Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
My gaze moves to the little girl still holding me tightly. With a shaky hand, I run my fingers through her curls. She looks up at me with sad eyes but gives me a beautiful smile.
“Hello,” I say to her. My heart crumbles as I speak.
I have so many emotions warring inside of me. I can’t believe this is happening. I’m staring at the child of the man I love. Not the one we were supposed to have together, but the one he had with someone else.
“Hi,” she says softly. “Mommy’s not here.”
“Chloe—” his mother starts.
“It’s okay,” I murmur, bending to get level with the tiny sad girl.
“I know, sweetie,” I say when we’re eye to eye.
“No outside. I wanna stay here. Grandma, no outside. We stay here,” she says.
“Oh.” I nod, sitting on my butt.
She climbs right into my lap. My heart squeezes. I look up at Brodi’s mom and she gives me an apologetic smile.
“I stay here with you. Pretty,” she says, holding up the doll she has clenched in her tiny hand. With her other hand, she touches my face. “Pretty lady, pretty baby.”
My lips part when I look at the doll. She does look like me. She has red hair, brown skin, and hazel eyes. She even has freckles. I can’t help but wonder if her father gave it to her.
“She’s very pretty,” I say. “Like you.”
Her little cheeks glow. Her tiny teeth show. My eyes mist over as I feel the boulder that blows through my chest.
“Chloe, sweetie. I think we should let Ms. Cee get settled in,” her grandmother says softly to her.
“No, we stay here. We leave, she no be here,” she says sadly.
I swipe quickly at my tears. My mother used to always say you don’t punish a child for their parents’ sins. I hear a child in need. Maybe I need her just as much as she needs me.
Perhaps time with her will fortify my heart against her father, instead of me yearning for him to soothe the pain he caused. I run my fingers through her soft locks. Her eyes bounce between me and her grandmother.
“It’s okay. Maybe Chloe can help me get settled into my room. Then we can all take a trip out. I think I’d like some fresh air and to see some sights. I haven’t been out much since arriving,” I say to his mother.
A smile comes to her face. Those gray eyes searching mine. She’s a pretty woman. I can see why her sons are so handsome.
“Fair enough. I think both Chloe and I would like that. I’m Eileen, by the way. Gregor’s mother,” she says.
“Nice to meet you,” I reply.
“Oh no, dear. I’m very happy to finally get to meet you. You have been the source behind my son becoming the man he is, whether you two know it or not,” she says.
“I don’t know about that.”
“Trust me. I do,” she says.
* * *
Gregor
“Hello, mother. Where are you?” I say into the phone.
“We’re doing a little shopping. Why on earth do you sound like the world is coming to an end?”
“Is Chloe with you?” I rush out.
“Ah, I see,” she says with a smile in her voice. “Would you be talking about little Chloe or the lovely Cee?”
“Mother,” I groan.
“Yes, they are both with me. Cee has taken Chloe to the restroom. I’m watching our things,” she says.
“Where are you? I’m on my way,” I say as I start for the door.
I couldn’t help the panic that rose when I arrived at the house and Chloe was gone. It took my staff informing me that she went out with my mother and daughter to calm me down somewhat.
I’ve still been ready to tear my hair out. I can’t believe they ran into each other. My mother and daughter were supposed to be gone by the time Cee arrived to head to her quarters.
“I don’t think that’s best. Give her time, Gregor. This hasn’t been easy for her. I think you joining us will create more distance than you might want. I’ve been watching her. She’s a very strong woman… but there will always be one’s limits,” she warns.
I stop in my tracks and crease my brows as I think over her words. What if she’s right? I blow out a breath and run my hand through my hair.
“Fine.” I nod as if she can see me.
“I love you, son.”
“Love you too, Mom,” I sigh into the phone.
* * *
Chloe
“All better,” I say as I look down at Chloe.
She gives me that gorgeous smile and nods. Her curls bounce around her head. She has her father’s strawberry-blonde hair.
For the millionth time, I try to breathe through staring at the resemblance. She’s such a sweet little girl. As hard as this has been for me to do, she alone has made it possible.