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We all know that statement is directed at me. I’m the thing she needs clarity about. I’m the wreck that’s ruining her life. I’m the asshole who she’s been running from.
Part of me wonders if maybe I should let her go. There’s a chance she’s right. I’m impulsive, reckless, possessive, aggressive, and I don’t stand down from a fight. Those qualities aren’t the best when parenting a child.
Collette grew up with a father who balanced it all. He was masculine and brave, but also had a soft spot. I could’ve learned a lot from him. Hell, I could’ve learned a lot from any father figure, but I never had one. I raised myself, and I made life work. At forty-six I know there’s no going back.
This is who I am.
That said, I know that woman belongs with me.
I jog behind Collette and her mother. “Little cat, you’re not going anywhere.”
Her eyes are wide, and tears fall as she looks back. “What?”
I lift her into my arms and do what I should’ve done nine months ago. I take what’s mine. “You’re coming with me.”
Chapter Seven
Collette
“Wow. Kidnapping your pregnant ex. This is a new low.”
“It’s not kidnapping. You’re an adult and you know you want to be here.”
I roll my eyes and pull the sheet up over my lap. Max has taken me back to his cabin. It’s a nice little place surrounded by open pastures and dense forest in the distance. When we were pulling up, I noticed a winding creek and a few horses grazing near some thickets. Inside, wagon wheels hang on the wall with cattle skulls and the scent of alfalfa and leather lingers in the air.
“You have a ranch. This isn’t the Max I remember.”
“It’s not a ranch. It’s a house with two horses. They keep me grounded. The place needs fixin’ up, but it’s not too bad, right?”
“Aside from the skulls on the wall, not too bad at all. Are we safe here?”
“Why wouldn’t we be?”
I shrug. “It’s just a question.”
“We’re safe here.” He runs his hand down over his beard. “Is your mom okay?”
I’ve been texting my mom for the last hour letting her know I haven’t actually been kidnapped. She reconfirmed the family password three times and demanded to hear my voice twice. I’ve obliged and Max hasn’t said a word.
Mom: He’s going to kill you or that baby. Tell me where you are. I’ll send help.
Me: I love you. I have so much to explain, but I promise I’m safe. He’s weird, but… he’s mine.
I haven’t even admitted that to Max yet, but the second he lifted me into his arms, I knew it was true. That man needs me, and I need him.
Mom: Is he the father?
Me: Yes.
Mom: I’m still bringing you dinner. Tell him you have to be home by five.
I smile.
Me: Okay. I’ll be there.
“I have to be home by five. I promised her I’d have dinner, and we’d put together the baby swing.”
He groans and tosses my phone to the side before leaning in toward me. “I’m not letting you go until you tell me you’re mine.”
