Easton and Caroline shared a deep love during high school. Easton was a talented hockey player, while Caroline came from a more ordinary background but wholeheartedly supported him in pursuing his dreams.
An unexpected moment of intimacy led to Caroline becoming pregnant, but Easton’s mother threatened her to protect his full-ride hockey scholarship. Out of love for Easton, Caroline made the painful decision to leave him, pretending to be the one who had cheated. Heartbroken, Easton accepted the separation.
Years later, unable to forget his true love for Caroline, Easton returned to uncover the truth behind their past. As he approached her house, a young girl suddenly emerged and called him “Daddy,” leaving Easton bewildered.
I quickly ran through the events of last night, and Fran listened without comment until I finished. “And you haven’t heard a word since?” “It’s still early.” I sighed, feeling both defeated and relieved. If Easton didn’t want any part of his children, I’d go on with my life, raise my kids, and work on…
I was on guard, as my emotions warred with each other. Anticipation. Resentment. Betrayal. Anger. Hope. Revenge. All of it. Caro had some explaining to do. She stopped in front of her car and glanced around. When she spotted me, she squared her shoulders and advanced, like a brave warrior marching into battle. I wouldn’t…
I’d seen it in his eyes. He wasn’t going to walk away. He wasn’t going to be an uninvolved father. No one could be that angry if they didn’t want a relationship with their children. He wanted to know his kids. I’d opened Pandora’s box. I’d let this man back into my life and into…
I was considerably calmer when I returned to my truck and sat behind the steering wheel. I was about to start the engine when that same rental car turned slowly into the parking lot. She’d come back. I didn’t get out. I waited for her to make the first move. She walked the short distance…
“Then he’ll contact you to work out the legal paperwork and details. I’m sure he’ll demand an official DNA test also, but I’ve seen enough. I know they’re mine.” “Paperwork? Is that necessary?” “Hell yeah. I don’t want you disappearing when you feel like it. No fucking way. I’m their father, and I’m fucking going…
I was fucking mad at myself. I trudged to the locker room and hung my head. The guys left me alone, allowing me to work out my bad game for myself. I’d had bad games before, and I’d risen above them. They happened to all of us. We were human after all. And now I…
A crazy notion struck me, and I jumped on it before my analytical side counted off all the reasons my idea wasn’t a good one. “Why don’t you go with us?” Juniper frowned, her brow furrowing as she considered my offer. “Is there room where you’re staying? I mean, I don’t need much room, and…
“Hey, guys, did you hear that?” Cedric shouted gleefully, getting everyone’s attention. “Big E, here, is treating us tonight. Eat up and enjoy!” Cheers went around the table. I sighed. I’d known my time was coming. Kaden and Steele had already covered a couple bills. My turn. Next year we’d have our shot at torturing…
“Part of me is unreasonably angry at the mother for the time I missed with my kids.” Brick nodded sympathetically. His own daughter had been dumped on his doorstep at five years old. He’d had no prior knowledge of her. “I understand that. I was angry as fuck regarding the time I’d missed, too, but…
“Regardless, stealing is never acceptable. Heath, did you steal your sister’s candy bar?” Heath stuck out his lower lip in a show of belligerence. “No.” My phone rang, and I reached for it. Easton. Just what I needed right now. Hailey was yelling at Heath, and Heath turned his back on her and stomped to…