Although Kate woke up and kicked Jack out before Spencer came home it seemed to stir something inside her.
For the next few weeks, the two would have mutual goosebumps from a touch as simple as their hands brushing one another. They shared laughter and smiles in a way they hadn't before. So when Aaron's meet the teacher night arrived, Kate didn't even tell Spencer.
"Wow… you clean up nice," Kate stammered. She didn't know why she felt so nervous but she had butterflies. Jack had a blue sweater and khakis but he just looked irresistible to him.
"Not so bad yourself," he smirked as he stepped closer and put a hand on Kate's hip. He watched her bit her lip and knew she was struggling not to whimper at his touch. Ironically, Kate wore wide leg khakis and a blue silk blouse with a floral print tucked in.
"Your son is such a sweet child," the teacher started. "However—"
"However?" Kate gulped, her eyes widening.
"Kate," Jack whispered, putting a hand on her knee.
"I don't think entirely understands his home life…"
"I'm sorry?" Kate pushed.
"He's been telling classmates that he has a new brother named Spencer. I believe that's your husband?"
"Fiancé," Jack quickly corrected. The corners of Kate's lips curling into a smile.
"He thinks he's what?" Kate leaned forward, taken completely off guard.
"It's not entirely uncommon," the teacher explained. "He might not view him as an authority so he doesn't see him as a parent."
"He does buy him a lot of toys," Jack said softly, trying to gently divulge into what was being said. "He misses his games and things a lot, he doesn't come to the drop offs or even family dinners…"
"He doesn't like you," Kate whispered. She shook her head and returned to the teacher. "Would having them spend time just the two of them help?"
"I think so."
Kate nodded quickly. "Then it'll happen," she assured her.
That night, Kate and Spencer sat at the table in an awkward pause. Kate took a bite of her pasta and washed it down with a sip of wine.
"We had parent teacher conference today," Kate began.
"We?"
"Jack was there. He is Aaron's father," Kate said with a sigh. "I'm not discussing this forever, Spencer. Jack will always be in Aaron's life. He will always be there."
"He's not the dad!" Spencer's voice began to rise. "We're going to be married, Kate. That makes him my son."
"He's still Jack's son," she whispered. "Anyway," she started before a fight erupted, "the teacher thinks it would be good idea for you guys to do some things together."
"I'm completely down" Spencer took a large bite of pasta. "Get tickets for the aquarium or zoo or wherever you wanna go and we'll make it a family thing."
"I meant you and Aaron going alone. Like a—"
"— father and son?" Spencer pressed. "When is he going to sign over the rights, Kate?"
Kate sighed. This conversation kept coming up no matter how many times she tried to shut it down. "I've told you before, I'm not asking him that and I don't want him to do that."
"He's not his dad!"
"Keep your voice down," Kate said softly. "He was there when Aaron was born. He's been there his whole life."
"And now we're getting married. You didn't marry him. You're marrying me. You're choosing me to raise that kid."
"This is non-negotiable," Kate said flatly. "You are Aaron's stepfather, Spencer. You aren't his father. You aren't adopting him. Jack isn't waiving his rights. We have to work together. For Aaron." Spencer opened his mouth to retort but she raised a hand, stopping him. "I am his mother and I will make these decisions for him. No one else. Understand?"
"If I didn't know better I'd think you were still in love with him," he grumbled.
"Will you stop? I'm not doing this again. Jack will always be Aaron's father and I will always love him but if I wanted to be with him, I would." Kate felt a knot in her stomach at lying to him. He was right though, she was still in love with Jack. "I'll talk to Jack about the camping trip and we'll work visitation around then."
"Yeah," Spencer muttered and suddenly Kate felt slightly uneasy about Spencer being alone with Aaron. He had yet to spend any sort of time with the boy, not even to run errands together or visit a park. "Cassidy has been on my ass about your bachelorette party. You excited?"
"I don't really think I need a bachelorette party," she rolled her eyes. It all felt exhausting already. Downing drinks that will inevitably be a hangover. Being hit on by men. Wearing those stupid itchy sashes to draw attention. None of it was Kate.
"Who doesn't want one last hurrah?" He asked with a laugh. "Besides, you deserve it." He reached across the table to grab her hand. "I mean it, Kate. You deserve to let your hair down and just have fun. Your life is all about Aaron—"
"—I chose to make him my life," Kate smiled. She thought of everything she'd endured and sacrificed for Aaron. And then she thought of Jack. If she hadn't put Aaron first, she would have forgiven Jack almost instantly. She wondered if she was still doing the right thing for Aaron by separating from Jack.
"I know, I just meant a night to blow off some steam. It's your last chance to do whatever you want."
"You make it sound like the sky's the limit."
"It is. There's nothing that you could do to make me change my mind about this. I love you, Kate."
