CHAPTER 160

Kyle King

I held Tessa’s hands as we stood outside her house and replayed our moment in her company. How she held my hand tightly and used her action to define our status. I smiled, looking at her. She was engrossed with a phone call. I decoded it was her father because of the way she kept laughing and calling him Pops. I watched her face, the tilt of her head, and the glow in her eyes. These were part of the reason why I reacted for her. She was mine. My Tessa.

‘Are you done admiring my face?’ Tessa asked, smiling widely. ‘You know you take a picture and keep it, right?’

I chuckled, releasing her hand. ‘You are irresistible, Tessa, and every time I see your face, I fall harder. You’re my obsession, and I am not afraid to admit it.’

She blushed, shaking her head. ‘We’re still friends, right, Kyle?’

I drew a breath, nodding. ‘Yes, we are, but that won’t stop me from admitting my feelings for you. I love you now and forever.’

‘Okay, Kyle. Thank you. Can we meet the kids now?’

I felt a bit hurt that she brushed my love confession aside, but I didn’t react. I deserved it anyway. ‘Yes, we can, Tessa. I can’t wait to see them.’

She took my hands. ‘I hope you’re ready. It’s today or never. You can back out now, and we would always pretend that you’re nothing but a friend and their real dad is dead.’

‘No, I am ready. I am tired of being ‘Mummy’s best friend’. I love the sound of Dad, and I really can’t wait for them to call me one.’

‘Honestly, I am tired of explaining who you are to the kids. Their curiosities sometimes put me on my feet. Let’s get this done.’

I nodded, following her into the house. An housekeeper welcomed us, and I settled on the couch while Tessa left to bring the children. I picked up a magazine and scrolled through it while stealing glances at the news showing on the television screen. The newsreader was talking about a war going on in some state. I shrugged, returning my focus to the magazine. Wars would never cease in this world until humans learn to love one another without conditions.

I heard footsteps and looked up. It was Estella. ‘Hello, Mr.Kyle. It’s been a minute since we saw you. The kids really missed you.’

I smiled, standing up and giving her a hug. ‘It’s good to see you, Estella. I have missed them. Hope they have been good? Not giving you any trouble?’

She shook her head. ‘They’ve been good. Hope and Nicholas are angels, and speaking of them, Miss. Tessa wants you in Hope’s room now. You know the way?’

I nodded. ‘Yes, I do. I haven’t forgotten the house so quickly, Estella.’

She laughed, falling on the couch. ‘Alright, enjoy. I want to catch an episode of my favourite series before you guys are done.’

I laughed, leaving her alone. Tessa was lucky to have Estella with her. The older woman was kind and accommodating. While Tessa’s parents gave me the cold side, she was welcoming. It was a poor comparison but it was true. I had tried his best to be on their good side, especially Mr. Robert, but the older man was just cold.

James was tolerant and threatening too. I could count how many times he had thrown threats at me if I ever broke his sister’s heart again. I was wary of getting on his wrong side because, from the words of the street, James was more than the sweet son of Robert’s empire.

I knocked on Hope’s door and walked in, smiling widely. ‘Hello, kids. I have missed you kids.’

They rushed towards me, giggling loudly. I hugged them and settled near Tessa. She smiled, holding my hands. 

‘It’s time to tell the kids, Kyle.’ she whispered, taking Hope into her hands. 

I cleared my throat, looking at Nicholas. ‘Nicholas, Hope, Mum, and I have something to tell you. It’s very important you and your sister understand what we are trying to say.’

He nodded. ‘Okay, Kyle. We’re listening to you.’

I stared at Tessa for approval, and she nodded. I started by apologising for not showing for their birthday party and promised to throw a mini birthday party for them tonight. Then I revealed my identity to them. Tessa broke into tears as I told them bits of our story, hoping they would understand what I was trying to convey to them. I apologised once and affirmed my love for them as their friend and dad. Tessa also helped me in making the kids understand why it took her long to reveal who I was to them.

‘So, you’re our dadddy, not just Kyle?’ Hope asked, sniffing a bit.

She had been crying since I revealed my identity. ‘Yes, I am your daddy, Kyle. I am sorry for leaving you, Nicholas, and Mummy alone for years. I am so sorry.’

She smiled, ‘I forgive you, Daddy. Will you move in with us?’

I chuckled, looking at Nicholas. ‘Am I forgiven, son? I am so sorry, Nico.’

He leaned into me. ‘I forgive you, Daddy. Will you take me to football practice on Sunday?’

I nodded, smiling widely. ‘Yes, I will take you and Hope anywhere with me. I am sorry, kids.’

They hugged me and chroused, ‘Welcome home, Dad.’

Two hours later, after a nice meal of rice, turkey stew, and strawberry cup cakes and helping Estella put the kids to bed, I settled near Tessa to watch a rom-com movie.

‘I didn’t know the conversation with the kids would go well, though. I expected the usual tantrums, but they didn’t do that.’ I said, rubbing Tessa’s thigh.

She smiled, shifting my hands and laying on my laps. ‘I knew the conversation would go well. They are good kids and are smart. You could see the way they analysed everything that happened between us and forgive you without tantrums.’

I agreed. ‘You raised them well; thank you, Tessa.’

‘Well, you still owe me a make-up date, Kyle. I will accept your thanks after that, and by the way, congrats, Dad.’

I chuckled, enjoying the sound of her voice as she talked about something that happened at the office earlier in the day.