*~*Zacky’s POV*~*

Chloe had gone to find extra blankets and pillows in the closet while the rest of us tried to find places to lie on the floor around Jayden’s little bed. He sat up watching, clapping his little hands, excited that everyone would be taking a nap too.

“Alright, this is what I have. You guys can fight over what you want.” Chloe said as she sat down all the extras.

“Mommy, you lay down with me.” Jayden said patting the spot next to him.

“Of course my little love. Now you lay down.” Chloe said as she carefully stepped between everyone to get to his bed.

She curled up next to him, tucking his little body into her side.

“Mommy, where’s Ralphie?” Jayden sat up and asked.

This caught my attention. I gave Chloe a cute gray and white stuffed wolf just before she left for NYU. She had named it Ralphie. She got up from the bed, returning a minute later with the same dog, handing it to Jayden. He lied down again, satisfied to have the dog, hugging it to his chest.

“Mommy, tell me the story about Ralphie. Please.” He requested.

“Ok but only if you promise you will go to sleep after… A long time ago, before you were born, mommy had a best friend.” She started, glancing over to me, “Mommy loved her best friend very much and he loved mommy very much. They used to play and do everything together, every day- what most best friends do. Well one day, mommy got a letter in the mail asking her to go to a big school in New York.”

“New York. That’s where I was born right mommy?” Jayden asked.

“That’s right Jayden. Do you remember mommy’s big school in New York?” she asked him as she brushed his messy hair out of his face.

“A little bit. I was really little mommy.” He said disappointed that he couldn’t remember.

“That’s ok my little love. Anyway, mommy had a big decision to make. Should she go to the big school or stay at home with her best friend? Well, mommy’s best friend, he was very busy playing music with his friends.” She said looking around the room at all of us laying on the floors, “They were all mommy’s friends too and they were very good at playing music. Mommy had a dream to write books about music, while mommy’s friends had dreams of playing music for her to write about. So mommy told her best friend about her letter to go to the big school. Do you know what mommy’s best friend said?”

“He said to follow your dreams, mommy. Just like you tell me.” Jayden smiled.

“That’s right my smart little boy. He told mommy to follow her dreams. So mommy packed up all of her things to go to New York but mommy was sad. Mommy didn’t want to leave her best friend or any of her friends behind. She knew she would miss them all very much.” Chloe said tears forming in her eyes as she smiled at all of us.

“Mommy don’t be sad. This is the sad part but its ok mommy. You have me mommy.” Jayden said smiling as he grabbed her face in his tiny little hands and kissed her.

She wiped the tears away with the back of her hand as she continued, “The day before mommy left, her best friend came over to her house, which is your grandma’s house, and he said he had a present for mommy. That was when he gave mommy Ralphie. He said that Ralphie would always watch over mommy and make sure she was loved. Whenever mommy got sad, he said to hug Ralphie and think of him and how he loved her. He told mommy that as long as she had Ralphie, she’d never be alone.”

“Is that why you let me have Ralphie mommy?” Jayden asked softly.

“Yes my baby. Ralphie watches over you now and makes sure you are loved. Ralphie will keep you safe when you’re scared and mommy’s not around.” She answered him as she stroked his head, attempting to get him to fall asleep.

“Mommy, you’re always with me.” Jayden said as his eyes started to struggle to stay open.

“Always and forever, Jayden. Mommy loves you.” She said kissing his forehead.

“I love you too mommy. You can use Ralphie too when you’re sad and you miss your friend.” He said barely audible, his eyes already closed.

“Thank you Jayden.” Chloe replied as she slowly and carefully got up from the small bed.

We all carefully got up and exited the room. All except for Jimmy and Brian who actually fell asleep with Jayden. In the hallway, Michelle giggled at the sight of Jimmy sprawled out next to Brian who was face down on a pillow.

“Well, why don’t we go talk outside? You guys can all feel free to hang out in the living room and watch TV if you like.” Chloe said.

We went outside and sat on some lawn furniture on the patio. Now that I was able to speak freely, with no restraint, I was at a loss for words. We sat quietly for a few minutes, just looking out at the backyard.

“Zacky, I’m sorry.” She said softly.

“Chloe, why? I just don’t see why you didn’t tell me? I missed out on some of the best moments. I missed out on some of the hardest times too. Why didn’t you just fucking tell me about my son?!” I said raising my voice.

“I didn’t want us to be a burden on you. I found out I was pregnant after I had deleted everyone’s phone number. I had no way to tell you even if I wanted to.” She replied, her voice cracking.

“That’s bullshit and you know it! You could have found me! You chose not to Chloe and I want to know why!?” I yelled, losing control and letting my anger out.

“Because Zacky, I loved you and wanted you to follow your dreams! Me and a baby weren’t your dreams! How do you think you would tour and make an album with a girlfriend and a baby!? I was on a full scholarship and I wasn’t going to give that up to come back!” She screamed back.

“So you just decided to stay there and keep my son from me!? Tell me Chloe, would you ever have told me?!” I shouted angrily.

