Page 41 of Small Town, Big Storm

I frown.“What does that mean?”

“Apparently she’s received dozens of paternity claims over the years.”

My eyes go wide.“Dozens?”

A nod.

“I—” I bite the inside of my cheek.“Is it possible?”

“A week ago, I would have said no.I’ve notnotused a—” He glances over where Holly is rustling through the game cabinet and lowers his voice.“Except for that one time with you, I’ve always used protection.”

Something relaxes in me.

“But I’m still having Allie run all of them down.”He sets the plate in the drying rack then drops his chin to his chest, finishing almost silently, “Just in case.”

“I’m sorry.”

His head flies up.“What couldyoupossibly be sorry for?”

“I should have tried harder to reach you.Should have?—”

One second, I’m watching a tornado of emotions in his eyes.The next, his soapy hands are on my cheeks, cupping my face.“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Pop.”

“But you’re so…”

He tilts my head up, as though searching my face for an explanation.“So what?”

“Angry,” I whisper.“Last night.And even today.”I press my lips together then release them and admit, “I’ve seen it inside you—your anger.It clings to you, no matter how hard you try to bury it.”

And even now as I talk, I see it again— that flicker of deep-seated rage.

“I’m not mad at you,” he says softly.

My brows lift.“You’re not?”For some reason—and even thoughI’mstill mad athim—the answer matters.

It matters a lot.

He pauses, exhales.“No, baby.I’m not mad at you.Not really.”

“Then who?”I ask, even as my heart starts pounding, thatbabyslicing clean through me, cutting me off right at my knees.

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and is quiet for a long moment.

At least until his words slice through me all over again.

“I’m furious at myself,” he rasps.“For not being here.For leaving and not looking back.And at my dad”—his throat works—“for being who he was.”A sigh.“And I’m mad at?—”

“I dealt the cards, Mom!”Holly calls.“Are you guys ready to play?”

Storm has gone still.

Then his eyes slide closed and he exhales.

“Go,” I whisper.“I’ll finish the dishes and then join you guys so my daughter can destroy me in UNO.”

Another breath before his lids peel open, that flurry of emotions tucked back behind the ice.“Destroy you?”he asks, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

“Holly’s got major card skills,” I tell him, doing the same.“She’ll destroy you too.”