“Are you my grandma?”
The scream Claire let out could have woken the dead. She whirled, one hand clutching her chest, her wide eyes staring at Luke, who tilted his head quizzically.
“Sweet mother of God. How did you get here?”
“Daddy brought me on account of the dinosaur.”
To her credit, Claire didn’t react to the interesting excuse as to his presence. “Yes, those dinos can be annoying. Why don’t you have a seat, and I’ll make you some breakfast. Would you like some pancakes?”
“Yes please, Grandma.”
Claire turned around to putter in the cabinets and fire on the stove, but not before Renny caught the glimmer of tears, tears that also filled her own eyes.
What have I done?
When she’d realized Caleb didn’t want her or their child, Renny had floundered. She hadn’t grown up with an extended family. Her dad, an ornery bear in real life, cut all ties with his family out west when he moved to Florida to be with Renny’s mother, a human and an orphan. As a result, Renny didn’t grow up with grandparents.
When Renny found out about her pregnancy, her first inclination was to make sure Caleb knew first. Except Caleb never replied, and given he didn’t show an interest, she hesitated telling Caleb’s mom out of fear she’d get the same reaction that she’d gotten from her father.
“Whore. Spreading your legs for that no account reptile. Your mother would be so ashamed.”
Indeed, Mother would have hung her head, just not for the reason her father thought. Poor Daddy had changed so much.
Still, though, her father’s words gave her pause. In her na?ve logic, she assumed since Caleb knew about her pregnancy, he would tell his mother. What she’d not counted on was Caleb never finding out, which meant Claire never knew she had a grandson.
Four years lost because of foolish choices.
Say it like it is. Pride kept you from saying anything.
It didn’t feel good to realize that she’d made a major error. Renny had been so mad at Caleb, so mad at the injustice of the world in general, that she had ended up hurting someone who would have dearly loved her son.
But I have a chance to start making things right.
And if she could make amends, didn’t that mean Caleb had that right, too?
Speak of the devil… She felt him before she heard him. “I thought I heard a scream.”
“Our son introduced himself to your mother.”
Caleb sniffed. “Judging by the smell of bacon and pancakes, they’re getting along.”
His light tone did not assuage the heaviness crushing her chest. “I’m so sorry, Caleb. I feel utterly wretched about not bringing Luke over to meet your mom. I never meant to hurt anyone.”
“I know how that works, baby. Best we can do is move forward and try to not repeat our mistakes.”
Turning, she took in not only his serious mien but also his clean-shaven jaw, button-up shirt, and slick, wet hair. Utterly handsome and obviously planning an outing. “Going somewhere?”
“Well, it is Sunday.” At her rounded O of surprise, he laughed. “Before you think I’ve turned to religion, I’ve got a job interview.”
“You do?” She blinked in surprise. This was the first she’d heard of it.
“Yeah, I do. I’m already getting a check from the military, apparently my service and scars are worth something to them, but it’s not going to be enough for us to get a decent place.”
“Get us a what?” She took a step back from him, trying to decipher his words. “Are you talking about us moving in together?”
“After last night—”
She held up a hand to stop him. “What happened last night was…”
“Special.”
“I was going to say rash. You just got back in to town, and I feel like things are moving too fast.”
“Then I’ll slow down.”
“What if I want you to stop?” She didn’t, but at the same time, Renny felt as if she wasn’t thinking clearly. Caleb touched her, and she just melted. She forgot all the reasons for keeping him at arm’s length.
He bowed his head, a big man humbled and defeated in front of her. “If that’s what you truly want.”
No. She didn’t want him to go away. She wanted more of his kisses and hugs and…him. But could she handle the heartbreak if Caleb betrayed her again? “I can’t be with you. Not like that.” Even if just saying it made her feel as if her heart was shattering into a thousand pieces.
His shoulders slumped as her words hit him. But only for a moment. “Too bad because I’m not giving up.” His head snapped up, and his eyes blazed, one hundred percent human, but determined. “I lost you once because I didn’t fight hard enough, and I’ll be damned if I lose you again. This might not be what you want to hear, baby, but the fact of the matter is, I’m here to stay. I will be a father to my son, and”—he lowered his voice—“we will share a bed.” Even if he had to handcuff himself at night so he could sleep beside her without worry.