The Heart Left Behind

Chapter 39 Daddy … Jonas tugged at my sleeve gently , his eyes full of hope .

Jonas , can I join you on the trip ? Lorraine asked Jonas .

Her way with children made me wonder if she had studied child psychology .

Jonas looked up at me nervously , biting his lip before nodding .

I could tell he was afraid I would be upset , and his uncertainty broke my heart .

I ruffled his hair gently .

Well , lets all go together .

As a father , I couldnt give him a complete family or his birth mother , so I tried to make up for it in other ways .

But the tickets … I had only planned for two people as I hadnt expected Lorraines sudden proposal .

I already bought mine ! Lorraine giggled sweetly , looking slightly embarrassed as she poured Jonas a glass of orange juice .

If you hadnt invited me , I was planning to go anyway .

We wouldnt leave you behind , Ms.

Sommerton Jonas said , holding her hand and swaying it gently , making Lorraine beam with joy .

No , we wouldnt , I agreed , scratching my head awkwardly and smiling at Lorraine .

For a moment , I felt like a teenager in love again nervous but full of hope .

On the day of our trip , Lorraine showed up at the house to help us pack .

Ill handle that , I said quickly , embarrassed despite being a divorced dad who shouldve been past such awkwardness .

I said Id help … she trailed off , her face turning a deep shade of red as she held a newly opened pack of underwear .

Youve helped plenty .

Why dont you check on Jonas instead ? I offered her an escape route .

Grateful for the excuse , Lorraine nodded quickly , her face as red as a tomato .

Ill go right now ! I let out a relieved breath once she left .

Thankfully , she had left space in the suitcase for underwear , or I would not have known how to pack it .

I had not told anyone about Lorraine yet , thinking we were just friends .

But as we boarded the plane , we ran into Yvonne with her own suitcase , She blurted out , Cole , youre also on this flight ? I was puzzled by her words .

It sounded like she knew that we were going to travel .

1 looked at Jonas , who appeared guilty .

Im sorry , Daddy , he whispered , not meeting my eyes .

Xavier asked me , and I accidentally told him .

Whats wrong ? Dont act like you own the beach Xavier said arrogantly .

I You can go wherever you want , I replied .

Though Xavier was my son and I wanted to be close to him , his attitude always ignited something in me that burned away my patience and parental affection .

Whatever , you cant tell me what to do anyway ! Xavier snapped .

Yvonnes gaze shifted uncomfortably between Xavier and Jonas .

The contrast was stark- Jonas had grown increasingly polite and thoughtful under my care .

Meanwhile , Xavier remained arrogant and disrespectful , reflecting poorly on his mothers parenting .

Cole , I actually hadnt planned on going to the beach .

I … Yvonne began .

Chapter 10 Chapter 40