I squeeze Kathleen’s left hand as I hold Cora against my side, anchoring her diapered butt on my hip. Her little legs are flapping against my gut and back excitedly. When she’s awake she’s always happy. I love that about her. Her personality is going to be fun-filled and loving. Still, a tingle of dread is nagging at my subconscious while we stand at the entrance to my childhood home.

Will the family like her?

Will they treat her like one of us?

What are they going to say about Kathleen?

What about Misty?

The questions that have plagued me since this whole debacle started are running rampant through my mind and stressing me the fuck out.

Kathleen runs her hand down my chest. “Relax. If I’m not nervous, you shouldn’t be either.”

I huff. “You have nothing to be nervous about. My family loves you.” I level her with my no-bullshit stare.

She smirks. “And they love you too. They’re going to lavish Cora with love and attention. You’ll see.” Her soft, secretive smile reminds me I have her no matter what happens.

Before I open the door, I turn to her. “You know, I couldn’t do any of this without you.”

Kat beams and tilts her head. “Yes, you could. You’re stronger than you think. But you’ll never have to worry about being alone, because I’m here now.”

“Thank Christ!” I sigh and press my forehead to hers. I lean in and lay my lips against hers.

Cora takes that moment to participate, pushing her little face in between ours and giving us both an openmouthed slimy cheek kiss.

Kat and I crack up. Leave it to Cora to lighten the situation.

“All right, let’s do this.” I open the door and lead my girls inside.

Cora’s eyes widen at all the lights. Most specifically, the chandelier hanging over the entryway. She points her chubby finger at it and says, “Ooooo.”

“Yes, baby girl. This is where Daddy grew up.”

I snuggle her closer, taking as much comfort as I can before we enter the sitting room off the entry, where I can already hear voices, laughter, and soft music playing. Dad must have put on the record player, because easy, jazzy blues crackles through the door.

Once we enter, I feel the stares as they travel from me to Kat and zero right in on Cora. Chloe is standing near the bar, pouring amaretto into a tumbler. Cooper is leaning against the fireplace with his phone at his ear. Chase is sitting on the couch, his arm around Gillian. Their twins are nowhere in sight. My father is sitting opposite them in a single chair. The only people missing are my brother Craig and his wife and kids, but they’re in New York. We have a promise to Skype in the near future so they can virtually meet Cora.

When I make my way farther into the room, my father stands up. He smiles widely and opens his arms.

“You are a vision, Kathleen. I’m thrilled you came tonight.”

Kat willingly embraces him. “Charles, it’s been too long.”

“Hopefully that time span is but a memory?” He cocks an eyebrow coyly.

She grins. “That’s the plan.”

He pats her hand. “Good.”

Then he turns to me. I haven’t moved an inch. Never in my life have I felt fear when approaching my father, but I’ve never been in this type of quandary either. Charles Davis is a man who has earned the love and respect of his children, high-powered businessmen, and leaders all over the world. And right now, I’m afraid this situation provides the potential for either his disdain or disappointment.

However, as is his way, he walks over to me, puts a hand to my shoulder, and squeezes. “Son. You look well.”

I swallow the cotton ball in my throat. “I am, sir.”

“Are you happy?” He squints as if he’s assessing me straight through to my soul. Fathers have that ability. I hope to have it with Cora one day too.

“Yes, sir.”

“Then I’m happy for you.” He returns just a hint of a smile before his eyes turn to my daughter.

“And you must be my granddaughter, Cora.” His blue eyes soften instantly when he pets her soft blond hair.

Cora perks up when she hears her name. “Da-da,” she says proudly.

I’m stunned stupid as my daughter lifts her arms out toward my father. He reaches for her and expertly pulls her into his arms and against his chest. Even dressed in a suit and tie, my father manages to be approachable to a toddler he’s never met. My heart melts instantly.

“That’s my little love,” he coos to her. “Come visit with your granddad, eh?”

