Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 53516 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53516 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
My heart galloped with the reality of what was happening, and while there was apprehension and anxiety, there wasn't any fear. I wasn't worried about how I felt because I trusted Rosalee. I trusted her with my daughter and in my home; I knew I could trust her with my heart.
But the idea of jumping in again with both feet? Of putting myself at risk of being hurt or taken advantage of again?
That scared the hell out of me.
Violet babbled while I wiped her down and changed her from her pajamas to the outfit Rosalee had picked out for today, which was nearly identical to my own jeans and flannel. "You're perfect, you know that, little girl?"
She kicked her legs and grinned at me as if she understood.
"Yep, absolutely perfect, and I'm going to tell you that every day for the rest of our lives, even when you sneak out and get on my nerves. I promise." I smiled at her, and she smiled even brighter.
Her babbling grew louder, and some of it started to sound like actual words. She was already walking, getting better each day, and soon enough, she would be talking. I wasn't ready for her to not be a baby anymore.
"You're growing up too fast," I told her as my phone rang in my pocket. "Yeah?"
Nate laughed. "You really are turning into a neanderthal. Mom said as much, but you at least manage basic manners with me."
My nostrils flared. "Did you call for a reason?"
"I did. A few, in fact." His tone was amused. "The investigator tracked down your Judy."
My shoulders tensed. "Seriously? Is she alive?"
Nate laughed. "Very much so. She spent six months in Texas, and for three of them, she was a regular at Triple Horn, so that's how you met her. Do you actually meet people there?"
"Names sometimes," I admitted honestly. "And I haven't been with any women outside the club until recently."
"Well, well," Nate trilled. "Tell me more."
"Nate," I groaned at his amusement.
"Right. Tell me about the nanny later, but don't think I'm going to forget."
"I'd be disappointed if you did," I answered in a deadpan tone.
"So, Judy is from Washington state, Seattle to be exact, and the good news for you is that she's engaged. His name is Max Wells, and he's rich, though not as rich as you, so there's always a chance for another wrinkle to pop up."
I sighed as Violet began to squirm in my arms. "You mean that she might think she can upgrade to a man with more zeros in his bank account?"
"Something like that, yeah."
Shit. The last thing I wanted was for this to turn into a fight. "Okay, so when can I expect the legal paperwork that lets me keep Violet?"
"Soon. I have the paperwork in my possession, so technically, it's already happened, but if she shows up there before you have it, that could pose a problem, albeit a temporary one."
"So you're coming for a visit soon, then?"
Nate gasped, but it was followed by a laugh. "You mean you aren't looking forward to seeing me?"
"’Course I am," I lied.
"Things going so well with the nanny you don't need me anymore?"
Yes. "Mind your business," I growled, and Nate, true to form, laughed even louder. Eventually, Violet joined in.
"Is that my niece?"
"It is." I snapped a quick photo of the two of us and sent it to my brother.
His laughter stopped abruptly. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"
I laughed. "I didn't buy the outfit, not Violet's anyway." We were getting off track. "So, Nate, what do you and the lawyers recommend I do here? I have Violet to think about, and she's my first priority, but my mind also wandered to Rosalee. Would she view me differently once she learned the truth of how I met Violet's mother? She was a virgin before she met me, so the idea of a sex club might be too much for her to accept."
"My honest assessment is that you don't do a damn thing. I know that's a hard pill for you to swallow, my hard-charging brother, but I think it's the best course of action for now."
My brows furrowed at his so-called advice. "Explain," I demanded.
"Okay, she abandoned the child, literally on top of a mountain on what she assumed was your doorstep, so she doesn't have a fucking leg to stand on. I have the paperwork giving you full legal and physical custody of Violet. If she comes back demanding money or anything else, let her, because she's not entitled to shit, and we can let her overplay her hand before we crush her. And if she doesn't come back, better for everyone, including her."
I was stunned into silence for a few moments before a laugh bubbled out. "You're really settling into your ruthless businessman persona, Nate."