She tucked her chin against her chest and scurried away without saying another word.
“As I was about to say. No, it won’t get in the way. He’s my kid.” He worked his jaw side to side. “Of course, you could make me go away for the right price.”
Was he saying what I thought he was saying? I looked at Jason, who seemed equally disgusted as I was. Not only was he a creep but he was a loathsome creep.
I bit back my first response and fought the urge to kick him in the shin. “I’m sure the judge will be fascinated to hear you tried to sell my nephew to me.”
He gave a clipped growl. “And it’ll be your word against mine.”
Jason scoffed. “No, it won’t.”
“And I’ve got an entire bar who will testify otherwise.”
I shot to my feet. “There’s a reason my sister wanted me to have guardianship.”
Kane must have sensed trouble because he appeared at our table. “Everything okay here?”
Colter’s smile was all teeth. “Everything is great. She’s just being a good aunt. Maybe if she stays in town, I’ll let her babysit.”
“Let mebabysit?!” My voice pitched higher with each word.
I could feel myself coiling like a spring, ready to launch myself at him. Before I could move, Jason was on his feet, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me back. “I think we’ve honored your sister’s memory enough for tonight.”
“Smart man,” Colter said, taking a long pull from his beer. “You should get her home. Let her rest up. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.”
Kane stepped closer. “Yeah, I think that’s best. I’ll walk you out.”
I could feel his presence looming behind us all the way to the door. Once we stepped outside, he pulled it shut and kept his hand on it, like he was making sure we couldn’t go back in or anyone could interrupt us.
“Listen,” he said quietly, “Maya wanted you to have that baby.”
My breath caught. “She told you that?”
Kane nodded. “You can tell the judge tomorrow.”
I took half a step forward. “You could help me. Tell the judge that tomorrow.”
“No.” He shook his head quickly. “I can’t get involved. It’s not a good time for me to be in court. I just… I can’t.”
“Of course.” Jason shook his head.
Kane stepped into Jason’s face. “It’s more complicated than that. I would, but…”
I squeezed between them. “Kane.”
He leaned back, his gaze slowly lowering to mine.
“It’s okay. I understand complicated.” I palmed Jason’s chest. “And Jason is just trying to support me. Colter can’t have Elias.”
So much conflict and pain reflected in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Things have a way of working out like they’re supposed to.”
His eyebrows knitted together and then smoothed out. “Sometimes.” With that, he stepped back, yanked the door open, and disappeared inside.
I sighed. “I can’t believe Colter wanted me to buy Elias. What a sleezy thing to do.”
“It would have helped if Kane were willing to testify for you.”