Kathleen comes back over to me, loops an arm around my waist, and leans into my side. I wrap an arm around her and watch while each member of my family introduces themselves to my daughter. It’s a moment I’d never imagined in a million years but one I’ll remember for a lifetime.

“See, babe, they love her already.” Kat rubs her hand down my chest warmly, and I hold it over my heart, just where I want her.

“She’s a Davis. What’s not to love?” I quip, making her giggle.

---

The dining room is bustling with activity, laughter, and people talking over one another. Cora is sitting in a high chair next to Chase’s twins, who are both in booster seats, at the table set for ten. My father should be sitting at the head of the table, but he isn’t present yet. Chloe is already sitting to the right of his chair. Ever since Mom died, Chloe has stepped in as the matriarch of our family. Cooper, the second oldest, is at the opposite end of the table. Chase and Gillian of course are as far away from Coop as possible. Even though they’ve mended fences considerably, they will never have great fondness for one another, but they’ve become civil over the years. Mostly after Chase lost Aunt Colleen to the same madman who hurt my girl and her soul sisters. I think that time gave us all a cold, hard look at our mortality and made past transgressions seem more trivial.

The staff brings in the children’s plates first. All perfectly cut up with a mixture of healthy and kid-friendly options and three bright sippy cups.

“I want a weal cup, Mommy,” Claire demands loud enough for the server to hear.

“Mrs. Davis, I didn’t know. I can bring her one.”

Gillian purses her lips. “No, she’s fine. Claire, next time we have dinner here, we will tell the staff in advance. Not after. You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit. Remember?”

Claire glares at the sippy cup and crosses her arms. “But it’s for babies!”

Gillian closes her eyes and takes a breath.

Chase leans forward. “Claire, use the cup and there will be dessert in it for you. I’m pretty sure I saw some home-baked cookies in the kitchen.”

On that note, Claire picks up her cup, sucks down the drink, and tucks into eating her dinner quietly.

Gillian shakes her head. “Must you always bribe her?”

“It worked, didn’t it?” He grins.

She nudges his shoulder playfully.

The server sets plates in front of each of us and then sets another one down in front of the empty seat next to me. Just when I’m about to ask who’s missing, my father enters the room, escorting Misty, her hand resting daintily in the crook of his arm. I squeeze the hand I have casually resting on Kathleen’s thigh so tight she yelps and looks up.

What. The. Fuck.

I narrow my eyes at my father as he approaches my seat. “I found this little thing working away in my office. I figured since we were having a family dinner, she should come and eat with us. Don’t you agree, Carson?” Father directs her toward the empty seat.

“Uh…” There just aren’t words.

He pulls back the chair to seat her. She’s wearing a black pencil skirt and a blue silk blouse showing more cleavage than would ever be necessary or even appropriate at work—let alone a private dinner.

Misty pushes a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. I notice belatedly that her hair is in beach waves, flowing just to her shoulders. It looks identical to Kathleen’s hair. Which is shocking because just this morning, Misty’s hair was perfectly straight and hung down past the middle of her back.

I squeeze Kathleen’s leg again, still not able to utter a word.

“See, now the entire family is here,” Charles says in a “more the merrier”-type way.

Heat fills every pore, and I have to remind myself my father knows not what he’s done. He has no clue what the situation is between Misty, Kathleen, and me.

Without even looking at Kat, I know she’s pissed. The fire scorching my palm is enough to show she’s seething on the inside, regardless of how she appears on the outside.

“Isn’t this awesome!” Misty says to me, loud enough for most of the table to hear. “Now Cora will feel right at home with her mommy and daddy and the entire family together.” She puts her hand on my shoulder and then caresses it down to my elbow, as if she has the right to such an intimate touch.

“We’re going to have to have a serious discussion about this,” I say in a low growl.

She blinks innocently and places her napkin in her lap. “Are you not happy I’m here?” She speaks so loudly the entire table stops eating and looks at me.

