HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 261

“Of course!” Althea rained kisses all over his face, making him squeal with laughter and squirm in her arms, though she refused to let go so easily.

The anger and frustration she’d felt yesterday had already melted away, gone without a trace. No matter how much the Callister family tried to push their way into Josh’s life, all that mattered was keeping Daven from crossing the line. He’d promised her—what happened yesterday wouldn’t happen again without her consent.

And strangely enough, Daven had listened. Since when had he done that? Was he really that afraid when she’d made it clear he was forbidden to see Josh? Well… at least the threat had worked.

“Alright, you can go this time. But make sure you come back quickly and stay with Uncle Beni.”

“Okay, Mommy!” Josh planted a sweet kiss on her cheek. “Let’s go, Uncle Beni. Time for snacks!”

“Yes, young master,” Beni replied with a smile.

Once Josh was out the door, Althea settled back onto the couch and turned on the TV, letting the broadcast play in the background. News of the final trial in Daven and Vanessa’s divorce filled the screen.

She scoffed softly. “And what good would it do me to watch this?”

****

“I can’t wait to eat it, Uncle Beni.”

“Patience, young master.” That was all Beni could say. From the moment they stepped out of the hotel room—through the corridor, down the elevator, and out to the street—Josh hadn’t stopped humming with excitement.

It was as if buying a hotdog and ice cream this afternoon was the one wish he simply had to fulfill. Oddly enough, he wasn’t this cheerful yesterday when he spent time with his biological father.

“Oh! I should buy one for Daddy Chase too. He’ll like it for sure. Daddy must be tired from working so hard. What do you think, Uncle Beni?”

“I don’t think that would be a bad idea.”

Beni walked at a steady pace beside Josh, holding the boy’s small hand tightly as he skipped along. The street in front of the hotel was bustling that afternoon, and the food stand across the road was so popular that the line spilled over onto the sidewalk.

“You should wait here. I’ll stand in line for you.”

Josh pouted. “No way. I’m the one who wants it, so I should be the one to work for it. That’s what Aunt Lydia taught me.”

“I’m not used to eating ice cream,” Beni answered curtly.

Josh frowned. “Oh, come on. You’ll like it if you try. Mommy always says, ‘don’t say no before you’ve tasted it.’”

Beni glanced at him for a moment, then let out a quiet huff. “You argue a lot for someone so small.”

Josh laughed, a clear, ringing sound that drew a few smiles from others in line. “It’s not arguing, Uncle. I just want you to try what I’m eating today.”

Beni fell silent, his eyes fixed ahead at the slow-moving line. But the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth betrayed him. “Alright. Just one.”

“Yeaaay!” Josh slapped his little palm against Beni’s much larger one, then bounced in place, eyes glued to the display case filled with steaming hotdogs, piles of toppings, and tubs of colorful ice cream.

People nearby had begun to take notice of Beni. His tall, imposing frame, broad shoulders, and sharp, unsmiling features made him look more like a soldier than a bodyguard to a chattering little boy. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Beni didn’t so much as flinch. His only concern was making sure Josh stayed safe, always within arm’s reach.

At last, their turn came. Josh eagerly ordered three hotdogs with all the toppings, then pointed at his favorite ice creams. “One strawberry, one chocolate, and one for you, Uncle Beni! Hurry—pick one.”