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He gives me a warm smile. “He’s a lucky man. Speaking of lucky men, I need to go find Beth. I was a little shocked to see you and didn’t consider how it would impact her.”
We both stand. I smile at him. “It was good to see you. You look great.”
“And you haven’t aged a day.”
“Always a sweet talker.”
As we walk back toward the pool area he says, “I still can’t believe you’re Jade’s mom. I’ve worked with her for five years. I never connected the dots.”
“We don’t look anything alike. Why would you?”
As soon as we step outside, Jade runs over to me and wraps me in her arms. “Are you okay, Mom?” Worry is written all over her face.
“Yes, baby, I’m fine.”
Her eyes sparkle. She’s about to say something ridiculous. “Did we settle my paternity? I’ve always wanted to call you daddy, Dom.”
I have to hide my smile. Such a Jade thing to say.
Dominic simply shakes his head. “I can only imagine what a handful she was as a kid.”
I let out the laugh I was holding in. “You have no idea.”
He looks around and asks about Beth. Apparently, she was upset about my presence. I’ll have to talk to her. She certainly has no reason to be concerned.
He grabs Beth’s son, Luke, and two kids I assume are his, and disappears around the corner in search of her.
I squeeze Jade’s arm. “I think I might head out. I really need to go see Beckett.”
She motions toward the door where Beckett and Andie are walking out. “I thought you might need him right now. I called him when you went inside with Dom.”
I hug her. “What did I ever do to deserve such an amazing daughter like you?”
“Obviously something very good.”
As soon as Andie sees me, she comes running for me and straight into my arms. I lift her up and hold her tight. “I missed you so much, sweetness.”
Her little arms are around my neck. “I missed you too. I’m so glad your painting retreat is over. I can’t believe they didn’t let you have a phone. Can I see all the paintings? Are you coming home? Gigi missed you. Daddyreallymissed you. He looks at your pictures all the time. I even saw him cry twice while looking at them. And once…”
Beckett places his hand over her mouth and kisses my head. “Are you okay? Jade called and said something happened and you needed me.” Then he mouths, “Is the baby okay?”
I nod. “We’re fine. I’ll explain in a minute. Let’s talk more about you crying and missing me.”
Andie giggles.
Jade covers Andie’s ears and looks at Beckett. “You’re so pussy-whipped. It’s pathetic.”
Andie pinches her eyebrows together. “What does pussy-whipped mean?”
Jade tries to contain her laughter. “Umm. When a man loves a womana lot.”
“Oh, then yes, Daddy is definitely pussy-whipped.”
As I set Andie back on the ground, Jackson and Darian walk over, mercifully ending this conversation. Darian crouches down. “You must be Andie. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Darian.”
Andie holds out her hand. “That’s a pretty name. It’s nice to meet you too. This is my daddy, Beckett. He’s pussy-whipped.”
Jade bursts out laughing. Darian and Jackson are trying not to laugh but failing.
