CHAPTER 152

Geneveive Tessa Robert

Kyle’s home reminded me of our memories. Every step I took reminded me of a particular event we shared. I paused in the doorway, looking at the photos on the wall. They were the pictures of the kids, Kyle and me, at the Christmas dinner at my parents home. I didn’t know he collected a copy from James. Nice surprise.

I walked into the living room. The interiors had changed, and I noticed a few of Dahila’s touches. She had a thing for plastic and real flowers. I ran my hands through the rich texture of the couches and settled on one. Kyle was still living the CEO’s life. 

He walked in with the kids. ‘What do you think?’

I smiled, glancing at the walls. ‘You need my expertise on your interior choices. Also, I am impressed with the photos.’

He let go of the kids and settled near me. ‘I will employ your services soon, and about the photos, I wanted to surprise you. Do you like it?’

I nodded, glancing at the kids. They were engrossed with the cartoon show playing on the screen. ‘So, what do we do? Dinner first, then play games and watch movies later?’

‘Dinner is still in progress. The chef started late, so we can play games or watch cartoons with the kids.’ Kyle smiled, getting up. ‘Let me check in with the chef while you decide on the activities.’

I smiled, returning my focus to the screen, but my mind wasn’t there. It was for a certain person. It always returned to a certain person at the end of the day. Kyle King. Being close to him was making me review my actions. I should’ve suggested my place for this little sleepover instead of his. At least, in my environment, I could control things that were not here. 

My feelings were flying, and I could also feel his emotions too. I hadn’t yet defined our relationship, but I had accepted him fully in the kids and my life. I knew we were going to have that discussion tonight, but I wasn’t yet ready. Even though I had promised Vera I would talk about the elephant in the room,.

‘Hey, the food is ready. Mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, pies, and orange juice. Great?’ Kyle asked, interrupting my reverie.

I nodded, collecting myself. ‘But isn’t that Thanksgiving special?’

He agreed. ‘Yeah, the chef is thanking God for my life. They really missed me.’

‘That’s sweet. You finally embraced religion.’ I said, watching him. Kyle had never been a religious person because of his upbringing. Dahila only attended church whenever she wanted to show off, and Kyle hated the publicity her showoff brought. So, when I married him, we didn’t attend church or talk about religion, even though he knew my spiritual upbringing. He also didn’t employ staff who were religious because, according to him, they always turned to shepherds who were looking for lost people.

‘Let’s just say I changed my perspective. I am still not religious, but I shouldn’t be biassed either, right?’

I agreed. ‘That’s right. Let’s do dinner. We still have a lot of activities to do, and the kids bedtime is almost here.’

Kyle led us to his huge dining room, helping the kids sit while the chef dished the food. Xavier joined us a few minutes later, and we talked about business, the kids, and Kyle’s one month in the hospital. I caught Kyle glancing several times at me and smiling. I blushed and almost choked on my food when Xavier noted his observation.

After dinner, the housekeeper helped me with shower duties for the kids. Nicholas refused to help, and I had to let him have his way. He was literally six years old and smarter than most of his peers. 

‘Hope reminds me of you. She has your stubborness and intelligence.’ Kyle remarked, joining me on the couch.

I smiled, avoiding his gaze and focusing on the monopoly game. ‘Are you sure? I am not the stubborn one, but you, remember?’

He shrugged. ‘Fine, Hope is stubborn like me, but she has Robert’s side. You guys don’t ever give up. Look at how focused she is on finishing that drawing, even though Xavier told her she wouldn’t get it.’

I followed his gaze, watching her. ‘She is a focused little girl. Her teacher recommended her for one of those gifted schools around, but I wanted to discuss it with you first.’

‘I have seen her grade sheets, and you have a genius. Two geniuses. One in sports and the other in academics, but I think it’s best we let them grow before making such decisions.’

I nodded, preparing myself for the next item on my list. ‘I agree with you. Kyle, I think we can be friends. I know this means retracting everything I said when we had dinner in London, and it seems sudden, but I know I am making the right decision.’

He took my hands, kissing them. ‘Every day, I prayed for this day. I accept your friendship, Tessa Robert. It mightn’t be what I want at this moment, but I am going to accept anything that will make me closer to you. Thank you.’

I stared at his glowing eyes, amused. His reaction was unexpected and beautiful. ‘Great. So, our date in London still holds, and you’re still coming for the kids birthday?’

‘I won’t miss the world, Tessa. I will be in London on Tuesday, while Xavier will be here, taking care of the investigation and businesses. He’s the CFO after all.’

We talked about the kids birthday party, and a few minutes later, we joined Xavier and the kids in playing  Monopoly. Then, we ended the night with a movie chosen by the kids. Lion King. Nicholas kept interrupting the movie with his version, and I gave up trying to hush him. 

‘That was good, right?’ Kyle said, dropping Hope on the bed. The kids had fallen asleep a few minutes before the end of the movie.

I nodded. ‘Yeah, I enjoyed myself. Thank you for being a good host and father.’

He smiled, taking my hands. ‘I can’t wait for them to call me father, Tessa. I have waited years for this.’

‘Just don’t mess this up, Kyle. This is your second chance, okay?’ I replied, holding him. ‘I would be able to recover if you broke my heart again, but they won’t.’

‘I promise you I won’t break your heart again. Thank you for the second chance,’ he replied.

I nodded, leaving him with the kids. One was a mistake, twice was a mistake?