Sadness flickered through her eyes. “You are nothing like that man. You’re the best husband, and you’ll be an amazing father. I know that because I knowyou.”
She said it with so much certainty. Like it was a guarantee.
He lowered his head and kissed her, letting her soft lips smooth the jagged edges of his nerves.
When he lifted his head, frustration slipped into his tone. “My mother’s here.”
“I saw her. You should talk to her.”
“I never get out of that talk feeling good.”
“Maybe tonight will be different.”
Maybe. Maybe not. “Come with me.”
“I would but…this is your night. I don’t want to make this about her and me. I’ll wait here with the girls.”
He kissed her temple before heading toward his mother. She held a glass of champagne and was looking over her shoulder.
“Looking for Ben?” he asked.
His mother turned back to him. “No, someone just bumped into me. Didn’t even apologize. Gosh, some people are rude.” She shook her head. “Anyway, Ben’s just talking to someone. You know how much he loves to chat.”
Colt nodded slowly. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Margaret at the grocery store mentioned it.” Hurt tinged her voice that he hadn’t told her. But had she expected him to invite her? As far as he was aware, nothing had changed.
“Are you staying safe?” he asked.
“Thanks to Ben. Are you and Indie?”
“We are.”
“And…the baby?”
“Baby’s good. We heard the heartbeat yesterday. It was strong.”
His mother’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s…I mean, it must have been very special, especially after all you two have been through.”
“It was.”
She nodded quickly. “Well, I’m sure you have lots of people to talk to. I’ll go find Ben. I just wanted to come and support you. I love you, dear. And I’m proud of you.”
“I love you too, Mom. And thanks.”
She touched his arm before walking away.
Was it possible she was finally coming around? She’d asked about Indie. Asked about the baby and acknowledged how hard it was to get here.
Time would tell.
He was just heading back to Indie when a flash of movement in the trees caught his attention.
He stopped, his gaze narrowing.
Then he saw it again. A man. Just a blur because he was running away.
Fuck.
