“You’re selfish, that’s what you are.”
“Mama, Wyatt, supper’s ready.” Alyssa called from the side door off the kitchen porch.
“Fuck.” I ran my fingers through my hair. Then I turned to Sinclair. “Tell her.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now! Jesus, how heartless are you?”
She inhaled a shuddering breath. “Yes, of course.” She looked toward the house. “Alyssa, baby, can you come here for a minute?”
Alyssa trotted across the lawn. I looked away, working to pull my emotions together.
When she reached us, I turned to her, noting the worry in her expression as she looked from Sinclair to me and back again. “What’s wrong?”
To her credit, Sinclair mustered a smile. “There’s nothing wrong, baby. In fact, it’s good. I think you’ll be happy.”
“Then why do you both look so sad?”
Sinclair looked down. “Because I made a mistake and I hurt Wyatt. And…it might hurt you too. I’m sorry for that. I really am.”
Alyssa’s brows furrowed together. “What’s going on?”
Sinclair took a deep breath. “Remember when I told you that your father was gone?”
“Yes. He didn’t know about me otherwise he’d have stayed.”
Sinclair looked at me, probably because she wanted brownie points for not painting me as a fucking asshole.
“Yes, that’s right. Well, he’s back.”
Alyssa’s face looked stricken, and my heart fell.
“Is he going to take me away? I like it here with you and Wyatt.” Alyssa looked up at me. “Can’t you be my dad?”
Jesus, how much could a heart take.
Sinclair put her hand on Alyssa’s shoulders and bent over to look her in the eyes. “Honey, Wyatt is your father.”
“What?” Her brows furrowed together as she looked between us both.
“When I learned I was having a baby, he’d already left and I couldn’t find him. But now he’s here and he wants to be your father.”
“Like adopt me?” She didn’t seem to be grasping what Sinclair was telling her.
“No, baby. He’s your real father.”
She still looked confused. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, looking at me.
“Wyatt didn’t know either. Not until now. I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”
Alyssa stood quietly, apparently processing everything. She looked at me. “Does that mean I can call you Daddy?”
I choked up at the well of emotion that bubbled up. “I’d be honored if you called me Daddy.”
Then she smiled. “We’re a real family.” She wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me. I finally had what I wanted, except now, it was tainted. I couldn’t imagine ever forgiving Sinclair.
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