Page 56 of Playing It Forward

“Yep. Ruth is too young for children, and my brothers are too busy being idiots to settle down.”

“Our little mermaid is going to have a ton of aunts and uncles.”

“Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay. It’s awesome. I didn’t have any family but Mom growing up. Sometimes I wonder…” I swallow the lump in my throat and shrug. “Maybe things would have been different if Mom had family around to support her.”

“Do you know anything about her family?”

“Nothing. Mom wouldn’t talk about them. Trust me. I asked. And asked. Until she yelled at me to never ask again.”

“Do you want to know more? We could probably find out. Do one of those DNA tests or hire a private investigator.”

“I have a family. Dad and my siblings. I’m good.”

“Okay. But if you ever change your mind, let me know. I’ll make it happen.”

“You don’t have to do everything for me. I am an adult who can handle her own life.”

“I know. But I want to help. I don’t want you to carry all your burdens alone. I know how heavy that got for my mom.”

Because she was alone. I point at him. “You just said you wouldn’t be your father.”

I hope to hell he didn’t lie because if he did, he can walk right out of this house and never come back again.

His gaze meets mine. His blue eyes are full of honesty and sincerity. “And I meant it.”

“Good.” I choose to believe him. For now. He’s leaving in a month anyway. While he’s gone, I’ll discover the truth based on how he acts.

I push away from the table and stand. “I need to shower and get dressed.” I study him. He’s still wearing his t-shirt and shorts from the beach yesterday. “Do you have any other clothes?”

“Brock brought me a bag of stuff last night.”

“He did? I didn’t hear him.”

“You were out of it. I tried waking you to ensure you didn’t have a concussion. You told me to take my pirate ship back to where it came from. I was not entering the mermaid domain.”

I cringe. “Whatever. There’s a shower in the hall bathroom. We leave in an hour.”

I hope I’m not making the biggest mistake of my life by inviting Nolan to meet Dad. I place a hand on my still flat stomach.

Don’t worry, little mermaid. No one will blame you. You will be loved and protected.

Chapter 19

Terri doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve met my future father-in-law.

Nolan

I sit in the living room and play on my phone while Terri finishes getting ready. Knowing women, she’ll need a while.

“Let’s go.”

I stand, turn toward her, and freeze. She’s wearing a sleeveless summer dress that hugs her breasts and falls to her knees. She’s gorgeous and sexy. And she’s carrying my baby.

Protective feelings slam into me. I want to take care of her. I want to ensure she’s never alone again. I want to fight her battles for her.

“You’re gorgeous.”