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He cleared his throat. “I always thought when people said they changed the moment they saw their kid for the first time they were full of shit.” He shrugged. “Except maybe they had more heartburn because they had to figure out what to do with an alien.”
“An alien?” Penelope choked out.
“Babies are aliens. They’re weird and smell and drool. Then again, I guess old people do that too. So I’m going to be an alien again soon.”
She snickered. I clamped my mouth shut to keep from laughing. He was definitely weird.
“But I get it now.”
He didn’t elaborate.
And Penelope couldn’t fully understand what he meant because she hadn’t experienced having a child yet.
But I understood perfectly.
The first time I held her in my arms, I became a different person. A better, more complete person.
My daughter was unusually quiet. She fidgeted with the armrest on the sofa.
Kane opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again. “I was going to say if you want a relationship with me, it’s up to you. But I’m not sure I can do that.”
Penelope nodded, but still didn’t speak.
“I want to know you, Lamb. Will you give me a chance before you write me off?”
Oh, Kane.
I covered my mouth with my hand. In my head, this scenario had never played out. I’d thought he’d walk out the door and never look back.
But that wasn’t what he was doing at all.
“L-lamb?” Penelope stuttered.
“We’ve talked one time, but you won’t remember it. I told your mother you sounded like a sheep. I figure we’d probably be better off if I don’t call you sheep.”
I turned my head and squeezed my eyes closed.Get yourself together.My emotions threatened to spill over, but I wasn’t sure if I let them out I’d ever get them back under control.
Penelope nibbled her lip. She was never uncertain and seeing her that way now, knowing I played a part in her doubt, I hated myself.
“I think I need to go to bed.” She spoke quietly in a tone I’d never heard from her.
Kane flinched but quickly smoothed his features. “Sleep well.”
She hurried from the room.
I had to go talk to her. Hold her. Soothe her.
“JoJo.”
I halted in the doorway with my back to Kane. Whatever tenderness was in his tone toward Penelope was gone. He’d spoken my name with venom.
“You aren’t going anywhere until you explain why you stole my daughter from me for twenty-one years.”
CHAPTERFIVE
KANE
Hate.
