Chapter 18

** Ryder’s POV ** I still feel like this is all some crazy dream. Maybe I hit my head, and I’m in a coma, and any minute now I’m going to wake up. It doesn’t feel real, sitting on my couch, Xbox controller in hand, my son beside me. My son. A living, breathing little person who looks like me and smiles like Paige. “That’s it. Now go faster!” Jaxon cheers, bouncing in his seat as I drive my virtual car around the track and then straight into a wall for the third time. I’ve played this racing game a thousand times. I can beat everyone, except Parker. But tonight? I’m happily getting smoked by a six-year-old just to hear the joy in his voice. I’d lose every race for the rest of my life if it meant he’d keep looking at me like I’m his hero. When he beats me again, for the second time, he doesn’t brag. He just pats my arm and says, “It’s okay, you were closer that time.” No teasing, no smug smile. Just kindness. Paige has raised him so well it makes my chest ache. He’s got this soft heart a