Henry & A Million Reasons Why

05

I was in trouble, I knew it as soon as I stepped out of my Bentley and felt like a new man. Freshly showered with a dash of the cologne I knew she liked, I had changed into some dark wash jeans and a polo. I had to remind myself this wasn't a date.

My computer bag helped remind me we were here on business.

But then I saw her step out of her damn Mercury, a hoodie tied around her waist, she waved me over and I just didn't care anymore. Her hair was out and as curly as ever, it rested in clouds on her shoulders and made her look like she did in college.

Yup, I was in big trouble.

"Kiyanni and Kieran, hold Henry's hands." Courtney instructed, pointing the little kiddies that scrambled out of the car. They both looked from their aunt to me and then back.

Kiyanni tugged on Court's jeans, "Is he your boyfriend?" She asked, the little boy, Kieran already toddling over time me.

I crouched, wanting to introduce myself before just taking his hand, "Hey bud, I'm Henry."

"Kiy, go," I heard Courtney tell the little girl, not answering her question. Am I her boyfriend?

You fucking idiot, I closed my eyes, no she was not my boyfriend. We weren't dating. We were just friends! And I'm married! Damn- Kieran startled me by grabbing my nose.

I made a sound which sent him into a fit of giggles, "Again!" He demanded, squeezing my nose harder.

I hissed instead, removing his hand from my nose and turning to Kiyanni who had pulled some of my hair. "Kiyanni?" She nodded, her big brown eyes meeting mine curiously, "I'm Henry."

She let go of my hair, "Nice to meet you." She said politely, "You have to help my brother and I cross the street."

"That I do," I agreed, standing, Kiyanni immediately slipped her hand into mine and it instantly brought me back to those days with my own daughter.

It put an ache of guilt in my chest that not even the sight of Court cradling the last baby to her could erase. Persephone and I had our issues, but we also had two very beautiful children that I love with my whole damn mind, body and soul. I bent down to scoop up Kieran so we could head inside for the business meeting.

Because we were here at Chuck E. Cheese on business.

Business.

Business. Business. Business!

Say it as many times as you want, Henry, this is still a date.

I growled under my breath, tossing my onto my notepad, glaring at my computer screen. We'd been here for an hour and I had jumped straight into business. Walking into the building with Kieran in my arms, holding Kiy's hand, Court carrying Xavier besides me, I realized I only felt guilty because my kids weren't with us. Meaning, if they were here as well, I wouldn't have an issue.

Which was a huge fucking issue.

And I was taking it out on Courtney by being the ruthless asshole a lot of my business associates knew me to be. She'd quickly caught on to my pissy mood and ignored it, attending her niece and nephew while allowing Xavier to remain strapped to her chest, while working. We didn't say much to each other until the pizza arrived, Kiyanni hopping into the seat next to me.

She held her hand out and for a second I was confused, but then I noticed she was holding Courtney's as well. Courtney was holding Kieran's and Kieran held out his other hand out to me. I quickly grabbed them, closing my eyes as Kiyanni led us in grace, something I hadn't done in years.