Kennedy went over what we needed to do and then rang off with the promise of calling me back after she’d spoken to Tia and they’d obtained an emergency court hearing date.
My second phone call was to Rosie, and fuck my life if the sexy bitch didn’t read me the riot act. The instant the call connected, I felt the frost in her voice all the way from Nebraska.
The first four words she bit out were so icy, I felt my balls freeze up.
“I can’tbelieveyou.”
I lay back on my bed in the hotel room and grinned. “I know. I’m a cunt.”
“Hmm.” She sniffed.
I adjusted the crotch of my jeans because even her haughty attitude made my balls ache, but not from coldness that time.
“It’s only because Tristan told us about your little girl that I even unblocked you,” she declared in her sexy school-mistress-type tone, and I wondered if she’d one day give me some of that in the bedroom.
“Posy,” I began. “When Callum called, I ran outta the gym without a charger, and of course, my phone died pretty much immediately because I’d stayed at your place the night before and hadn’t charged it. Then we missed the stores; though I admit, by the time we got back to the inn and ate something, my head was fucked to hell and back anyway. I went out first thing this morning to buy more clothes and a charger, and when I finally saw your message from last night, my ass gave way.” I lowered my tone. “I’m so fucking sorry, baby. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
I heard her sigh, then she murmured, “Oh, it’s alright. Some things take precedence. It was an asshole move, but I can forgive it in the circumstances. But do that shit to me again, and I’ll string you up by the dick.”
“Thank you, baby,” I said softly. “I knew you’d get it. All I can think of right now is Imogen and getting her home with us.”
“Imogen,” she repeated softly. “Such a pretty name.”
An ache shot through my chest, and I muttered, “You wanna see her, Rosie. She’s fucking beautiful. She’s blonde and pretty and feminine like a real little princess. Her foster mom told me she’s got an old soul, and she’s right. My girl just looked at me, and I felt like she knew me.” I laughed softly, “God only knows what the hell I’m gonna do with her. I’m fucking clueless about women.” I sucked in air to calm my emotions and croaked, “She has my eyes.”
“Oh, Donovan,” she whispered. “I’m so happy you have this, and you get to experience being a parent. There’s nothing likeit. The lows are as low as you ever get, but the highs are magnificent.”
I smiled at her words and the softness in them. “Don’t you care?”
“Care about what?” she asked.
“That I’m bringing a kid into the mix?”
“Stop being an idiot,” she said snippily. “I’m bringing two angsty teenagers and an asshole ex into the mix. One nine-month-old will be a piece of cake compared to my bullshit. Oh, and by the way, you’ve been struck off DJ's Christmas card list. He doesn’t like his mom sitting at the kitchen counter, all dressed up with nowhere to go.”
“Fuck,” I muttered. “Can you explain it to him? Actually, don’t. I’ll do it. It’s my fuckup.”
She laughed softly. “Actually, on this occasion, I think I should explain. They’re gonna hear gossip around town, especially since Tristan’s in the loop. I don’t want DJ and Gabby blindsided when you turn up with Imogen.”
“Okay,” I agreed. “Do what you think is best, but in the future, I’ll do my own dirty work.”
“Deal.” After a brief pause, she asked. “So, how are you coping with everything? It’s a lot to take in for me, so I can only imagine how you’re feeling right now.”
“I think I’m okay. I had a wobble last night, but you’re right, itwasa lot to take in. I didn’t sleep well and started to have doubts about whether Imogen would be okay with me. Then Mam turned up and gave me one of her pep talks, and I finally got to see my girl...” My voice trailed off, and I had to clear the emotion from my throat.
“I can’t wait to meet her,” Rosie murmured.
“Same,” I agreed. “I’ve got Kennedy on the case. She’s gonna represent me in the family court here in Nebraska. I gotta pulltogether all my checking and savings information and somehow get the accounts for the bar and the gym couriered over.”
“I can do that,” she offered.
I stilled. “Really?”
“You wanted me to do your bookkeeping anyway. If you tell me where everything’s kept, I’ll go in tomorrow after I finish work at the Speed Demons’ clubhouse and get everything in order for you. It shouldn’t take me more than a day to get everything filed and legible for the courts.”
My shoulders slumped with palpable relief. “I thought I’d have to come back for a day and was dreading leaving Imogen. It’s not like I can spend time with her right now, but I feel better being close, you know?”
“Yeah, I know. I don’t have access to your checking or savings, but if you send me your bank details and shoot them an email giving me permission to access your accounts, I can get everything you need.”
