Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
A single tear streams down his cheek. “You love this man, don’t you? I think there’s a chance you’ve fallen in love with him.”
“I have,” I admit for the first time out loud.
“Then it’s settled.” Bruce pushes to his feet, motioning for me to do the same. “Give me a hug, my girl. Tomorrow we’ll make a few calls to find out what the next steps need to be to get that paternity test done.”
I rush into his arms. Martha stands and joins in the embrace.
I cling tightly to my family. I have no idea what the future holds for Olive and me, but I know we’ll get through it.
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
Holden
It’s been three days since I tore Greer’s world apart, and I still haven’t heard a word from her. Jameson has reminded me twice since then that I need to ask her to consent to a paternity test for our daughter.
I did speak to Rook about this after handing him a dollar. I told him it was to retain him and to buy his silence. He assured me that he would never repeat anything I told him in confidence even to Declan.
From an attorney’s point of view, Rook suggested I seek out an expert in family law to help navigate what comes next. He threw out a couple of names of law school buddies.
I have yet to call either.
I want to talk to Greer before I take another step.
Grabbing my suit jacket off the back of my chair, I start toward my office door. A walk in Riverside Park will help me think more clearly.
Just as I’m about to swing it open, a soft knock comes from the other side.
It’s well past quitting time, so everyone, including my brother, has left the office. The cleaning crew is milling about. That’s why I shut my door. It’s not that I don’t like making small talk with them. I enjoy it. They’re an incredible group of people who work hard for us.
Tonight, I didn’t have the heart to dive into any conversations. Solace has been my best friend since Greer walked out of my apartment.
I swing the door open and instantly feel a sense of relief wash over me. “Greer.”
“Hey,” she says softly. “I went by your apartment. You weren’t there, so I thought I’d try Riverside Park.”
I love that she knows where I go when I need to think.
“Obviously, you weren’t there either, so I thought I’d try here.” She glances into my office. “Are you working late?”
I haven’t done much work over the past three days, so I shake my head. “No. I was just on my way out.”
“Can we go somewhere?” she asks. “Unless you’d prefer to talk here.”
“We can go wherever you want.” I look into her eyes. “You lead because I’ll follow you anywhere.”
“Your apartment?” she asks tentatively. “I’d like to talk there.”
“I’ll order a rideshare.” I tug my phone out of the pocket of my suit jacket. “Have you eaten dinner, Greer? I can order some food to be delivered for when we get to my place.”
“I’m not hungry.”
I’m not either, even though I’ve barely eaten anything since I last saw her. “Okay.”
“We should go down to the lobby to wait for the car,” she says before starting toward my office door.
I watch her walk away from me, noticing the slight tremor in her hands as she does.
She’s as torn up as I am, but we’re going to talk. We’ll figure out what comes next, and more importantly, we’ll decide together what’s best for our daughter.
I toss my keys and phone on the coffee table as I slide off my suit jacket. I fold it neatly before placing it over the back of a chair. My tie lands on top of it.
Greer stands silently watching it all.
“Do you want something to drink?” I ask. “Water, wine, soda…I could make you a coffee, but I’m not promising it’ll be any good.”
She smiles slightly. “I’m fine right now. Thank you.”
I motion toward the couch. “Do you want to sit?”
Her gaze volleys between the couch and me. “I don’t think so.”
That’s a sign that she wants to be ready to bolt for the door if need be. Unless she’s going to tell me that she’ll fight me on the paternity test, I won’t give her a reason to leave.
She’s been Olive’s sole parent for her entire life. I can’t blame her for trying to protect her little girl.
I glance at the watch on my wrist. The time isn’t relevant. Unless I check, I have no idea if it’s night or day. It’s been that way since I realized Olive is my daughter.
When I look up, I find Greer staring at me. “I think you’re her dad, too. She has your eyes, Holden. I didn’t see it before, but I do now.”