Elizabeth Lowell by Danna Way

Author:Danna Way [Way, Danna]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-12-22T03:19:16.974000+00:00

"Instead of simply not loving me," Joy said quietly, "you would have ended up hating me and resenting the child you never asked for. Bad timing all the way around. Too soon for us, Gabe. Way too soon."

"And now you think it's too late." His voice was as grim as his narrowed eyes.

"Not for you. All you have to do is find someone young and innocent and trusting. Like Maggie." Joy turned away, her expression tight, hidden, as she added, "And then, of course, you'd have to have the guts to follow through."

Before Gabe could say anything, the front door of the cottage slammed, warning them that Kati was back.

Joy spun toward him and said softly. "Please, don't—"

"Tell my daughter who her father is?" His voice was low, challenging.

Joy took a ragged breath and braced for a storm she hadn't ever thought would come.

Seventeen

"MOMMY? WHAT'S FOR DINNER?" KATI CALLED.

Joy spun toward the kitchen doorway and held out her arms. "Hi, button. Hungry?"

Kati leaped up just as her mother's arms closed around her wiry little body. Joy settled her daughter's legs around her waist and looked eye to eye with her.

"Missed you," Kati said, giving Joy a noisy kiss.

"Even with the whole Childer family around you?"

"Uh-huh. I still want brothers and sisters and a daddy, but no one's as good as you. Love you."

"I love you too."

She hugged her daughter close for a few moments longer, then lowered her to the floor. Though Joy couldn't see Gabe, she felt his focus like the sun burning her.

"Bath before dinner." To underline her words, Joy traced the streaks of dust on Kati's fair skin.

"Fried chicken, huh, please?"

"Tacos and refried beans."

"Uh-oh, Gravy-bear is cooking again."

"Yes, but don't hurt his feelings."

"Oh, I won't," Kati said solemnly. "Gravy-bear is soooo nice. Are you sure he isn't my daddy?"

Joy struggled to keep her voice light. "I'm sure, button."

"Do you think he'd like to be?" Kati asked, her eyes and voice wistful.

"I think your Gravy-bear couldn't love you any more if he was your very own daddy." Joy's voice was teasing but her hands shook.

"Yeah," Kati said matter-of-factly, chewing on her lower lip. "That's what he told me. But then why doesn't my own daddy love me?"

Joy felt her control slipping away. She swept up Kati in her arms and turned so that her daughter's back was to Gabe. She desperately wished that Kati had chosen a better moment to talk about her ongoing search for a father. It was a conversation Joy was used to, along with her daughter's wheedling, teasing pleas for siblings.

But Joy wasn't used to having the conversation with Kati's father standing two feet away, his body taut, his eyes like green ice, his face fierce with a truth that no one had spoken aloud.

Oh, God, don't say it, Gabe, Joy pleaded silently, giving him a look as fierce as his own. Please! Don't let Kati find out like this. She isn't ready for it.

I'm not ready for it.

And you're not ready either. Don't you see? She can handle the reality she knows.

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