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But I’d be a fool not to take advantage of the circumstances.

I’m having a girl—a tiny person I’m responsible for guiding, shaping, and caring for in every way.

The last thing I want is for her to doubt herself the way I have. I can’t control that completely, but I sure as hell won’t feed those doubts if I can help it.

My mother has been nothing but an incredible role model to me, and I’ve still struggled with doubt and confidence, with owning my decisions instead of running from them, and believing in myself enough to push past fear and trust that I will rise again if I fall.

But I’m not running now. I’m facing life head-on.

I’m taking responsibility for my circumstances, and it feels really freaking empowering.

My self-worth isn’t tied to other people or their actions. It rests with me.

As life moves around me, something shifts inside me—a force in my chest that feels bright and new. Maybe it’s impending motherhood or finishing school, but even though I’m scared of what comes next, I’m more hopeful than I’ve ever been.

I slide the packet across the table and toss a pen on top. “I need you to sign this.”

He huffs out a laugh. “And why is that?”

“Because you told me you wanted nothing to do with me or our child, so I want to make sure you can’t change your mind about that.”

He picks up the pen and flips to the yellow-tabbed pages, signing the surrender documents without blinking. “Trust me, I have no desire to change my mind. I take it my kid is someone else’s problem now?”

When he finishes the last signature and sets down the pen, he meets my eyes. “This baby is no one’s problem, Adam. Once the surrender is filed and approved, you won’t have paternal rights to her.” I draw a deep breath. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, Adam—choices that made me think I’d never get anything right, especially with men. But marrying Easton? That’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I won’t mess it up.”

He pops his brows. “Good for you. So, are we done?”

“We are. Thank you.”

Rising from the table, he shakes his head. “No, Lennon. Thank you.”

I watch him walk away, but he doesn’t get far before someone crosses his path and yanks him by the shirt—someone who looks an awful lot like my husband.

Chapter 29

Easton

All for Nothing

I pace the hotel room after Lennon leaves.

She went to go have coffee with that piece of shit, Adam, and left me here to fucking stew in my own anxiety.

I trust her. She asked me to, so that’s what I’m doing. But I can’t pretend my head isn’t spinning over what they could be discussing.

I know she won’t do something reckless, like ask him to be involved—or worse, go back to him. She made it clear she wanted neither. So what does she need to discuss with him, and why now, during our weekend getaway?

Glancing down at my phone again, I note that only two minutes have passed since I checked it last. Two of the longest fucking minutes of my life while I feel like my entire future with this woman is hanging in the balance.

Then it hits me. I do have some control—the ability to make it clear to Adam and my wife that I have a place in this family too.

That little girl is just as much mine as she is theirs.

And I’ll be damned if I sit by and wait for my entire future to be ripped away from me for a second time.

I lunge for the room key, whip open the door, and march to the elevator. My hands and knees shake as I wait, but when a car arrives, I rush inside and jab the lobby button, willing the damn thing to descend faster.

The doors slide open just in time for me to see that putrid-ass motherfucker walking toward the front entrance.