Chapter 153

Ramon POV

“Then what?” Lake was openly crying now. “Ramon, what are you waiting for? What do you need time to do?”

I couldn’t answer. Couldn’t find the words that would explain without explaining everything.

“Ollie misses you,” Lake finally said when I didn’t respond. “He doesn’t understand why Papa won’t play with him anymore. Why you won’t read him bedtime stories or help with his bath or—or do any of the things you used to do. He thinks he did something wrong. That maybe he’s not good enough anymore.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. “Ollie didn’t do anything wrong,” I said immediately.

“Then why are you avoiding him?” Lake challenged. “Why won’t you be his father?”

“Because I’m afraid I’ll hurt him,” I said before I could stop myself.

Another long silence. “What?” Lake’s voice was barely audible.

Shit. I’d said too much. Revealed too much.

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Forget I said that.”

“Ramon, open this d