Chase’s jaw locks down and a muscle ticks away in his cheek. Gigi has eyes only for Kathleen, probably doing the secret girl-talk thing where there are no actual words exchanged, just subtle body language only the best of friends would pick up. The kids are eating away and talking nonstop. Cooper is smiling like a loon, happily picking up a forkful of food and shoveling it in his mouth, obviously completely entertained by my horror.

“Honey, would you fill my wine?” Kathleen’s request breaks the tension, allowing me to ignore the question.

“Oh yes, for me too. I’ll have whatever you’re having, Carson. We seem to like all of the same things,” Misty says, embellishing. “Makes living together so easy. Wouldn’t you agree, sweetheart?” she coos, handing me her glass.

Sweetheart. Fucking fuck.

The muscle in Kathleen’s leg tightens so much it lifts my hand. I squeeze back, letting her know I’m with her, right here, just as horrified as she is, but trying to push through. Honestly though, I’m in hell. Actual. Living. Hell.

Kathleen, the woman I love, the person I want to be with for the rest of my life, is sitting on my left. The woman I will never be able to escape, because we have a daughter together, and she’s pushing her way into my life, is sitting on my right. Sandwiched between heaven and hell. Lord help me.

Conversation between my family and Misty moves throughout dinner. Kathleen and I stay quiet, both of us feeling the same things for different reasons. I know Kat’s angry. Who wouldn’t be, when faced with your first dinner with a family you’ve missed for years and then being forced to share the moment with the mother of your man’s child? It’s not right. It’s twisted as fuck. I’m going to have to talk to my father about not allowing this to happen in the future. Kathleen’s and Cora’s comfort is my first priority.

Chloe seems to save the day, talking about work and what she and Kathleen have been working on for Paris Fashion Week. Which, I’m reminded, is in another month. My Kathleen will be heading to Paris without me. Then an idea hits. Perhaps I can go visit her after her week is done and spend a few days just with her, motoring around the most romantic city in the world. Right then, I plan on enlisting Chloe and their receptionist to block off the time in Kat’s calendar.

Just the thought of having a few uninterrupted days with my woman is exactly what I need. Hell, what we both need right now.

---

As the night wears on, Kathleen spends time chatting it up with Gillian and the kids, playing on the floor. It’s as if time paused for almost three years until she re-entered my life. I feel as sappy as shit and think all is right with the world again.

Unfortunately, Misty, who I thought would leave immediately after dinner, follows us into the living room for family time and a nightcap like she owns the place. She chats up Cooper, touching him in a way that could only be construed as flirting. I clench my teeth and try to breathe through my anger. Coop is a douche. Has always been one. Especially when he fucked Chase’s fiancée Meghan on their wedding night over a decade ago. To this day, he’s not exactly sorry. Claims he was saving our cousin from a mistake. I could just see him taking Misty to bed to spite me.

Misty looks my way and smiles shyly, tilting her chin down while running her finger along the edge of her blouse near her almost bursting cleavage.

What the hell is her game? Does she seriously think flirting with Coop is going to make me jealous? I groan and head toward Kat and the kids. Kat pulls herself up and into the chair and slumps back, putting her hand to her forehead.

“My goodness, I’d forgotten what a bundle of energy kids can be when they are all together like this. So much fun though.”

Kathleen’s smile is huge and brightens even more when Cora rushes into her, hugs her around the middle, and then climbs up onto her lap. My heart fills with pride and joy, and I pull out my cell phone and snap a couple pics of the smiling beauties. My girl loves my woman. There is nothing in the world better than that.

Out of nowhere, Misty screeches, “Be careful with her!” She scares me, Kathleen, and most of all, Cora, who jolts back with her entire body. Kathleen tries to grab her with her injured arm, a flash of pain crossing her brow when she does, but Cora still slides right through her hold.

I swear the entire thing happens in slow motion but is probably only a second flat.

Cora’s little body flies backward over the arm of the chair.

Her head hits the carpet before her neck, shoulders, and body.

Misty rushes over and falls to her knees.

Kat’s eyes are huge and round.

My baby girl screaming.

