Instant Daddy by Carol Voss Page B

you really expect her to understand that? ”
    Peter stared at the ground. “Well, yes. I wasn’t trying to take him away from her. I hoped we could put our heads together and figure out an arrangement that will work for all of us. I told her I’ll never keep Jake from her. Or from you and your wife, either. My new condo has an extra bedroom for you all whenever you want.”
    “Jess can visit Jake?” Max shook his head, a deep frown furrowing his brow. “What were you thinking?”
    Peter blew out a breath. “I’m thinking of Jake. I never knew my own parents. I don’t want to do that to my son.”
    “But Jess is his mother.”
    Peter swallowed. “I know. But I’m also his father.”
    “Do you know what a mother is?” Max gave him a sour look. “Because Jake knows.”
    Peter sighed. “I don’t want to change their relationship, Max.”
    “It sounds like you do want to change it. Are you planning to take Jess to court? Because that’s what it will take, you know.”
    Peter met the man’s direct gaze. Scott had asked him how far he’d be willing to go to have Jake with him. It looked like time to figure that out. “A legal battle would hurt everybody involved, and alienating Jessie and you would only make things harder for Jake. Plus I’d hate myself for doing it. So no, I won’t go to court.”
    Jessie’s father let out a breath. “Well, thank God for that. But you hired a nanny?”
    “She’s a babysitter. And I didn’t hire her. Not without Jessie’s input.”
    Max shook his head again. “I think she’s given her input on that idea.”
    Peter glanced at the house. Was Jessie getting Jake ready for bed? He ached to be part of that ritual again. He shifted his feet, ready to walk in and claim his rightful place. “I need to make her understand. We need to work this out.”
    “ You don’t understand, Peter.”
    Peter dragged in a breath.
    “Your wanting to be part of Jake’s life is commendable, but he has a mother who’s been with him since birth. He’s part of a family. The family he’s known since day one. A family that thrives on daily routine. That’s how family members become connected enough to understand each other on a deep level. Think about it. Your son trusts Jess to always be there no matter what happens.”
    “I know. Am I wrong for wanting that kind of relationship with Jake, too?”
    “No. You’re not wrong, but it takes time to build trust like that. How much do you think Jake will trust you if you take him away from his mother?”
    Peter felt like he’d been sucker punched.
    “He’s a little boy, Peter. He’s not a lab experiment you can shift around or manipulate at your will or convenience.”
    He stared at the older man. “That’s what you think I’m doing?”
    “Maybe not intentionally.” Max’s gaze was steady, his voice unyielding. “But yes, I think that’s what you’re doing.”
    Peter tried to wrap his mind around the cold, controlling man Jessie’s dad described. Was he that kind of man? He sure hoped not. “Is that what Jessie thinks?”
    “She loves Jake, and she knows what you’re planning will hurt him. Do you know your son well enough to know what will hurt him? Or to know what’s best for him?” Max shook his head. “I don’t think so. If you did, you’d see your plans aren’t for him. They’re for yourself.”
    Peter’s arguments died on his lips. Was Max right? Was he thinking of himself? Of his own lonely childhood?
    Jake’s childhood was nothing like his had been. Jake had Jessie. And her parents. And a home filled with love. His son had a family and the deep understanding and communication Peter never had. What kind of father would take that away?
    With a sinking feeling, he clawed his fingers through his hair. “But he needs to know I love him and want him in my life.”
    “Yes, he does. You can show him that by spending time with him whenever you can.”
    No Jake to hurry home to? To read stories to or tuck into bed? To