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Mia bites her lip, and from the guilty expression that flashes across her face, I can guess her answer. It’s also clearly eating at her that she hasn’t said anything to him.
“It’s perfectly reasonable to hesitate,” I say gently. When it comes to the Irish playboy, I wouldn’t blame her. “He’s not known for being responsible. And you shouldn’t feel bad if you know who you want to raise your child—or who you don’t want to raise them. Your secret’s safe with me.”
A soft blush colors her cheeks, and she gives me an embarrassed smile. “Thanks, Zach. You know, it’s not even that I’m sure I don’t want him to be the father. It’s just… Oh, I don’t know anymore. It feels like everything’s just gotten so out of control. I don’t knowwhatto think.”
My heart sinks a little at her words, but I can’t say I blame her. Trying to sort out an unplanned pregnancy at such a young age—that has to be stressful enough. I can’t imagine needing to pick a father for the child at the same time.
All I know is that I want Mia to pick what’s right for her because I know how hard it can be when you end up trying to raise a child with the wrong person. And I don’t want to put her in that position. Not if I can help it.
With a nod, I give her a reassuring smile. “You’ll figure it out. You’re a smart girl. And if you need anything… I’m here.” Closing the distance between us, I brush a chaste kiss across her lips. Then I head for the door to leave Mia in peace.
Stepping into the hallway, I close the door softly behind me, hoping I don’t call anyone’s attention to my exit. But as I turn toward the purple suite, I freeze, my heart skipping a beat.
“Hey, kiddo, I didn’t see you there,” I say, heat flashing through me as I find Lindsey watching me with knowing eyes. “Have you been there long?”
“I was just coming to get breakfast. I thought that’s where you might be,” she says, her tone pointedly noting that I’mnotat breakfast.
I scratch the nape of my neck, guilt gnawing at me. At least I don’t think she must have heard us, and suddenly, I’m intensely grateful for that. Then, to my astonishment, Lindsey smiles.
“You know, Dad, it’s okay if you like Mia,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Really?” Straightening, I try to mask the surprise in my voice.
Lindsey gives a casual one-shoulder shrug as she strolls closer to me. “Yeah. I mean, she’s pretty cool. And besides, you spend too much time worrying about my well-being, anyway. But I’m not a little girl anymore, Dad. I can take care of myself, and I want you to be happy.”
My heart swells at my daughter’s compassionate words, entirely devoid of her typical snark. And though I know she would rather be caught dead than hugging her dad, I pull her into a bear hug. I’m so proud of Lindsey for how she’s grown. Even though she would be perfectly within her rights to expect my undivided attention during this trip, she’s more concerned with my happiness than whether I’m entertaining enough to make up for her absent mom.
“Thanks, Linds,” I murmur, releasing her before she can get too grumpy with me.
And to my surprise, she actually gives my waist a brief squeeze of her own. “Want some breakfast?” she suggests.
“Heck yes. I’m starving.” I turn to follow her as we head toward the dining room, where we’re sure to find a smorgasbord of breakfast options.
I only cast one quick, hopeful glance back at Mia’s door.
14
MIA
Snow blankets the beautiful trees outside my window in a serene hush, creating a picturesque scene that belies the chaos inside me. My nerves are frayed, ragged as I remain torn between my feelings for three wonderful men. I know I need to make a decision, but it feels like every time I start to get an inkling of who would be best, another one charges into the lead.
The shower that was supposed to help calm me down did little more than make me clean. And though I took my time drying and styling my hair, then applying my makeup for the day, I’m still no closer to understanding what’s inside my heart—or my head.
This would be so much easier if there were a clear and obvious front-runner, a right man for the job. But in truth, when I initially thought this might be a decision between my heart and my head, I’ve discovered that all three men have managed to find a place in both.
Yes, Zach is the safe bet—a single father who knows how to parent well and has already agreed to help me raise my child. But I never imagined he could be so patient with me to let me choose between him and two other men. And on top of that, our chemistry is out of this world.
Then there’s Luke, the steadfast Southern gentleman who not only has proven more than capable of taking care of me but is sensitive enough to recognize when I need support emotionally. The way he pulled me into the kitchen—my place of comfort—to ask me what was bothering me? No hardened, workaholic businessman does that. Not to mention, he has the body of a god and the dreamiest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. And worker’s hands that know how to make me sing.
But Cilian has come out of nowhere to blow me away. The physical stuff was a given. In truth, I’ve been so attracted to him for so long, I could easily fall into the trap of wanting him solely because he’s the bad boy every girl wants. But there’s more to him than that—more than I ever could have imagined, really. He opened up to me last night in a way I never dreamed. I can see the hardship of his past, and I know he’s overcome it—not just to become his own man, but to become a man compassionate enough to support me when he saw me struggling. He’s the one who helped me find my dream, a vision for my future when I’ve been lost in the trees. It takes a truly empathetic person to not only recognize my challenge but to also guide me gently enough to let me discover my own way.
“Ugh!” I growl, flopping back onto my bed. I don’t know what to do.
And on top of it, Daddy has yet to arrive. I can’t stand the waiting any longer, wondering if he’s going to make it to Aspen today. Succumbing to my frustration, I pull my phone out of the back pocket of my jeans to call my dad.
My fingers dance nervously over the screen as I dial his number.
Then I wait, the anticipation building with each ring.
