The Fall Bride (TSBS-3) ON HOLD

Chapter Six

Nobody understands how the world will change. The only way you can plan for the future is to have scenarios. You have to have the courage to take a leap of faith on one of them.
― Anand Mahindra 

Janet Julien

The clinking of the tableware shouldn't be a pleasant sound, but as Ivan and I stood side by side washing the dishes, I felt a sense of comfort. For years, only Caden and I lived in this house without any male presence. 

On occasions when I had friends and neighbors over, none of them dared to set me up with someone because they knew I would never involve myself with a man after my last botched relationship. Even Mike never tried anything in the presence of Caden. 

However, Ivan was becoming part of my family so easily that it scared me. I could feel the tension whenever we were left alone. His eyes were constantly raking over me, evoking a warm feeling in me which made me think of reciprocating the attraction he felt towards me and wasn't ashamed to admit it. 

When we wrapped up the dishes, I cleared my throat, not willing to let the tension turn to action. "Why don't we go to the playroom?"

Without waiting for an answer, I turned away, knowing he wouldn't miss out on observing his son in his element. I knew I was being a coward for keeping Caden as a shield, but he was the only one I could think who would protect me without a doubt. 

The conservation he planned, and already discussed with Caden could be done in a hushed tone in the playroom. I wasn't ready to be alone with him just yet.

Caden was hunched over on his table as he completed the worksheets I made for him. His play school wasn't academically advanced for his brain yet, but it was a place where he could be social and have fun. After taking a seat on the armchair at the side of the room that overlooked the front yard, I looked at Ivan standing still, hands in his pockets as he watched Caden with a smile. 

For a mother, her child was the easiest way to get to her. I realized that a little later as watching him watching Caden was an image I wanted to store in my head for the rest of my life. The smile on his face enhanced his attractiveness and I knew I was doomed.

Crossing my legs, I frowned at Caden. "Cade, you need help?"

No answer. 

He was engrossed in his work, and didn't bother to break his concentration. Caden had been always independent in whatever he did. He hardly ever asked for my help, and I was feeling neglected. It was incredible that he could do things on his own at his young age, but it was bittersweet that he was growing up too soon.

Ivan came to my side, taking his seat on the other armchair under the window. "Is he always like this?"

I had spent countless times staring at the street, hoping Caden's father would finally show up although it was a fruitless hope from a helpless mother. Who knew it would come true? Last night, after my interrogation with Caden, I had refrained myself from searching about Ivan Dwayne in the internet. I knew he would show up today and if he truly wanted to be in Caden's life, he would tell me himself. 

The media only glamorizes the wealthy families. I had no use of knowing Dwayne family's assets. I only wanted him to be true to his words and intentions regarding my son. Along the way, if he needed my help, I would do so. 

But in the case of the charade he wanted to play in front of his father's lawyers, I would've never agreed to it if he hadn't seem desperate. After all, his desperation led him to finding me and in turn finding Caden.

"Yes, he's very attentive to what he does. Just lookout for a yawn, I need to put him down for a nap before he finds something else to do." I let him know and he looked amazed. Instinctively, my head tilted up and my chest swelled at the pride I felt for my son. Then, I remembered what Caden said back in the kitchen. "What is it that you want to ask?"