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“Got it, she. Well,shechanges things. Ryder would never forgive me if I kept this from him.”
“He doesn’t know yet?”
“No. I told him to cut all ties, and he did. However, I kept tabs on you, just in case you decided to talk to the cops after all. I figured Ryder was the father, but I wasn’t sure until you listed him on the birth certificate.”
Birth certificate?
“How did you…?”
“I have my ways,” Maddox explains, as he gets up from the chair. “I just wanted to tell you this before I give Ryder the green light to find you. What he does with that information is up to him. I honestly don’t know how he is going to react or what he is going to do. I guess we’ll find out soon.”
And with that, he walks out of the room. Leaving me shocked and more confused than ever.
* * *
It’s beena week since Gwen was born. The only reason I know is because I have her checkup at the Pediatrician’s office this afternoon. It’s hard to keep track of the days when you don’t really sleep at night anymore.
My parents have offered to help me with nighttime feeding, but the truth is, I don’t mind. I love taking care of her, even if my own sleep schedule suffers.
Plus, keeping myself busy makes me forget about Ryder. I waited for him to call or come by for the first few days but gave up on that quickly. He clearly doesn’t want to have anything to do with us. The thought hurts, cutting me deeper than I’d like to admit. I’m upset not only for myself but for our daughter as well.
Shoving Ryder from my brain, I concentrate on the angel in my arms instead.
I’m sprawled out on the couch, my daughter cradled on my chest, when Mojo suddenly jumps up from beside me. He paces through the room, barking at something outside. What the heck? He’s never acted like this before.
A moment later, the doorbell rings, which makes Mojo go even more crazy.
“What’s going on, Mojo? It’s probably just a delivery.” I get up from the couch and head toward the front door. Holding Gwen with one arm, I open the door with the other.
I’ve barely got the handle turned when Mojo pushes through the door and jumps at the man in front of us.
Ryder.
“Calm down, Mojo,” he tries to make him sit, but the dog is just too excited to see him.
After a moment, Ryder’s eyes find mine, and a long silence stretches between us. All I can do is stand there and look at him, unsure what to say or do.
He is here… he is finally here, and he knows about Gwen.
Guilt and worry fester in my stomach. Is he going to be mad that I didn’t tell him?
“Hey,” he finally speaks. His gaze drops to the baby in my arms, and he sucks in an audible breath. Then his eyes snap back up, almost as if he is scared of looking at her.
“I came up with this whole speech in my head, but I think it’s better if I just show you instead.”
“Show me?”
“Yeah. Both of you, actually. If you have some time now, I could take you.”
“Um.” I chew on my bottom lip. I’m both excited and nervous. I want to go with him, but part of me worries about how safe we’ll be. Then I realize that I can’t go anyway. “My parents aren’t here, and the car seat is in their car.”
“I’ve got a car seat in the truck,” he explains.
“You do?” I stare at him, dumbfounded.
“Yes, brand new. It’s a good one with all the extra safety features and shit.”
“Oh,” I exhale, still astonished by Ryder being here. “I guess we could go. I just need to grab the diaper bag and put some shoes on… and get a fresh burp cloth.” I mentally run through the list of stuff I need to take when I go anywhere now.
