The Way That I Love You(Book 2)

Routing Routine

Colin

-3 days later-

He didn't think they'd ever be here.

He never thought they would be separated and living in different places. Never thought he'd have to split his time up with his kids. Never.

So when he arrived at her new apartment; it felt like the beginning to an end.

What if she wants to stay? What if she wants to leave permanently and not work it out? What if she wants a divorce?

She's the type of girl that doesn't need a man. She could probably get over him.

Before he knew it they were taking the elevator up to her floor; and then moving a little ways down the hall to her door. They wait only a few moments before she answers.

"Mommy!" Knox giggles and she smiles down at him.

"Hey bub!" She picks him up and they smile at eachother. They move into the house and he closes the door before putting Darlene's car seat down.

He looked around for a moment. It looked like her place before they moved in together. Everything was neat and new and so...her. it was unsettling.

"They um...they already had dinner and baths so..." she nodded and smiled at Knox.

"Cool. Here, let me help you take your jacket off." She sat him down in his feet and helped him get rid of his jacket. "Why don't you take your bag and go put it in that room? Your bed is all set up." He nodded slowly, moving to grab his bag before disappearing down the hall.

They caught eyes and she gave him a small smile.

"Hi."

"Hey." Good going Colin.

She reaches down to get the baby from her car seat; kissing her cheeks and cuddling her to her chest.

"So this is it."

"Yeah, this is it."

"It's nice...not the house but nice."

"It's mine Colin, that's all that matters to me. Distance is what I need right now and at the moment I deserve it don't you think?" She frowns.

Damn.

"That's...I'm sorry. It's not what I meant. I didn't mean to say it like that." They're sort of stuck in silence before the unmistakable patter of feet on the hardwood floor graces them. Knox comes bounding into the room only to grab his hand and tug a bit.

"Daddy come see my bed...it's big."

He tugs some more and he looks to Morgan for confirmation. She bods slightly and he let's Knox sort of pull him to the back. The room is pretty normal; but she's sort of restocked most of the toys. Instead of a normal bed Knox has a loft bed and Darlene has a new crib connected to it. Knox shows him a few things before it's decided that it's bed time. He helps him get comfortable; tucking him in a bit before kissing his head.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you staying here?"

"No bud, I'm going to leave but I'll see you in a few days when mommy drops you off."

"But you don't have football. Why we here?"

"Mommy and Daddy we...you remember that vacation you took at the hotel?" He nods as he reaches up to brush his hair back from his face. "Well it's like that. But this time you'll be here instead of at a hotel."

"But I'm going to miss you." He pouts sleepily.

"You'll be too busy having fun. I promise I'm coming back. If you get sad, you can call me on mommy's phone to talk okay?"

"Okay."

"Besides, I need you to stay here and watch over mommy and the baby for me. Can you do that?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now get some sleep. I love you."

"Love you too." He mutters before closing his already drooping eyes.