Brynn’s eyes widen as she whispers, “That Daniel?”
I nod. “Sophomore year of college. I got pregnant, he panicked. His dad wanted it handled quietly before election season, so Daniel broke up with me, said he wanted nothing to do with the baby. Then he transferred schools. I didn’t hear from him again until we had a very quiet appointment to set up support.”
“Oh, Kate…”
“I didn’t tell anyone because I couldn’t bear the whispers. If people found out Evie was the mayor’s grandchild, her childhood would turn into town property. Everybody would watch her, judge her. Judge me. She deserves better than that circus.”
Brynn rounds the counter and pulls me into her arms.
“I’ve spent the last two days calling every family attorney with a pulse,” I admit against her shoulder. “They’re all either overbooked or unaffordable. I can’t let him walk back in and claim her like she’s mattered to him this whole time.”
“You won’t,” she says firmly, pulling back to meet my eyes. “Knox has a friend from college—a family lawyer in Roanoke. I’ll get the number and we’ll make a plan.”
Tears sting behind my lashes. “Thank you.”
“Always.”
She hesitates, then asks, “Does Cam know?”
I nod. “I called him the night it happened.”
Her mouth curves, barely. “Of course you did.”
“Don’t start.”
“I’m not starting anything.” She squeezes my arm. “It’s just good to see someone show up for you.”
“He shouldn’t have to,” I whisper.
Brynn’s gaze softens, voice steady and warm. “Letting someone help isn’t weakness, Kate. It’s choosing not to drown alone.” She squeezes my hand one more time. “I’ll talk to Knox. You’re not facing this without us.”
When she leaves, the library feels too still. I go to my office, sit at my desk, press my palms over my eyes, and breathe through the ache in my ribs.
My phone lights up with a text.
Cam:
Just checking in. You holding up, Katie?
I exhale, thumb hovering.
Kate:
Trying.
His reply comes almost immediately.
Cam:
You got this, Katie. I’m here if you need anything.
I stare at the screen, a lump forming somewhere deep in my chest. The fight hasn’t even started, but a small part of me feels like I’m not alone in the struggle.
Chapter twelve
Cam
T-ball practice is in full swing. I’m crouched beside home plate, adjusting one of the kids’ batting stances, when I hear Knox’s voice from behind the fence.
