Red Carpet Redemption. Yahrah John St.

like wrangling a six-year-old, you’d understand. Anyway, he should be here soon. My neighbor’s son also takes tae kwon do, so we rotate picking them up from class each week. It allows me to get dinner started so Jayden isn’t eating too late.”

      “That’s great. I’m glad you have a support system. I’d hate to think of you doing this all alone.” When he released the cork, he poured them each a glass and handed her one.

      “Thank you, but I’m not alone. My parents, my sister, Shelly, my neighbor—they’re all part of the village it takes to raise Jayden. Cheers.” She tapped her wineglass against his.

      The front door of the bungalow sprang open and Jayden bounced excitedly into the room.

      “Mommy, you should have seen me tonight!” Jayden rushed over to her, not even noticing Dane on the sofa. He was still wearing the standard white dobok uniform consisting of a top, elastic-waistband pants and a belt. “I did a better ax kick than TJ.”

      Iris smiled broadly. “That’s great, Jayden. Say hello to Mr. Dane. You remember him, right?”

      Jayden spun around and hazarded a glance at Dane. “Yeah. You’re the man who is going to be my donor.” And without her asking, Jayden threw his arms around Dane’s neck. “Thank you.”

      Tears sprang to Iris’s eyes as Dane held Jayden in his arms. He seemed as overcome as she was by Jayden’s spontaneous affection. “You—you’re welcome, Jayden.” Dane patted his back and just that quickly, Jayden was moving on.

      “I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?”

      Iris rose to her feet and picked up his book bag, which he’d left in the middle of the floor. “Your favorite—baked ziti and garlic bread. Go wash up. Dinner will be ready shortly.” Jayden scampered out of the room, leaving the two of them alone again.

      “Sorry about that. Jayden can be a bit extra if you’re not used to him.”

      “Extra?” Dane appeared distracted, then shook his head. “No, he’s fine. Is he always that affectionate?”

      “I guess. Why?”

      “No reason. He’s a really special little boy.”

      Iris grinned. “I think so. C’mon, grab your wine.”

      Dane followed Iris down a small corridor into a farmhouse-style kitchen with a table big enough for four, but with place settings for three. He sat down in one of the chairs and watched Iris. She busied herself taking garlic toast from the freezer and putting it in the oven.

      Dane couldn’t recall when he’d witnessed anything so domestic except when Gage’s mother, Grace, had lived at Stewart Manor and worked as their cook. She hadn’t minded him and Fallon being underfoot. Lord knows his mother, Nora, wouldn’t be caught dead cooking; that would require putting in effort. The only thing Nora was good at was keeping herself well preserved with Botox and frequent trips to the gym and salon.