Mary Ellen

Jacob had to bring every single model car, matchbox car, magazine, and video game he owns. We have a suite at the Alistair resort, so he has his own bedroom. Preston will only be here a few days while we get settled, he has to be back on set Monday.

Things haven't been as comfortable with Preston lately. I know he is having a hard time wrapping his head around everything. He will not change his opinion about Grayson finally being in our son's life. A man shouldn't be kept from his child, and yes I do remember the disappointment on his face when I told him.

I always refused to talk about Jacob's father to anyone, nobody ever knew, so that includes Preston. My mother doesn't even know she has a grandson.

He is, however, struggling with me spending so much time with the father of my son. He overheard Grayson say I'm beautiful, and he says that crossed the line. Then I refused his ride to work, instead letting Grayson spend the day with his son alone. He thinks it's because I wanted to keep Grayson close.

"Preston and I have the casting party tonight, so Wendy will be staying with you. Be a good boy, okay?"

"Why can't my dad come to sit with me?" He asked. He has talked about Grayson constantly since they met.

"Because he's expected at the party too. It's part of his job, I'm sure he is going to want to see you as soon as he can."

There was a knock at the door. "Are you expecting someone, Preston?"

"No." He called out from our bedroom.

I looked out the peephole and smiled at Jacob. "I think it's for you."

He got up and went to the door and opened it.

"Hi!"

"Hey there, I just wanted to check in if it's okay?" He looked at me.

"Anytime, Grayson. You're always welcome."

Preston walked out of the bedroom.

"It's always good to call first." He hugged me from behind.

Grow up!

"Like I said, anytime." I said again.

"I have a gift for you, Jacob." He handed Jacob a box, and of course, he tore into it.

"It's a gear knob, Mom!"

It actually is very familiar to me.

"That's a very special gear knob. It's from the first Impala I ever rebuilt. Remember that car, Mary Ellen?"

"Oh, please tell me you still have it?" I hope he does. "I love that car."

"Of course, that's a special car for me." He cleared his throat. "A man only has one first car." He added, then looked at me with a sweet smile of memories.

"That's the car your dad always took me out in." I said to Jacob.

Preston squeezed me a little tighter, so I shut my mouth.

"Thanks! Maybe someday I'll have my own, and I'll use this knob. It's really cool." Jacob's smile is huge.

"I'm sure you will. Well, I have to go." Grayson looked at me. "Can I see him tomorrow?"

"You can see him whenever you want," I said.

"Thanks, I guess I'll see you downstairs then. Jacob, see you tomorrow?" He asked.

"Heck, yeah!" He threw his arms around his dad and Grayson looked relieved, but he seems so awkward with me now for some reason.

He left and Jacob ran off to his room. "I think we need to have a discussion before the party tonight." Preston let go of me.

"What's there to discuss?"

"I'd rather you not be alone with him or spend too much time as the three of you." He said.

"What?"

"I see the way he looks at you, and I don't like it at all. Can you respect my wishes?" He asked.

"He's the father of my child, Preston. I don't think you should be putting limitations on the time we spend together with our son."

"You're going to give that child false hope." He said.

"Of what?" I'm kinda getting pissed, this is my child, not his.

"Of all of you living happily ever after, on some farm or something, back home."

"First of all, that was never my home. Secondly, it's my decision on how I spend my time." I walked past him, and got in the shower quickly, then stepped out and getting ready.

I curled my hair and put makeup on, this isn't formal, but I do have to dress in a designer's dress that lent me one of her designs.

It has a pink sheer top, sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline, and a little crystal belt. The dress goes just below my knees with a poofed out the hem. I also have a diamond bracelet and earrings from a jewelry designer. Over the years, I've taught myself how to do my hair and makeup.

I lean in and finish with a light pink gloss, when I feel eyes on me. "You look beautiful as always." Preston approached me. I'm still not happy about his demands.

His arms wrapped around me. "Can we just forget our conversation earlier for now and enjoy ourselves tonight?" He asked.

I smiled. "Sure" I gave him a peck on the lips. "Let's go."

We said our goodbyes to Jacob and his nanny, Wendy. My heart was filled with joy as he was showing her the gear knob from his dad's car, and explaining how he hopes he and his dad can rebuild an old muscle car together. I kissed him on top of his head and we headed down to the party.

Of course, we had to pose for the press and ignore questions. Tonight it's official, our two-year relationship is out in the open. This has been planned for over a month now.

I'm handed a glass of champagne, and I can't help but scan the room for Grayson. He's been on my mind almost constantly.

The party is held outside, and the sun is still out shining beautifully on the most colorful and beautiful flowers on earth. Preston is talking to someone, and I couldn't resist smelling them.

"You know the roses you planted bloom beautifully in front of your old house. Your mom lets me pick a bouquet every year." I turned to see Grayson and my heart skipped a beat.