Winchester Legacy 2.0

“I can’t believe you were fighting on your son’s birthday,” I muttered to Gordon as I walked over to the birthday cake that he had picked up earlier that day.

“I can’t believe that you never answered my question,” he snapped before turning away from me to stare out the window. Shaking my head, I wished that there was a way for me to avoid the conversation Gordon and I would have to have. I was distracted though when Neil suddenly stiffened in my arms. Looking down I saw his eyes widen as if he had been shocked. Laughing, I lightly tossed him in the air. He twirled and I noticed the surprised expression on his face. He was so cute, I thought as he landed back in my arms. He had his father’s nose that was for sure.

And his eyes. Sweet and innocent they stared out at the world in wonder. Just like Gordon’s did. Or rather used to since I could hear him sobbing behind me. Sweet mother of Christ, I thought as I cuddled Neil closer, this had to stop. I needed to talk to him. Try to explain my feelings and thoughts. But how could I explain them to him when they were confusing to me?

Hearing Dane growl underneath of his breath I looked to the side to see him clenching and unclenching his fists as he glared at Gordon. Reaching out I gently touched his arm. When he glanced over at me I briefly shook my head. Gordon had suffered enough. He didn’t need to be thrust into the midst of another fight I was pretty sure he wouldn’t win.  Dane exhaled slowly and I could feel his muscles relax underneath of my hand.

“Ex-excuse me,” Gordon said as he hurriedly left the room.

Sighing I placed Neil on the floor. “Dane, I can’t go on like this.  He’s hurting and while it’s breaking my heart I can’t stop myself from wanting to be with you.”

Helping me up from the floor he briefly touched my stomach before he stepped back. “I understand. Look, go talk to the poor man. I’ll take care of the birthday boy.”

Smiling softly I squeezed his hand.

“You hungry little guy? Let me get you a bottle.”

I racked my brain for what I was going to say to Gordon. Anything I said would hurt him but I wanted to make it as painless as possible. We had been friends before we were lovers, before I agreed to this farce of a marriage. I hoped it was possible that we could remain friends but I had a feeling that I was hoping for the impossible. Gordon cared too much and cared too deeply. If we remained friends it would be like a slap in the face every time he saw me with Dane. And inevitably he would hate me even more than he probably already did.

As I walked into the bedroom I could hear Neil shrieking with laughter as Dane tickled him.

“Well, don’t you have your daddy’s nose? Poor fella,” he crooned.  I had to resist the urge to laugh but the laughter died in my throat when I took in the scene before me. Gordon was huddled underneath of the covers and the bed was shaking from the force of his sobs.

I had to yell to be heard. “Gordon! Gordon, we need to talk!”

“Not now Latonya. Please, not now.” His voice was muffled and watery and there was heart wrenching pain in his voice. Grabbing a pair of pajamas I walked back into the living room intending to spend the night on the couch. After changing my clothes and putting Neil to bed Iwalked Dane to the door.

“Come outside with me,” he whispered.

“Dane…”

“Just come outside with me.”