Charlie’s coos sound through the baby monitor, and I watch her slowly put herself back to sleep. She rolls toward the camera, showing off her round cheeks and perfect little nose, and I place my hand over my stomach.
It’s been unsettled all day, turning since I first climbed out of bed. For a moment, I let myself hope that might mean I was pregnant until a single pink line dashed those thoughts.
It’s for the best.
Hayes and I are struggling to protect what we have without bringing another child into this. Still, when my stomach fluttered, I couldn’t help imagining growing our family. Laughter and small footsteps filling the house. More little Hayes Romans running around.
The slider opens behind me, making me jump. I was so lost in thought, I didn’t hear Hayes pull up.
“Everything okay?” His green eyes slide to my hand resting on my stomach.
I quickly pull it away. “Fine. Don’t worry, I’m not pregnant.”
Hayes crosses the patio, stopping at my chair, and snagging my hand. In one sweep, he pulls me up and drops into my seat, sitting me on top of him. His fingers lace in my hair as he angles my face to his.
“Of all the worries I’ve got right now, that would have been the least of them.” His gaze softens. “Are you disappointed?”
“I know it’s ridiculous—”
“It’s not.” He shrugs, brushing his thumb over my jaw. “I’m disappointed.”
“You are?” My eyebrows pinch.
“Of course.” He rests a hand on my stomach. “I never saw myself as a family man before you and Charlie, but now, I’ll happily take all the babies you’re willing to give me. I want it all with you, Emery. As many kids as you’re willing to have. We got lucky with Charlie. We’ll get lucky again.”
“I love that you consider our little surprise baby a good thing.” I wrap my arms around his shoulders, pressing my forehead to his.
“The best thing.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “And you’re not so bad yourself.”
“Such a charmer, Hayes Roman.”
“Only for you, Mrs. Roman.” He kisses the side of my neck, drifting his lips down the path of my shoulder and nipping at my skin as he goes, making me giggle. “That sound… you’re absolutely perfect.”
His words are loving yet weighted with something else tonight. A heaviness he’s carrying around. I pull back, looking him in the eyes.
“What’s wrong?” My eyebrows pinch, and I slide off his lap, perching on the edge of the lounger beside him. “You look like something’s on your mind.”
He tips his head back, taking a deep breath. “You see straight through me.”
“You do the same.”
He smiles, but it’s sad. Tension stiffens his shoulders as his hand rests on my thigh. Something is definitely bothering him.
“We’ve been digging into your uncle’s bank accounts.” He sighs, and my spine stiffens at the mention of my uncle. “It’s mostly what you’d expect. He filters anything illegal overseas so it can’t be traced. He splits it between entities to reduce his tax obligations. That kind of thing.”
“But…” I push, sensing there’s more.
“We found an account in your name that he’s been sending regular deposits to.”
My eyebrows pinch. “What are you talking about? I don’t have a bank account. Uncle Rick was adamant about it, actually. He said it wasn’t necessary because I could use his cards whenever I needed something.”
Now that I think about it, how did I not see that he was using that to control me? To fortify the ties binding me to him.
Embarrassment heats my cheeks. Hearing myself say that out loud makes me sound so incredibly naive. I always knew my uncle was manipulating me, but how did I not question the extent of it until now?
“I should’ve known.” It’s nearly a whisper.
“It’s not your fault. Zane is good at what he does.” Hayes reaches out, squeezing my hand. “His faults are not on you.”
