“Mom,” I said, taking a breath, “I need to tell you something before you hear it from someone else. Please do not panic.”
“Ashton Theodore Miller,” she snapped. “What have you done now?”
Her voice sharpened, and the familiar dread settled in my stomach. She only used my full name when she was truly upset. It reminded me of my childhood, of every reckless mistake I had ever made.
“Geez, Mom,” I muttered. “I was not a little boy anymore.”
“I know you,” she said flatly. “You only spoke this gently when you were about to confess something terrible. Just like when you were ten and decided to climb onto the roof to retrieve your football instead of asking for help.”
I groaned. “You were still angry about that?”
“You broke your arm,” she snapped. “And you lied to me about it. Do you know how terrified I was when the school called? So do not tell me not to panic.”
I sighed. “Mom… it was only one time.”
“Only one time,” she repeated. “Now tell me what you have done.”
I took a long breath. “I just found out I have a son.”
There was silence on the line.
After a few seconds, she said slowly, “Did you just say you have a son, or do I need to get my hearing checked?”
“You heard correctly,” I replied. “I have a son. His name is Tristan.”
“Oh my God,” she whispered. “Is that why the engagement ended? Did Lynda find out you cheated and had a child?”
“No, Mom,” I said firmly. “I never cheated. Not ever. I will explain my relationship with Lynda later, but that is not important right now. Tristan is seven years old. His mother is Bailey. She came back a few weeks ago.”
I heard her gasp.
“Are you sure the child is yours?”
“One hundred percent,” I said. “If you see him, you will know. He looks exactly like me. And before you get angry at Bailey for keeping him from me, you need to know this. She never cheated. Everything was planned by Father.”
She exhaled shakily. “I always had a feeling that girl was not what people said she was. I met Bailey once. She was genuinely sweet and kind. And you both loved each other.”
“Mom,” I asked quietly, “did you know about Father’s scheme all along?”
“I swear I did not,” she said quickly. “But I suspected something. After Bailey disappeared from your life, your father seemed relieved. He used to say things like it turned out better than expected. Whenever I asked what he meant, he would smile and say nothing. I am so sorry, Ashton.”
“So am I,” I murmured. “As much as I want to hate him, he is no longer here.”
She paused before asking, “Now that you know you have a son, does that mean you and Bailey are together again?”
“No,” I admitted. “Even though I wanted it more than anything, there was no room for me in her heart anymore. She made that very clear. But she was willing to share Triston with me. We were figuring out how to co parent. It was complicated, especially since she was only visiting and would be returning to Michigan soon.”
“Well, you better figure it out quickly,” she said decisively. “I cannot wait to meet my grandson. I think it is time I return home. Maybe I can finally get to know Bailey properly. Your father never approved of her, and I never got the chance to.”
“I will see you soon,” I said. “Love you, Mom.”
After the call ended, I leaned back in my chair. Talking to my mother brought relief, but deep down, I knew even she might not be able to thaw the ice around Bailey’s heart.
And that realization hurt more than anything else.
Chapter 29
BAILEY
