Seeing Dani and Jacob together like this stole his breath.

The tender scene undid him. Ripped him into pieces and put him back together, more solid, and stronger than before. A sense of peace washed over him.

She was Jacob's mother. That's all he was feeling for Dani, he told himself but deep down he knew he was lying. After all these years, a piece of him still belonged to her. It was the reason he'd been avoiding her.

That and the fact that God had chosen to remain silent on the issue. His prayers for guidance were so far unanswered, but he was determined to wait. Dani's soft, feminine laughter drew his attention.

Wearing khaki shorts and a pink t-shirt with her hair pulled into a high ponytail and no makeup, she looked young and innocent. Several wayward curls escaped their hairband and framed her heart-shaped face. His own heart twisted.

Watching the way she tilted her head against Jacob's, Josh realized the glowing beauty she radiated was happiness. He'd never seen her as happy as she was with her son, their son.

Could he trust her?

As much as he wanted to believe she'd stick around and be Jacob's mother, Josh was skeptical. He had to be. Jacob was his responsibility and couldn't afford to let down his guard. Not yet.

But that's exactly what he'd done when he'd suggested to Mer that Dani pick up Jacob. Meredith, God bless her, loved his son, and as much as she wanted Dani to be a part of Jacob's life, Mer was hesitant. She didn't want Jacob hurt. He wondered if he should have listened to her.

He was about to turn around and walk outside to catch his breath, but Dani looked up and his gaze slammed into hers. He felt a connection zing through him, leaving him stunned. Understandable, he reasoned. They shared a child. That's all it was. Had things gone differently, they could have been a family.

"Dad!" Jacob cried, running to him. "We went to the park and played and cooked dinner!"

"Sounds like a good day." He ruffled his boy's hair.

"It was the best day ever!"

"Oh, it was, was it?" he laughed, picking Jacob up and lifting him high in the air.

Jacob shrieked with laughter. "Yes!"

"What did you and your mom make for dinner? Liver and onions?" Josh teased.

Jacob's face scrunched in disgust. "No!"

Josh feigned shock. "Broccoli?"

"God hasn't answered your prayer," Jacob giggled. "I still don't like broccoli."

"Maybe tomorrow," he said, feeling the weight of Dani's gaze on them. "Why don't you wash your hands while I talk to your mom."

Jacob hesitated, his worried gaze sliding to Dani. "She's not in trouble, is she?"

"Did she do something wrong?" he joked, but instead of laughing his son looked concerned. "I just want to visit."

Jacob's gaze swung from his dad to his mom. "I'll be back soon."

Josh bit back a smile at the note of warning in his boy's voice, and his attention moved to Dani. He felt like he'd been kicked in the chest.

A moment crawled by while they stared at one another. She fidgeted and he knew she was uncomfortable, though he wasn't sure why.

Her soft voice broke the silence. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Her stricken expression hollowed his gut. "I thought we could talk about how the day went. Obviously, Jacob had fun."

When she didn't immediately speak, he gripped the back of his neck, suddenly self-conscious. He needed a shower. Not that he intended to get close enough that she'd notice, but still.

"It started off rough. Jacob was worried about Meredith. He almost called you, but decided it was going to be okay." Her voice cracked with emotion, and her teary smile made his chest tighten. "Thank you for letting me spend the day with him."

"You're his mother." His voice was oddly gruff. The urge to pull her into her arms and offer comfort was strong, but he resisted.

"Today I saw a glimpse of what I left behind. All of the precious moments I missed out on." She forced a smile. "I really appreciate you giving me a chance."

"Dani, I—" You're welcome? I'm sorry. Is it just Jacob you want another chance with? "I have no idea what I want to say."

Her lips lifted in a smile. "I've finally managed to render you speechless."

"It's only taken what...nineteen years?" Her smile was contagious.

"Um, math was never my best subject. We met in kindergarten, Mrs. Stone's class."

Despite it all, he chuckled. "Ah, yes, you ran up to me, announced we were going to be best friends, and plopped a princess crown on my head."

Her laughter warmed him. "As I recall you didn't want to be my friend then."

"It took me two years before the kids stopped calling me Princess Josh. You'll have to forgive my five-year-old self."

"Point taken."

He stepped closer. "Where does that leave us now?"

"You don't trust me." Her smile slipped and the sparkle dimmed in her eyes. "I don't blame you. Don't feel bad about it. I like that you're thinking of Jacob first. That's how it should be."

"You still read my mind."

Surprise flickered in the depths of her eyes. "No. You've changed a lot. I have no clue what you're thinking or who you are." She frowned as if it bothered her. "It was easy to guess that I've earned your mistrust."

"Funny. That's what I've thought about you. That I have no idea who you are." He took another step closer to her.

"Do you still play with your band?" she asked, seeming nervous.

"I play in the church band now. Late nights at clubs wouldn't have worked with Jacob. I don't miss it at all." He realized the truth in his words.

"I don't imagine you would. That's how I feel about acting. I don't miss it at all."

He wasn't sure, but he let it go. Time would tell. "Have you decided to go on the camping trip?"

Dani's eyes lifted to his. "About that. I was wondering if I could bring a friend."

Something hot, fierce, and possessive filled him, and he realized it was jealousy. "You want to bring someone on our camping trip?" His voice was harsher than he intended.

She tensed, a line forming between her delicate brows. "Sorry, I know I shouldn't have brought it up but I had coffee with Lindy, and I thought Jacob and Charlie might like to play together—"

"You want to bring Lindy on the trip?"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked since I was an invited guest myself. Forget I mentioned it."

Relief shot through him. "Lindy and Charlie can come with us."

"No, it's I was out of line." Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink. She was still exquisitely beautiful.

As much as he didn't want her to know, he had to make this right. "I thought you were asking to bring a date."

"What?" Dani looked stunned. "No, of course not. I haven't even been on a date since you and I were together." She froze, her eyes widened, and her fingertips flew to her lips as if she could push the words back in.

Something warm spread in his chest. He wanted to believe her. "Yeah, right. You can't expect me to believe there's been no one else since you and I were together."

She lifted her chin. "It's the truth. After you took Jacob, I changed. I was different."

Their gazes tangled.

"Dani, I didn't take Jacob. You gave him to me."

"I know you're not the bad guy in this story." She stepped toward him but stopped. "The irony of it is that I turned into someone who would be a good wife and mother after I gave up both of you."

Josh could hardly breathe. "You're telling the truth."

"I wouldn't lie to you."

"Why?" The single word came out in a harsh breath.

A hint of a smile touched her lips. "Lying is wrong. I'm trying to be a better person."

He felt a smile at her humor but held it back. Despite his best intentions, he closed the distance between them. "Why haven't you dated anyone else, Dani?"

She stared up at him with big, trusting eyes, watching him like she couldn't understand the question. "I never wanted anyone else."

He sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the need to release pent-up energy but there was nothing. God, help him. "You said you weren't ready to commit. Your career came first." He saw her flinch with each accusation.

Sad eyes met his. "Fools say a lot of things. They're rarely true."

He slid his hand behind her neck and electricity shot through him when he touched her. "Dani—"

"Is it time to eat now?" Jacob asked, running into the kitchen and looping one arm around each of their legs.