A Touch of Fate (BWWM)

27 | Welcome Home Party

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Garrett

"So Dylan informs me that he has a basketball retreat coming up," Garrett said as he moved through the kitchen. "The week of Halloween."

"That is correct," Imani replied, stepping around him and leaning against the counter. Dylan was in the family room with Eugene, discussing a video game he enjoyed. Garrett laughed as her son pointed to Imani's tablet, where Eugene was paying close attention.

"Your son is just like you." He moved closer to her. "The boy has a way of charming people. Not many kids his age interact with others like he does."

"Dylan had a rough patch last year after his father died. He acted out and was disrespectful. We both began seeing a psychiatrist." Imani folded a hand towel and set it on the countertop. "He has a big heart, and age is irrelevant to him. My son is all in if you treat him with dignity, and he treats everyone equally."

Garrett kept a close eye on her. He saw the love and pride. "Mani, you did a fantastic job with his upbringing. He's lucky to have you."

She turned to look at him, but he couldn't read her. He'd been trying all night since she arrived at his house for dinner. No one was more surprised than he to see Imani and Dylan outside the house. He assumed Regina was coming to check on Eugene.

"What about you?" Imani asked, head tilted.

"What do you mean?"

"Children. We've never talked about it, but do you have any?"

He inhaled and shook his head. "None that I know of. I've only ever had sex with four women, and none of them became pregnant during our time together."

"Oh." She licked her lips while looking down. "Do you want any children?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure," he responded, smiling slightly. "I would rather not work so much before I become a father. The fact that I'm abroad sometimes adds to the stress."

As they began discussing a more serious topic, Imani shifted her weight uneasily but kept her gaze fixed on him.

"Did you and your ex-wife try for kids?"

"Veronica and I weren't sexually active. I can count on one hand how many times we had sex throughout our marriage. Our careers were always our number one priority, and satisfying one another wasn't."

"Wow."

He rubbed his stubble as his eyes narrowed. "I traveled often, so that conversation never came up. Maybe she and I realized a child wouldn't heal us."

Imani glanced at Dylan. "My marriage to Mason was amazing, and having a child when I did gave me strength. Dylan completes me."

"I understand, Mani. I do. He is incredible."

She whispered, "He is."

"Can I ask you something, if it's okay?" Garrett inhaled a breath as he looked at her.

She nodded. "All right."

"Did you and Mason want more children?"

"Y-yeah," she stuttered, clearing her throat. "We planned to try again after my contract with the agency expired. But he died last September, three weeks after our anniversary."