The tears were now streaming down her face as she took a deep breath before calmly speaking, “Yes. You have every right to know. You have every right to be mad at me about it, but I did what I thought was best at the time. I was alone and I did what I thought was best for me and my baby. You were living out your dreams, and it seems to have paid off, and I was living mine by finishing school. Yes, Jayden was a challenge, but I think I did pretty fucking good for being alone.”

“You didn’t have to be alone, Chloe. That’s the point I’m trying to get you to see. We could have figured something out.” I replied scooting closer to her chair, putting an arm around her shoulder.

“No Zack. There was no other solution to this without one of us sacrificing our dreams. I wasn’t going to make you give up yours, especially because you are so good at what you do. I figured if I couldn’t make it in college, then I could find something else. Zee, I couldn’t make you give up music, even for a baby.” Chloe stated.

“I would have given up MY LIFE for you and the baby.” I told her quietly.

“I couldn’t do that to you. What would you have done if not for music? You didn’t graduate high school Zack. How would you have supported us even if I did tell you?” Chloe asked.
“Fuck, I don’t know Chloe. I would have figured it out. I could’ve played baseball.” I said, realizing that she was probably right.

She scoffed at me, “Zacky, really? I just couldn’t hold you back, not with such a bright future that I saw lit years ago. I always knew you and the guys would make it. I wasn’t going to be the one to end that for you. You mean too much to me.”

I sat in silence for a few minutes as another chain of emotions flowed thru me. I sighed heavily, putting my elbows on my knees and running my hands thru my black hair.

“So, please just tell me, what happened?” I asked.

“Well, we broke up and a month later I realized my period was late and I was constantly tired. I pushed it off as stress and school until I started getting sick every day for a week. I went in to the doctor and they told me I was pregnant. You were the only boyfriend I ever had and I couldn’t believe it because we were always so careful. It had to have been the last time when you gave me Ralphie.” She answered.

I didn’t care about anything but her. I didn’t want her to leave. I remember not caring about anything but her and I in that moment. I loved her and I wanted to prove it to her one last time…

“So, I didn’t tell anyone I was pregnant, not even my parents or Jake. Let’s just say they got a big surprise when they surprised me in New York for Christmas. Mom and Dad were so mad and they tried to get me to say who the father was. They were convinced it was some guy I hooked up with at a party or something now that I was away from you and in college. They told me that I was just a slut and I probably didn’t even know what the father’s name was. It hurt, but I knew it was better I didn’t tell them. Jake was a little more understanding and always would help me out when my parents turned their back on me.” Chloe told me.

“I’m sorry Chloe. I didn’t see any pictures with them and Jayden in his room. I thought it was kind of strange.” I tried comforting her.

“Yeah, to this day they won’t acknowledge Jayden. I haven’t spoken to them since he was born. They wouldn’t even come to meet their own grandson. It’s okay though. Jake would come to visit and send him presents for his birthday and holidays. He said he didn’t care who the father was as long as his nephew and his sister were okay.” She said looking down.

“Does anyone know?” I asked her.

“Jake knows. I never told him but I didn’t need to. When Jayden was born he had so much jet black hair and those big green eyes, Jake knew instantly. Actually, Jake helped me pick his name.”

“So is he an Edwards too? To help keep his father a secret.” I implied.

“No. His full name is Jayden Zachary Baker. Jake said it was only right to you, told me that eventually, even if I never found you again that Jayden would want to know. You’re on his birth certificate as well Zack.” She said.

“Oh, trying to get me with child support are ya?” I joked.

“What?! No! Never! Oh my God Zack I would never!” she yelled at me.

“Chloe! I was joking. Calm down. I know you aren’t that type of girl to do that. I was just playing...” I said between laughing, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

“Oh God Zacky, I would never do that. I don’t need your money. Jayden and I have been just fine doing it on our own. I don’t want you to think I’m some gold digging tramp coming after you now that you are a famous musician.” Chloe said as she calmed down.

“I wouldn’t say I’m famous just yet, but maybe one day. Shit, I’m still crashing on my mom’s couch.” I smirked at her, earning a giggle, “And I know you aren’t a gold digging tramp. You’re still the same Chloe that you were back then. You’re just a milf now.”

She reached over and punched me in the shoulder playfully, “Shut up stupid.”

“My next question is are you going to tell Jayden I’m his father?” I asked her in all seriousness now.

“I want to, but I don’t know Zack… I mean you have obligations to the band now like touring. I don’t want to guilt you into being his father.” she asked me contemplating.

“Chloe, you aren’t guilt tripping me into being his father. I’m willing to step up to this. I don’t want you to have to do this alone anymore.” I told her.

“What does that mean Zacky? Are you going to be here for our son? I mean really here for him. I don’t want to tell him and then you leave us when things get hard. If you’re going to do that, then there is no point in telling him who you are. It would only break his heart.” She informed me.

“I mean I want to be here for him. He’s my son and I already missed so much of his life, and I don’t want to miss another second of it. I don’t want my son to grow up thinking that I didn’t care about him. I just met this little guy, and I am already in love with him. I want to be there for him and for you if you’d let me?” I asked reaching over and grabbing her hand in mine.

She hesitated, “Zacky, I want you to be there for our son but I just don’t know about you and me.”