I pick up my daughter so fast you’d have thought snakes were attacking her. She is crying so hard my shirt is soaked through.

Kat stands up and lifts a hand toward the back of Cora’s head, where I have it clutched to my chest. My heart is pounding a mile a minute. Misty slaps Kat’s hand away before she can even so much as touch a hair on the child’s head.

“Don’t you touch my daughter. You did this! You’re not strong enough to hold a baby! I’ve seen how you can’t even lift a full glass of wine with that mangled thing, and you tried to hold my daughter. My baby! How dare you put Cora in danger. Do you hate me that much you want to hurt my only child?” she screams at the top of her lungs.

Tears fall down Kat’s cheeks as I neglect to say a single word. I should defuse the situation, but my baby is screaming, a goose egg the size of a softball is forming on her sweet baby head, and I’m currently doing everything I can to calm her down.

“I…I…I’m sor-ry,” Kat whispers brokenly.

“You’re sorry? First you wiggle your way back into Carson’s life. Now my daughter’s. Can’t you see Cora needs a mother and a father?”

That’s when my brain starts working again. “She has one. And a lot of women and men in her extended family. Kathleen included.”

“I’m. Her. Mother.” Misty points at herself, emphasizing each word with a tap to her chest.

I shake my head. “No one is trying to take that away from you. But when you move out, and Kathleen moves in…” I start but stop the minute I feel an ice blast of energy slam into me.

The timing could not have been more wrong for this conversation.

Insert foot into mouth.

“What!” Misty cries out, clutching at her heart. “You’re kicking out your own flesh and blood for her!” She flings a shaky hand at Kathleen.

I pass a now resting Cora off to Chase. She goes willingly. Chase has some type of voodoo magic with kids. To everyone else, he puts off the asshole-scary-business-man vibe, but with kids, he’s putty.

“I’m not kicking out my daughter.” I lift my hands in a placating gesture. “But I have found a new apartment for you and her to live in. When Cora is not with me, that is.”

“So, you’re kicking me out?” Her tone is so cold it could freeze hot water in an instant. “I can’t believe this. You said…you said we’d be a family.” She shakes her head back and forth wildly. “You said I was going to be safe and sound with you and our daughter. Now because of her, you’re kicking me out.” She chokes down a sob, her eyes widening. “Oh my God. You’re going to take my daughter away! And leave her with someone who will hurt her!”

I shake my head. “I would never take Cora away from you, and Kathleen loves Cora. She’d never hurt her!” I take a huge breath and try to figure out what my next steps are.

Misty’s hands fly into her hair and tug. “She just did! Look at my daughter. She can’t even keep her eyes open. She probably has a concussion. We should take her to the emergency room!”

I sigh and glance at Gigi. With all her motherly wisdom, I figure she’d know.

She shrugs. “It’s an option, but kids are made to be bouncy. Mine fall all the time. Chase, do you think she needs to go?”

He looks down at Cora, runs long fingers over the back of her skull, and nods. “I think a checkup by our house doctor is in order. Just to be safe. Seems fine though.”

Finally, with a task at hand, my father enters the fray. “I’ll call him. He’ll be here momentarily. The good doctor lives just down the road from us.” My father leaves the room at a clip.

I glance around. Chloe is leaning against Coop, steely daggers leaving her gaze resulting in a direct hit for Misty. Coop is all smiles. He thinks my cock-up is funny. Asshole. I can’t wait until one day he’s in a situation. Instead of helping, I’ll be poking the beast and laughing my ass off. Fucker.

Misty’s shoulders slump, and she crosses her arms in what I can tell is a protective gesture.

I really need to get this back on even ground. “See, that’s settled. Cora will be seen by our family doctor. He can be here before we could see a doctor at the emergency center anyway. Now listen, we have got to get past this. Let’s sit and talk it through, okay?” I’m hoping she’ll relax for a solid minute and see that she’s overreacting.

I was wrong. Dead wrong.

Misty walks right up to Kat, pulls her arm back, and slaps my woman with all her might, her body moving forward with the effort.

