Twin Cupids at Work Daddy Come Home novel Chapter 288

Inside the black van, the mood felt a little awkward.

“Long time no see.”

“Are you pregnant?”

Brenda jumped in before Madeline could answer. “No, no, that was just me freaking out in the heat of the moment. I totally made it up.”

James just smiled. “Okay.”

Brenda nodded a little too quickly. “Yeah.”

Madeline caught Brenda staring at James like she was about to start drooling. She pressed her fingers to her forehead. “We should focus on business.”

“Right, business.” Brenda laughed awkwardly and started talking about the endorsement deal.

They’d expected a long negotiation, but as soon as Brenda finished explaining, James just smiled and said, “Alright.”

“Wait, really?” Brenda stared at him, almost in disbelief. “You’re just saying yes? That easy?”

James nodded. “Yep.” He pulled out his phone and handed it to Madeline. “We’re working together now. It’s only fair you give me your number, right?”

Madeline took his phone and punched in her contact info.

James took his phone back, looking pleased. Then, as if he was just making conversation, he asked, “So, you and Julian are divorced?”

Madeline’s expression changed. “That doesn’t really have anything to do with our work.”

“I’d just heard rumors. Wanted to know if it was true. Judging by your face, I guess it is.”

Madeline just gave a small nod. “Yeah.”

James grinned. “Does that mean I have a chance again?”

“Come on, don’t joke around.”

“I’m not joking.”

“James, I have kids now. I’m a mom of two.”

James raised his eyebrows, curious. “Julian’s kids?”

Madeline shook her head. “My kids.”

Julian looked away and gently ruffled Oliver’s hair. “Do you want to go back to your mom?”

“Yes.” Oliver answered right away. “I miss Mommy.”

Julian’s eyes clouded over. He watched Oliver and seemed to struggle for words. Maybe he really shouldn’t have tried so hard to keep Madeline’s child with him.

“What if I take you back to her?” he asked quietly.

“Really?” Oliver’s eyes lit up, but then he hesitated as he took in Julian’s dark look. If he and his brother both went back to Mommy, what would happen to Daddy? Daddy had always been good to them. If they both left, he’d be all alone. Wouldn’t that make him sad? After all, Daddy had watched Noah grow up for five years. He had to care.

Oliver squeezed Julian’s big hand. “Daddy, would you miss me?”

Julian laughed softly. “Who said I’d miss you?”

“You totally would. I can see it. If you really would miss me, why don’t you make up with Mommy? If you two get back together, we could all live together again.”

Julian looked down at Oliver’s little hand in his own, and something sad flickered in his eyes. “But your mommy and I can’t go back to how things were.”

“Why not?” Oliver asked, completely confused.