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I ain’t gonna be here, and I sure as hell won’t be contributing to future generations.
His words from so long ago were as clear as if he’d just spoken them.
He’d made it known to me, a stranger, that he didn’t want children. And he’d been very candid with Alma about his feelings on the matter.
He said if I ever got pregnant—
I couldn’t finish the thought. What my sister said he’d do with a child was unthinkable. Kane had planted the seed for his stance on children so long ago. Alma had shaped my entire view on his feelings.
We were both a lot older now. Maybe since he’d been presented with the option, he’d changed his mind.
I hadn’t wanted either of them to know the truth.
And I wasn’t sure if I wanted Kane to take a role in Penelope’s life or stay out of it.
I still hadn’t figured out exactly who the real Kane Zegas was. Was he the devil? Or the man who’d saved me? The man who wanted a do-over? Who wanted to try to get us to a place where we got along?
The man who kissed me unapologetically.
Everything I’d been confident about for the past twenty-one years was warped. I couldn’t stand the pain I’d caused Penelope . . . or Kane.
She reached to meet his outstretched hand. “Penelope Cunningham. Apparently not your niece.”
I covered my mouth to keep my sob in.
She was so brave. So strong.
Everything I’d always hoped to be, but wasn’t.
Kane didn’t immediately release her hand. He looked at where they shook. Tilted his head and lifted his gaze to her. “This”—he lifted their hands—“doesn’t seem very father-daughter-ish.”
Gently, he tugged until she stood. He opened his arms. “May I?”
My eyes stung.
Penelope didn’t move for a moment, weighing the pros and cons as she was so good at doing.
She took a small step. Then another.
Kane folded her in an embrace.
I could barely see through my blurry vision.
Penelope wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. She looked so much like a little girl. Most of the time, she behaved so much like an older woman that I forgot how young she really was.
He rested his cheek on top of her head and closed his eyes.
Shame filled me. I’d thought if he knew, he’d walk away. Go on as he had been. I’d expected the worst of him.
And he still might have nothing to do with Penelope.
But he’d given her something she’d never had.
A hug from her father.
I’d always wished she’d had the kind of relationship I’d had with my dad. It had been so important to me. But Kane wasn’t my father. I’d believed she was better off without him.
They released each other and returned to their seats.
