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“I think it’s time for you to go. Come back when you’ve calmed down and gained a little perspective.”
He nods. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s time for me to go.” There’s more to the statement, but it’s not until his next comment that he officially sticks a dagger in my heart. “I want a paternity test.”
Tears spill from my eyes. I have no words. Everything I thought we shared is gone in an instant. I thought we were special. I thought he was the one I was waiting for. Once again, I was wrong.
“Let me be clear, Amanda. You’re not getting a dime without a paternity test.”
I’m speechless for several long beats as his words continue to sink in. Eventually I wipe my eyes and steel myself, like I’ve done so many times before in my life. “I would rather raise my child in the trailer park I grew up in than take a dime of your precious fucking money you hold so near and dear. In fact, I don’t ever want to see you or your fucking money again.” I point to the door. “Get out of my house, and this time, don’t bother coming back.”
He gives one slow, emotionless nod. I don’t even recognize the person standing before me. Did I ever know him at all? I thought he was my Prince Charming. There’snothing princely or charming about this heartless person. Just another broken man I thought I could fix. I’m such a fool.
He walks toward the front door, opens it, and walks through. Before he closes it, he says, “You’ll hear from my lawyers.”
I knockon Jade’s door. Collin opens it without a shirt, with Tyson sleeping soundly on his chest. He whispers, “Sorry, he sleeps better on my bare chest.”
I smile through my own personal pain because of what my daughter has. A man like Collin who is there for their child.
“Don’t worry about it. I think it’s sweet. Cherish this time with him.”
He nods. “I will. Jade is sleeping. She’s still pretty beat up from the delivery. I’m trying to keep this guy quiet and fed so she can heal and catch up on some sleep.”
“Thank you, Collin. Thank you for looking after her.”
“Always.” He pinches his eyebrows together. “You seem upset. Do you need her? I can wake her up.”
“No. Let her sleep. She needs it. I’m taking a little trip. I wanted to kiss Tyson before I left.”
“Oh, where are you guys going this time?”
“It’s just me. I’m not sure where I’m going. I need a little alone time to think. I’m going to text you from a new cell number. I’m turning my regular cell phone off when I go. You and Jade are the only people that will have the new number. I’d like it to stay that way.”
He nods in understanding of who can’t get in touch with me. I don’t need to spell it out for him. “Why don’tyou stay here tonight? You two can talk in the morning. You shouldn’t drive while you’re upset.”
“I’m okay. I need to go.” I lean forward and gently kiss Tyson’s head so as not to wake him. “Take care of my babies, Collin.”
He nods. “Take care of yourself and hurry home. Jade needs her mom and Tyson needs his grandmother.”
I barely whisper, “I will.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
BECKETT
Idrove around for hours unable to bring myself to go home. It’s nearly midnight before I finally walk in.
Mom is sitting there waiting. “What did you do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s the first time you’ve ever not been here to put Andie to bed without explanation or a call to say goodnight. You look like you’ve aged ten years since this morning. I saw the photos of Amanda leaving the doctor’s office, an OB’s office. She didn’t return for dinner as promised. When I called her, I received a message that her phone has been disconnected. So like I said, what did you do? What self-sabotage have you engaged in this time?”
Why does she fucking know me so well? “I accused her of planning this pregnancy all along to get my money and then demanded a paternity test.”
Before I can even process what’s happening, mymother’s hand strikes me so fucking hard across the face that I think she might have dislocated my jaw.
I stand there holding my burning face in shock. In my fifty years, my mother has never once lifted a hand to me or anyone else.
“How dare you. How dare you treat her that way. I did everything in my power to raise you to be the opposite man of your father, so imagine my disappointment when it turns out you’re just like him.”