“Jesus fucking Christ! Misty!” I roar, but it doesn’t stop her from running her mouth and digging a hole she can never get out of.

“You’re a disgrace,” she sneers at Kathleen. “A homewrecker. And a horrible example of a mother. A mother protects, not harms. You remember that the next time you think about laying a finger on my baby.”

Kat’s eyes fill with tears once more, and she turns and runs out of the room.

Gigi follows after her. “Kat, honey, wait! It’s not your fault.”

Misty turns so fast she reminds me of the Tasmanian Devil in the Looney Tunes cartoons I used to watch as a kid.

“She had no right. No right to hold our daughter, Carson.” Her normally brown eyes are black as coal. Her lips are set in a menacing snarl.

I’ve had enough.

“Shut up,” I growl between my teeth. “Just shut up. You’re making it worse. Kathleen already feels bad enough.”

Misty’s head jerks as she strides over to Chase and pats Cora’s back. “You saw what she did.” Her voice lowers into a lethal timbre. “She hurt our daughter. I can’t allow someone so completely clueless of her own disability to be responsible for Cora’s well-being. Absolutely not. Over my dead body,” she warns. “I can’t believe you’d do this.”

“Me? Misty, you’re acting like I promised you marriage and more children.”

She turns on a spiked heel. “Didn’t you?”

“No! Not even close! I promised you safety and security. That’s what I’m giving you.”

“How can we possibly have that when you are all the way across town in your home and Cora and I are in some stuffy apartment? Cora, away from her daddy. The only man who will always protect her!” Her voice shakes and the tears fall. Her shoulders tremble with the effort.

Fuck. Two women crying now.

“Misty, I’m going to take care of you and Cora. I said I would and I will. But this thing you think there is between us, you’re mistaken. We had one night over two years ago. I don’t even remember much of it!”

Her crying turns into a full-blown sob.

I make my way over to her and lay my hand on her shoulder. “Listen, it’s going to be okay. We’re going to work through this for the sake of our daughter. She’s what matters.”

Instead of nodding and accepting her fate, she flings her body into my arms and locks on to me in a vise-like embrace. I have no choice but to pat her back and try to calm her down. It’s not good for Cora to see her mother and father fighting.

Of course, that’s when Kathleen walks back into the room, Gigi holding her at the waist in what I assume is sisterly support. Gillian clocks my position with Misty and glares, her green eyes turning a fiery emerald. Kathleen, on the other hand, is worse. Her entire face goes completely blank, devoid of all emotion.

With self-preservation in mind, I push Misty back and go to Kathleen right as she’s about to leave. I know when my girl looks like she’s about to run, and there was fire licking at her heels a moment ago.

“Sweetcheeks.” I open my arms, and she face-plants right into my chest.

“I’m sorry. I tried, Carson. I tried to catch her, but I just…” Her voice catches. “I just couldn’t.”

“I know, honey. I know. Cora’s fine. She’s going to be just fine. We’ll wait and see what the doctor says. Okay? Then we’ll take her home.”

She nods against my chest before firming her spine, wiping at her tears, and looking up at me as though the entire world has just crumbled at her feet.

“I know you love her.”

She nods. Another set of tears falling down her cheeks. “So much. I’d never hurt her on purpose. Never.”

“She’s going to be okay,” I say to her as much as to myself. I put my arm around my woman and bring her into the room.

The doctor is right behind Kathleen and me, my father quick at his heels.

“Where’s the patient?” he says, all business.

The doctor looks over my daughter, with Misty and me and everyone else in the room watching closely.

“She’s fine. Just a nasty bump on the head. She’ll want to sleep on her belly. Give her some ibuprofen for the pain and keep an eye on her. If she starts to vomit for any reason or cry uncontrollably, or in reverse, act too lethargic or be hard to wake, take her to the emergency room.”

Father and I thank the doctor and send him on his way.

Now I have to get Kathleen, my daughter, and Misty back to my house so the three of us can watch Cora and get through the evening. Yippee. Not.