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Carter felt every muscle in his body stiffen.
“Just hear me out, Carter. She’s been talking to him. At first I think she wanted to find him because she needed him to acknowledge what he did to you, her, and your mom.” He pressed his lips together. “Now that we’re expecting twins, it’s more than that. I think she wants him to learn how to be a grandfather so our children can have more family around.”
Carter shook his head as frustration surged through him. “She’s just going to get her heart broken if she’s expecting our father to step up.”
“Well, he wants to visit.”
“I hope she tells him no.”
Gage took a drink of his soda as if avoiding the response.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Gage.” He pushed his chair back and stood as his frustration morphed into fury. “You’d better tell me when he’s coming so I can make sure I’m not here. I’ll crash on Darcy’s sofa until he’s gone.”
“I’m not done. There’s more.” Gage’s expression seemed to plead with him. “Sit, Carter. Please.”
He slowly lowered himself down onto the chair.
“How would you feel if your father wanted to do something to try to make it up to you?”
“Like what?”
Gage tapped the tabletop. “What if your dad wanted to help you financially?”
“I don’t want anything from him.” Carter nearly ground out the words.
“I don’t think you should be so dead set on telling him no. You might be surprised by what he has to offer.”
“There’s nothing he can do to make it up to me. He can keep his money.” Carter picked up his can of soda, his laptop, and the statement from the bank. “I’m going to bed. Congratulations again. I’m really happy for you and Shauna.”
As Carter climbed the stairs to his room, his mind spiraled with thoughts of his father and the possibility of a visit from him. He had to figure out a way to move out of Shauna’s house before coming face-to-face with him. Carter would never let that man back into his life, and no amount of money could change the past.
Chapter25
Darcy rushed around the party room at a fancy restaurant in Charlotte on a Saturday two weeks later. She set the last centerpiece of teal-and-white roses on a round table, then stood in the center of the room. The tables were set with place cards along with elegant place settings.
In the corner she had arranged an area for guests to take selfies, complete with teal balloons, silver balloons, and a white neon sign spelling “McGowan”—Haven’s soon-to-be last name. A table near the room’s entrance was set up for cards and gifts. And the waitstaff was ready to deliver their lunch as soon as the guests and the guest of honor arrived.
“What do you think?” she asked Kaylen, Lola, and Marcia.
Kaylen placed her hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “Everything looks gorgeous, and you need to relax.”
“Are you sure?” Darcy held her breath as Lola scanned the room. If anyone was going to be critical, it would be Haven’s mom. After all, this was her only daughter’s bridal shower.
To her surprise, Lola smiled. “Darcy, it’s beautiful. Haven will be overjoyed.”
“I agree,” Marcia said. “It’s perfect.”
Darcy felt the muscles in her shoulders begin to unwind. “Okay.”
She glanced at her watch. They had fifteen minutes before everyone was set to arrive. She busied herself with straightening the balloons on the back of Haven’s chair.
Lola sidled up to her. “How have you been, Darcy?”
“I’ve been so focused on this shower that I haven’t really had a minute to think about anything else.” She glanced over to where Kaylen and her mother, Marcia, talked by the gift table.
Lola seemed to study her. “I hope this isn’t a breach of trust, but Haven told me you found your biological mother. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. Robyn and I have been talking during the past month.” Darcy was still hurt that Robyn wasn’t ready for her to meet her brothers, but she hoped Robyn would introduce them soon.
