“What?”
Celine pulled the phone away from her face for a beat, the word so loud it continued to ring in her ear.
“Obviously I didn’t hear you right,” Tia continued. “Lane hasn’t been back to Hillmore in years. He can’t be Parker’s father.”
“He came through town last year, right after I found out the truth about Kevin. We ran into each other, and one thing led into another. Nine months later, I’m a mommy.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” Tia’s words didn’t hold an ounce of judgement. Only concern.
Even if no one could see her, she shrugged. “I didn’t tell anyone. Not even Lane until the other day. I was scared. Maybe a little embarrassed and afraid he’d refuse to come home.”
“Understandable with the way things ended with you two. What does he plan to do now that he knows?”
“Stick around and be the kind of dad Parker deserves. I’m still terrified he’ll change his mind and break Parker’s heart.”
“Is it just Parker’s heart you’re worried about?”
She squeezed her eyes shut, hating the pulse of pain that always accompanied thoughts of Lane and what her heart really yearned for. “It has to be.”
“Just be careful. I know Parker comes first, but take care of you, too. If not, I’ll have to sweep in and do it for you.”
Celine cracked a smile. “Thank you.”
A small whimper sounded from the portable crib. Parker grunted and wiggled out of his swaddle.
“I have to get going. I’ll keep you updated.”
She hung up and scooped Parker into her arms, snuggling him close and soaking up his sweetness before officially starting her day. She stared into his adorable face and tried to ignore the truth she’d never be able to forget.
Lane would always have her heart, but she could never trust him not to break it.
13
The smell of frying bacon led Lane down the hall. He was shocked there was anything to eat for breakfast in the house, and he sent up a silent prayer of gratitude that Celine not only found food but was comfortable enough in his kitchen to make what she wanted.
Hopefully there was plenty for him to snag a few pieces.
His stomach tightened at the idea of Celine in her pajamas, her hair piled high on her head, making a spot for herself in his home. He wouldn’t delude himself into thinking he stood a chance at making this a regular thing, but at least he’d have one good memory to store alongside with the others.
Anticipation quickened his bare feet on the soft rug. He turned the corner and the sight of Duke standing in front of the stove caused a flash of irrational annoyance.
Duke turned and grinned. “Morning, sunshine. Hope you don’t mind, but I was too hungry to wait for your lazy ass to get up and ask if it was okay to make this.” He nodded toward the sizzling meat in the pan.
Lane grumbled and found the full pot of coffee on the white marble counter. He poured a mug and made his way to the island to sit at the backless stool.
Duke slid a plate of bacon under his nose, and a little bit of his irritation melted away.
“Thanks,” he said, nibbling the end of a crispy piece. “Anything else to eat in the cupboards? I want to make sure Celine has something when she wakes up.”
“Saw some bread in the pantry. A carton of eggs. Plenty to get us through the morning but then you need to make a serious grocery stop.”
“I’ll start a list after I eat.”
Duke added more coffee to his own mug then leaned against the counter as he took a sip. “What else is on the agenda for the day?”
“Keeping Celine and Parker safe is top priority, but I think we should do some digging of our own. Try to figure out what the hell is going on so we can help stop it.”
“Should we be digging anywhere in particular?” Duke asked, eyebrows raised high.
