The Secret Baby

Chapter Eighteen

It's been almost two months since I started dating Sam, and I couldn't be happier. We go on a date twice a week, and recently we went out a few times with the kids. Every Friday, he stops in the tavern to say hello to me, and grab dinner, then goes to my house for the night. We're making this work even though I have two kids. We are taking things slow, but a part of me wants him to move in with us.

Ashtyn asks for him when she wakes up, and he's not here but gets so excited when he comes over. Seeing them together makes my heart melt, never mind how good he is with Fred, whose only three months old. I've mentioned it to Josie, and she agrees that I should ask him. She points out that he already has a key to the house, so why not make it official. Even my dad asks me when Sam is moving in. It's clear that Sam is here for the long haul with me, but a small piece of me has that fear still. I honestly think the anxiety stems from his having yet to try to have sex with me. We make out, hold each other, and sleep in the same bed, but he doesn't seem to want to, which has me worried.

As for Jaxon Kelly, he seems to have taken a hint. I see him once a month at the tavern, but he sits at the bar where Hudson works. He hasn't tried to talk to me about Ashtyn, which is a relief. Gossip around town has shamed him enough, trying to follow me home for no apparent reason... Mr. Kelly claims to have wanted only to talk to Miss Passon but will not elaborate on the discussion he had in mind.

Tonight is yet another Friday night, and the tavern is full of people. Word is the Kellys are having a party this weekend, so all their guests are filtering in. Fine by me, more customers means more tips, which means more money to pay my bills and get supplies for my children.

At eight, Sam came in with a bouquet of flowers for me. "Hey, baby." He called, walking over to me. He gave me our usual Earth-moving kiss, then took his seat at an empty table. Tonight, he sat at table 12, which was closest to the kitchen and bar. I took the flowers into the kitchen to put them in some water and grabbed him some house chili. I delivered his food and went to get him a drink. I returned with the glass, giving him a smile. "I've been invited to the Kelly house this weekend, babe. It's tomorrow afternoon, before work." He told me, holding my hand. "I need to make an appearance with the rest of our unit."

"You don't need my permission," I answered. "Do what you feel is best."

"Babe, we spend Saturdays with the kids. You know I love doing that." He whispered. "I prefer to spend my weekend doing what I love doing."

"I know, but you haven't seen your friends in a while. I can manage the kids alone for one Saturday afternoon; it's not the first time." I pointed out. "May not be the last, but I do want to discuss something with you when I find my way back here. I've been doing a lot of thinking and would like your input."

He nodded as I walked over to another table to take their orders. I gathered more drinks for everyone and made my deliveries. I handed him a beer, and he pulled me onto his lap, giving me a kiss. "What do you want to discuss?" He asked against my lips.

I pulled my head away slightly. "Have you given any thought to maybe wanting to move in? I know it's super early still, and we've been trying to take things slow, but I really want you to. Ashtyn would love it, and so would I. Hell, even my dad keeps asking me when you're moving in." I said with a chuckle.

"I have thought about it, just didn't see it coming this soon." He explained, and my heart started beating really fast. He must have noticed because he gave me another kiss to help calm me. "I'd love to, Charlotte."

I smiled at him as he kissed me again. "I really need to get back to work before Noah comes out here and reprimands me." He released me from his lap, and I made my rounds again. I had a bit more of a pep in my step as I worked tonight. This man is amazing, and he's all mine.