AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Exactly the point," she drawled, her voice dripping with smugness. "I know you well enough, and after the whole kidnapping fiasco and that woman turning up at your cabin, I reckoned she must be your latest fling. Honestly, I was too scared to keep hunting for you. So I'm letting the state take care of things."
My breath hitched in disbelief. "How did you find out about the chalet? The media never reported anything."
She scoffed, "God, I thought you had brains to match your fortune. Guess I was wrong! Everyone knows everybody in this backwater burg except you, it seems."
"I see," I spat, the words bitter on my tongue. "So you're telling me we have a three-month-old daughter together?"
"That's right. Ava's her name."
I softened my tone. "Nicole, why are you giving her up?"
"Met someone new. She's someone who actually gives a damn. But neither of us is ready for a kid yet. Maybe someday."
"Ah, I see."
"Yep, always been into both sides of the fence. I'm getting the hell out of this lousy town and away from all you spoiled rich snobs. Anyway, I gotta run."
"Where's Ava? Is she safe?"
"In foster care. And don't you ever call me again!" she snapped before hanging up.
Moments later, an image appeared on my phone: a baby with tufts of dark hair, huge blue eyes, and a pout that unmistakably matched mine. I quickly saved the photo and dialed Daniel, seeking the name of the lawyer he'd used to confirm Harper was his child.
"Daniel, I need your attorney's info... it's urgent," I blurted.
My friend hesitated before replying, "Mitch, is everything okay?"
"I'm not sure," I admitted, sighing. "I'll fill you in later."
"Alvin Lewis is the guy. I'll text you his number."
"Thanks, I owe you," I murmured.
As I hung up, my mind swirled with thoughts of Ava—my daughter. The sun dipped below the horizon, and I stood on the porch, staring into the gathering darkness. The notion of this baby girl being my own flesh and blood seemed preposterous, yet here I was. I rubbed my temples, grappling with the situation. "How in the world am I going to raise a kid?" I muttered, pondering my bachelor lifestyle and the implications for my burgeoning relationship with Amy.
As my boots paced the living room, my mind reeled in a tumult of disbelief and bafflement, my pulse pounding like a demon's drumbeat. A little kid was about to make landfall in my beachside sanctuary, shrinking the space as if by some arcane wizardry. I couldn't shake the feeling that life would never again unfurl in quite the same way, and a chill skittered down my spine like a tiny, icy spider. Desperate to evade the inescapable truth, I sidled up to the window, my gaze locked on the churning surf as its relentless thunder filled my ears. Was there some semblance of peace hidden within those waves?
"Maybe the kid ain't mine," I whispered to no one in particular.
But deep down, in the recesses of my soul, I knew that hope was a phantom, a fleeting wisp of smoke. I flicked open my phone, and there she was—the little girl who'd bewitched my thoughts. Ava. Her face, so like my own, flared in my mind, a stubborn flame that refused to be extinguished. There was no running from the truth now. Sure, the lawyer would demand a paternity test, but I had no doubts.
"Got to make this place fit for a kid," I grumbled, surveying my bachelor pad. Was living so close to the ocean a danger? Or perhaps the neighborhood was the problem? I couldn't recall ever spotting children roaming these streets. Mostly, the area played host to unattached souls and sun-seeking retirees who'd migrated to soak up the California golden rays. But there was more to mull over. "Need to find someone to help with the little one, too," I conceded, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders like a suit of armor.
With a heavy heart, I sank onto my porch swing and dialed Alvin Lewis' law office, expecting to leave a message. To my surprise, he picked up. "Lewis speaking!"
"Uh, hey, Mr. Lewis," I began with a sigh, steeling myself to plunge into the turbulent waters of my newfound situation. "I'm calling because... Well, it seems I'm a dad now." I inhaled deeply and added, "And I need your help."
As I explained the case was in Colorado, he waved me off with a tired, "I'm afraid that's not something I can help you with. You need a Colorado attorney for that."
As we spoke, my phone hummed with an incoming call. Temporarily shunting aside my trepidation, I glanced at the screen and found Amy's name staring back at me. A voicemail from her followed, and for the first time since we'd parted ways hours ago, a smile broke free. This serendipitous moment demanded attention, so I dialed her back, eager to hear what she had to say.
Amy's voice sparkled with enthusiasm as she burst forth, "Mitch... My folks just hopped a flight back to Colorado to handle some stuff. I've got some thrilling news I can't wait to share with you!"
A wry chuckle escaped me at the lilting sound of her voice, and I inquired, "What news would that be?" My spirits soared effortlessly at her words.
"I'm beyond thrilled to join the Rosedale crew, and there's no one else I'd rather share my excitement with than you! You were the first person who came to mind. Can we celebrate me landing a job together tonight?"
Bewildered by the rapid twist of fate, I posed the question, "Are you hungry?"
