Kyle took a deep breath. “Dad, that one offer, they’re willing to go up a hundred and fifty thousand dollars if your name goes on the cover and they can use it for promotion.”
“I know, but I also know you want to do this on your own. I stand behind whatever you decide.”
“I can’t turn that money down. You paid Addison twenty grand for me.”
“And Ruthie. Mainly for Ruthie.”
“But I could pay you back.”
Mitch shook his head. “That’s not necessary. That money could go toward a lot of things. Like your own place. Or a new vehicle.” Kyle’s car was not in great shape. “You could even start a college fund for Ruthie. Or just put it in the bank. Kids are expensive.”
Kyle’s brow furrowed. “My own place? Are you saying you want me to move out?”
Mitch got up and went to sit by his son. “Not even a little bit. Unless you want to. I love having you both here. I hired Beryl, after all.”
Kyle smiled. “I don’t want to move out. Being here and having you as part of Ruthie’s life is more than I could have hoped for. Besides, Bunny would be upset if we left.”
“Not to mention Joyce and Beryl.”
Kyle laughed. “True. I would like to contribute more. You know, pitch in for expenses. Groceries. Utilities. That kind of stuff.”
“That would be fine. And just so we’re perfectly clear, you and Ruthie are welcome here for as long as you want. I mean that.”
“Thanks. We’d like to stay. Just…could I maybe redo her room a little? Paint it? Maybe get some different furniture? Make it a little more girly?”
“That’s a great idea.” Mitch figured that guest room hadn’t been decorated in twenty years. Maybe longer. “Probably wouldn’t hurt for you to get some health insurance, too. For both of you.”
“Yeah, good thinking.” Kyle blew out a long breath. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“You mean the offers?”
Kyle nodded and looked at Mitch. “It’s crazy.”
“You know, I really will support you if you want to only have your pen name on the cover.”
“I know. And knowing that is actually all I need. I mean, there’s wanting to do things on my own and then there’s not being stupid about it. I can’t turn down that money. That wouldn’t be smart. And I want to be smart about this.” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t you agree?”
Mitch hesitated. “It’s alotof money.”
“It would be nice to have something in the bank. A cushion. I would feel better knowing it was there in case anything ever happened. I appreciate you taking care of us, but I should be able to take care of my daughter myself. Nothing against what you’ve done. It’s just—”
“I get it,” Mitch said. “You want to be able to provide for her.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said, voice a little ragged. “I do. And I want her to grow up proud of me.” He swallowed. “The way I grew up being proud of you. Which is another reason that I really wouldn’t mind having your name on the cover, too.”
Mitch put his hand on Kyle’s shoulder, touched by his son’s admission. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about in that department. You’re a great dad.”
“Thanks.” Kyle turned toward Mitch a little more. His brows arched. “How are you and Harper getting along?”
Mitch made a face. “Good. Why?”
“What’s going to happen if things get more serious between you two? You might not want me and Ruthie around then.”
“Don’t be silly. Nothing is going to change the way I feel about you two being here. And even if Harper and I get married—”
“Married?” Kyle’s eyes rounded. “I didn’t realize it was that serious.”
“It’s not, not yet. I’m just speculating.” Mitch snorted. “We’re still getting to know each other.”
