuage his guilt, and he vowed that the next time Lindsey called he would be firm in his resolve not to go rushing down to Hillsborough.

Tonight during dinner he planned to ask Sasha again to move in with him. He hadn't brought the subject up since their trip to Hawaii, sensing that she still needed more time to think it all over. But he was becoming increasingly impatient to have her with him all the time, to wake up beside her every morning, and know that she would be here each night. And that included the weekends he had the kids.