He stopped and looked to the ceiling, praying for some kind of guidance. He’d always been so careful. This couldn’t be happening—and not now. He had a plan for his life. He was on track for everything he’d worked so hard for.
She’s desperate. No sense jumping to conclusions. I can help her out, and a paternity test will sort out the rest. It won’t kill me to extend a helping hand. Lord knows I’ve had my share of blessings.
He spun on his heel, walked to the front door, and gave out a whistle. A moment later, his little dog came running to the door. “Come on, Shorty.”
The canine raced through the door, his hind end skidding past his front, when he spotted the strangers in the living room. He slid to a complete stop, then let out a woof that lifted him right off his front feet.
“Puppy?” Zan pushed away from Carly.
Adam walked over and squatted next to Shorty. “Do you like dogs, Zan?”
She nodded shyly.
“Want to come say hi to Shorty?”
Zan looked up at Carly, who suddenly looked fragile.
“It’s okay, baby.” Carly nudged her toward the dog. “Go on.”
Zan walked over and mimicked Adam’s squat, although she was so tiny that it wasn’t really necessary. She reached over and put her hand on Shorty’s head. “I love puppies.”
“Shorty is an old man,” he said.
That made Zan giggle.
He stood and slapped his hand on his hip. Shorty jumped to his feet and followed him. “Why don’t you two come sit on the couch and visit?” He grabbed the remote and turned on the television. “I’m sure there’s a kids’ station somewhere on this thing.” He clicked until something suitable came on. “Your mom and I are going to be in the kitchen. Okay?”
“Yes sir.” Zan had her arms wrapped around Shorty’s thick neck. The dog lifted his head sideways and licked her face.
“Come here, Carly. Let’s talk this out.”
She rose to her feet and walked into the kitchen, her boots clicking off each step.
In the kitchen, he lowered his voice. “Look, I didn’t mean to yell in front of your kid. My dad was a yeller. I hated it. I’m sorry. You took me by surprise.”
“She’s not just my kid.” She lifted her chin. “She’s your daughter.”
“Carly, I’m not running from responsibility here, but it’s a little hard to swallow that news nearly six years after the fact. I’ll take the paternity test. Not a problem. But I’m feeling quite certain she’s not mine.”
“I wouldn’t lie about it, Adam. You know me better than that. I—”
He held his hand up. “We’re not going to argue or be mad. If it comes back that I’m that little girl’s father, we’ll deal with it. Right now you said you’re desperate. That you need help. I’ll help you. Iamthat kind of guy. We were friends.”
She stood there but didn’t say anything.
“Do you need some money?”
“I need you to step up. I can’t do this anymore. I simply can’t.” She closed her eyes and dropped her head back. “We’ve been sleeping in my car for two weeks.” She dropped the purse from her shoulder to the kitchen table. “Look. I’ve got money. I’m feeding her. I’m doing my best, but I don’t know what to do anymore.” She clung to a handful of dollar bills, shaking them, then stuffing them back in her hand. “I’m a Happy Meal away from just…” She broke down in tears.
He looked away. If there was one thing he couldn’t handle, it was a lady crying. He heaved in a breath, wishing she’d stop and hoping that little girl in the other room couldn’t hear her.
“Carly, settle down.” He reached out to comfort her, but she swung her arm up and away.
Through gritted teeth, she said sternly, “Don’t tell me to settle down. I’m not overreacting. You don’t know what I’m feeling. I need your help, not your money.”
He held his hands out. “Okay, I’m hearing you. Quiet. It’s not going to help, you getting all worked up like this.”
She shook her hand down to her side. “I’m sorry. I know I should’ve told you. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing. It’s more than I can handle. I don’t have anything anymore. No life. No friends. I sold my horses.”
