Chapter 3
Two Years Later
“Happy Birthday, Jonathan.”
Callie gazed down at her son, love pouring from her heart. How could he be two already? Wasn’t it just yesterday he’d been born? But then all parents said that.
The small crowd cheered as he attempted to extinguish the two candles on his cake. Callie stood above him, her breath snuffing out the flames as he blew spit from his mouth. No one minded a little baby saliva with their cake. It was all part of the fun, right?
“Here, you cut the cake and I’ll scoop ice cream,” Heather Silva offered, placing paper plates on the table. Callie smiled her gratitude at her best friend. She didn’t know what she’d do without Heather. They’d been inseparable for more than a dozen years since Callie’s parents died and her great-aunt placed her in a boarding school at the age of thirteen. Heather had shown her the ropes, kept her from being lonely or afraid. She still did.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” Callie said, placing the cake in front of her son. He grabbed for it greedily and within seconds was covered in the confection. The room erupted in laughter.
She moved the cake a few inches away and began to cut pieces for the rest of the guests. It was a small group. Heather, two children from Jonathan’s playgroup with their moms, her neighbor with her three-year-old granddaughter, and Victor.
Her pasted-on smile widened as she glanced his way. Victor leaned against her counter, designer suit standing out amongst the casually dressed guests, smiling at Jonathan’s antics. He may not be demonstrative but he’d been good to the two of them. She couldn’t fault him for that. The man truly enjoyed seeing Jonathan but he also believed Jonathan was his grandchild. If he knew the truth…she didn’t even want to think about what he’d do. Hated the fact his presence was the reason for an extremely conspicuous absence.
Jonathan’s father should be here.He wants to be, but you know why he can’t.How could he show his face anywhere near Victor?I need to stop thinking about him, wanting him.
“Did you hear from Aunt Agatha today?” Heather whispered once everyone had their cake and had moved away to eat it.
Callie’s Great-Aunt Agatha had gotten custody of her when her parents died. She’d never had any children of her own and had no clue what to do with one, especially a teenager. She’d figured Callie would be better off in a school where there were people around who knew how to take care of children. Callie had only visited her during holidays.
She gave a dry laugh, looking at Heather. Her friend wasn’t actually talking about her aunt. Agatha Crumpet was ninety years old and had been living in an expensive nursing home in Maine for the past three years. And she didn’t always remember who Callie was. But that fact alone made her the perfect person to use. Well, for Jack to use. He and Callie had set up several online accounts using Aunt Agatha’s name. No one had any clue her messages to her aunt were her way of keeping Jack a part of Jonathan’s life.
“He…um,shesent a text yesterday saying she would try and video call today after the party. It’s been a while since we’ve had some face time with her. You know how much Jonathan loves it.”
Heather smiled, her eyes twinkling. There were four people who knew the true story. A knock on the kitchen door revealed the other.
“Hey, heard someone was having a birthday today,” Scott Holland called through the screen door. Jonathan waved his frosting covered hands in the air.
“Unta Tott. Tate.”
Callie smiled down at her son’s attempt at speech then beckoned the man to enter. “Hi, Scott. Perfect timing for cake.”
As he entered the kitchen, her breath hitched at the similarities between him and his cousin. It wasn’t blatant. Scott’s hair was a shade lighter and had a bit more wave than Jack’s unruly mop and his eyes were a deeper blue. Jack’s eyes seemed almost gray at times. Stormy like his mood since he’d been on the run. But the crooked smile was similar and they both had the subtle dimple in their chin. Jonathan had the start of one too.
Sauntering over to Scott, Heather placed a chaste kiss on his lips. Callie chuckled at their charade. Since Scott had no reason to hang around here, Heather had suggested they pretend to be a couple. Victor wouldn’t get suspicious and she wouldn’t have to find a reason why this strange man visited Jonathan on a regular basis.
“I’d love a piece of cake,” Scott answered, looking down as he put his arm around Heather. “I’m sure it’s not as sweet as you though, honey.”
Heather tried to keep from rolling her eyes with little success. Callie looked away, suppressing her laughter as she cut another piece of cake for their new arrival.
“Thanks, Callie, this looks great.” Scott bent so his face was level with Jonathan’s. “Is it someone’s birthday today? I brought a present but I’m not sure who I should give it to.”
“Me,” Jonathan yelled, waving his hands in the air. “I two.” Three sticky fingers flashed up at Scott.
He avoided his nephew’s fingers, kissing him on the head then mussing his hair. “Two years old. What a big boy, almost old enough to start school.”
“Oh, don’t remind me,” Callie moaned. “I’ve signed him up for three mornings a week at the church preschool. I’ll probably cry the whole time instead of getting work done like I’m supposed to.”
Victor moved up behind her and she stiffened. “You know, Callina, I’ve told you before there’s no reason for you to work. I’m happy to take care of you and my grandson. You can spend all day with him.”
Forcing a smile, she turned to face him. “Thank you, Victor. That means the world to me. But you know I sometimes need a little time away from Jonathan. I love him dearly but he’s constant motion.”
Callie forestalled the objections she saw coming. “I know you offered a nanny, too, but you have to understand I love my job and being self-sufficient. My boss has been great about allowing me to work from home most days. It’s the perfect balance for me. Jonathan also needs to interact with other children now that he’s a little older.”
She would never allow Victor to support her and Jonathan. He’d want them to move back to New Jersey with him. Her little house in this small Connecticut town was perfect for them. Victor’s mansion was gorgeous but no place for a two-year-old. And the thought of living with a mob boss sent shivers up her spine. She needed the two hours distance so he wouldn’t visit too often.