“What’s not to know?” I inquired.

“What if it doesn’t work out Zack? It’s not like before. We have our son to think of. We can’t just start up where we left off.” She sighed heavily pulling her hand away.

I knew she was right but I wasn’t willing to give up so easily, “Will you grant me a chance? We can take things slow. As slow as you want, I don’t care. I just want to be with you and my son. Can’t we try if not for us, then for Jayden?”

She looked at me with her dark chocolate eyes for a moment before replying, “I don’t know Zacky. Will you give me some time to think about it?”

“Sure. I can do that. What about Jayden?” I asked her.

“I don’t know Zacky. I want to tell him but I want to make sure you are serious about this first. This is a child, a person, a human being, not a pet that you can just pawn off on someone else when you’re tired of him. Can we hold off on telling him for now? I think you and him should get to know each other a little more first. Maybe you can come back over for dinner? I’ll make your favorite, lasagna. That’s your son’s favorite too, you know?” She said a small smile creeping on her face.

“My son. I’m going to have to get used to that. If you want to wait to tell him then I can’t argue with you about it. You are his mother. I’m serious about this though Chloe. He’s my son and I plan on helping you with anything and everything. So what else is my son like?” I said standing up from the chair, offering a hand to her.

“Zacky, you are going to be so surprised how much that little boy is like you. Do you know he fought with me about his room being green and not blue? He was adamant that it be his favorite color, green. He even does the little pout like you when he gets mad! He reminds me every day who his father is.” she laughed as she stood.

“Chloe, what exactly does Jayden know about his father?” I questioned.

“He knows his daddy was a very special person to his mommy. I never told him that his father is my best friend from the story, although I’ve told him that story a million times. It’s his favorite story. I told him that his daddy is a very handsome man that plays music and always made his mommy smile and laugh.” Chloe said as we walked around the backyard towards a small garden.

“Does he ever ask what happened to me?” I was so curious how she had dealt with this.

“Yeah, a lot more now that he sees other kids his age with both parents. I told him that sometimes, when you love something so much, you have to let it go so maybe it can be better.” She said looking down at the roses, “He said to me just before we moved back, ‘So daddy let us go so we could be better.’ I told him that mommy let daddy go so daddy could be better. I couldn’t let him think you ran out on us. It wouldn’t be right and in the chance that we never found you guys, I didn’t want him to grow up with a grudge against you.”

“Wow. Thank you for that. He’s a smart kid. Certainly got that from his mother.” I smirked.

“He sometimes tells me that he misses his daddy. I ask him how if you never met him and he tells me because he made mommy happy and he wants mommy to be happy. He’s the sweetest little boy I could have ever been blessed with.” She said as she picked one of the roses off the stem and smelled it.

“Do you think you could show me some more of his baby pictures and stuff since, you know, I wasn’t there?” I asked her.

“Yeah, sure. How about after dinner? Jayden loves going thru things from when he was ‘little’, as he says. Sometimes I wonder if he’s actually 30 instead of 3.” She giggled as she shook her head.

“So, what time should I come over for dinner? Would you like me to bring anything?” I inquired.

“You just bring you. How about around 7? Jayden is going to be down for a while. He’s going to be up all night. It’s going to be a long night with him.” She sighed heavily.

“I’ll stay up with you and him. It’s my parental duty isn’t it?” I said.

“Zachary, is this your way of asking to stay over?” Chloe smirked.

“Not necessarily. I can still go home. I’m serious though. I’ll stay up with him and you or even just him if you want to go to sleep. I swear I won’t stay over if you don’t want me to.” I answered her.

She looked me over once, “Why don’t you bring some extra clothes and something to sleep in? If it gets too late, I don’t want you to drive home but no funny business mister.”

“I swear.” I said as the back door to the house slid open and Val came out.

“Hey girl, we are going to head out if that’s cool. The guys want to go drinking.” Val said.

“Oh, yeah, go ahead. It was great of you guys to stop by.” Chloe said hugging Val.

Val closed the door behind her shutting out everyone else in the house, before asking, “You guys ok?”

I smiled at Chloe before smiling at Val, “Yeah. We figured some stuff out. It’s going to be ok.”

Chloe smiled and nodded, “Yeah. I’ll fill you in later with the details Val.”

“That is his boy right?” Val asked Chloe.

I nodded my head and smiled. Val just smiled and nodded back before making her way back into the house.

We followed Val back in and Chloe said bye to everyone, Jimmy and Brian had woken up about 10 minutes ago and rejoined everyone.

“I guess I better go too. I’ll see you tonight?” I said.

“If you want to go out with the guys, I understand Zee. We can visit another night.” Chloe replied.

“No way. I want to spend time with you and Jayden tonight. I go out with them all the time. This is much more important to me. So, I’ll see you tonight at 7?” I smirked.

“Ok. I’ll see you tonight.” She replied opening her arms for a hug.

I hugged her to me and as we broke apart I kissed her cheek, “See you at 7.”

She put her hand over where I kissed her cheek, as I padded down the driveway to my car.

Notes

Ok that's it for today. Any thoughts? Thank you for your comments, votes, subscribes! XoXo <3