Chapter Twenty-Four
My parents walked through the house, appraising it with a critical eye. I hated that they were here, judging my home. I didn’t want them tainting the space with their opinions. Disparaging my choices or Lauren’s taste.
I crossed my arms over my chest, watching, waiting. Lauren had taken Riley to Alexis and Preston’s so Sophia could dog sit her during the event. The house had been expertly cleaned. Lauren had hired a professional organizer to make sure all the closets and drawers looked picture-perfect, and there were enough fresh flowers to supply a parade float.
Juliana had done an amazing job organizing the event, but I still feared it wasn’t enough. That nothing would ever be enough for my parents, who were all about appearances.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and my attorney’s name flashed across the screen. I’d been anxious to hear back from him about the situation with Mia, and while now wasn’t the best time, I knew it couldn’t wait. She was in her third trimester, and I’d read that the baby could come any day now. It was like a ticking time bomb.
I’d been trying to figure out how to tell Lauren, but every time I was going to, something came up. Finally, I’d decided that I would only tell her if the baby was mine. And if he wasn’t—she’d never have to know. I knew it was shortsighted, but she finally trusted me. She’d finally let me in. And I didn’t want to ruin what we had by telling her about a baby that might not even be mine.
“Give me just a second,” I spoke into the phone in a low voice as I let myself out onto the balcony. “Okay.”
“I’m sorry for the delay in calling you back,” Michael said.
“No. I appreciate it. I’m hoping this means you have good news for me.”
“Have you made any progress convincing the mother to take a paternity test?”
I shook my head before remembering he couldn’t see me. “No. She’s adamant she wants to wait until the baby’s born.”
“That’s what I figured. Have you decided what you want to do if the baby is yours?”
I blew out a breath. Michael was the only person who knew about Mia and the baby, and it was a relief to have someone to talk to. Even if I was paying a ridiculous amount of money per minute for the privilege.
“No.” I hung my head. “I feel like an asshole, but I honestly don’t know.”
“That’s fine. You still have time to decide, but you should know your options and your rights in the event that the child is yours. Why don’t we set up a time to talk this week?”
“That sounds good,” I said, hoping that knowing my options would give me more peace of mind. Would help me decide.
“Great. My assistant will be in touch,” he said before we ended the call.
I blew out a breath, sliding my phone into my pocket before gripping the deck railing. The city was spread out before me as if it were my kingdom, yet I felt powerless. I felt as if it were slipping away. My father had invaded my castle. Lauren had laid claim to my heart. And I was afraid I’d lose her if I weren’t careful. Our relationship threatened by a foreign enemy and her heir—by Mia and her baby.
The door slid open behind me, and footsteps echoed on the deck.
“Am I interrupting?” Dad asked.
I shook my head, forcing a smile. “No. Just a business call. What’s up?”
I figured he’d come out to tell me something about the party. To complain that something wasn’t up to his standards.
“Your home is…much better than I expected. And you’ve clearly put a lot of thought into this event. I’m impressed.” He kept his eyes focused on the skyline.
“Wow,” I said. “I’m glad you’re pleased. So, you’ll leave Kate alone?”
“You know I only want what’s best for her. For all my children.”
I wanted to believe his words, but I wasn’t convinced. Years of being conditioned to focus more on appearances than affection. On what other people thought than our own wishes.
“That didn’t answer my question,” I said, wanting additional assurance.
“I will. I’m really proud of you, son.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder.
My mouth went dry, filled with sawdust. He wouldn’t be proud if he knew I’d just been talking to my attorney about baby mama drama. No. I shook my head. She wasn’t my baby mama. It wasn’t my baby.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
