Never Let You Fall (Previous title, Dance in the Rain)

~ Chapter 3 ~ Alexis ~

After a fitful sleep I wandered through the master bedroom and onto the massive private deck that overlooked the ocean. I loved this house. It brought back happy memories and curling up on the over-sized wicker chair comforted me. I tipped up my face, soaking in the rays of sun before opening the latest novel Emily had left on the seat.

The words swam before my eyes, and after several pages, I couldn't recall a single detail. Snapping the cover closed, I tossed it onto the table and stalked downstairs, stopping to stare out through the wall of glass. The golden expanse of beach and sunshine enticed me through the French door onto the hot sand. I savored it as it squished between my bare toes, the fresh sea breeze swept my hair, and the afternoon sun beat down. Breathing deeply to clear my head, I strolled to the water's edge and let the surf wash across my feet.

My phone vibrated and chimed. "Everything okay?"

"Everyone's good." Aiden's deep, warm voice carried down the line.

"I hear a 'but' in there."

"Good catch. We ran into Joel at the café." Silence hung for a moment. "He took Daniel for the afternoon."

"What?" I frowned, running a hand through my hair. "You gave him Daniel?"

"Oh... I can get him back if you'd rather he didn't—"

"No, no. It's fine. I'm... surprised? Amazed? Joel hasn't shown the slightest interest in weeks, and he's taking Daniel all afternoon?"

"He'll bring him home around five."

"You're a miracle worker. Daniel's been missing his daddy. You and Tom have been incredible, but—"

"Neither of us are his dad," Aiden said. "Don't worry. We all know he needs Joel. I'm happy to do what I can, but at the end of the day, the man needs to step up, and I told him so."

I sighed deeply as I drew a circle in the sand with my toe. I loved how Aiden protected me, but Joel was a grown-ass man. That his friends needed to clue him in disappointed me. "Thank you. You get back to your own family, and I'll see you later. Don't rush home, I'll be at the house by five."

"You'll be alright?"

"Yeah, I will. Maybe I'll text Joel and have him meet me at our house. It's time I get out of your way and deal with my errant husband."

"Call if you need me. Don't be scared to come back to the house. I meant it when I said you could stay as long as you liked."

"Thanks, honey." I dropped onto my knees in the sand, and stared at the glittering ocean. It made zero sense that my husband took orders from Aiden, but my every effort and request went ignored. My opinions and feelings no longer mattered. Tears flooded my eyes as sobs wracked my body.

My world was caving in, and there was nothing I could do about it. I wondered if love was enough anymore. I'd been so happy, and now I couldn't recall the last time I'd genuinely laughed or smiled. I couldn't truly let loose, especially with Joel in the room. I'd pretended for my friends and managed to contain my feelings. I'd pasted on a brave face and tucked my sadness around me while I'd donned my armor. What was left?

I'd bet anything he'd been at that café with Crystal. He had time for her, but never for me. It burned deep down inside, and the flames licked at the roots of my soul. I needed to bring it under control and decide what I wanted before seeing Joel. I tapped in a message into my phone.

Heard you have Daniel. I'll be at our house, drop him there at 5.

I sifted sand through my fingers, watching it fan out in the wind as I waited for his reply.