Page 46 of Promise

He shouldn’t be touching me, acting almost possessive of me, and I’m torn between telling him to buzz off or accepting what appears like a display of support. He’s here for me; we are in this together.

Stone’s brows couldn’t possibly rise any higher. Cassidy has a look of surprise on her face as well.

“Well, this is good news,” she says, her tone light, almost giddy.

“Why?” I snap, the defensive sharpness unnecessary, but still, I don’t understand how Dart would have anything to do with their sudden visit.

“A couple adopting a child looks much better than a single mother.”

If Dart is surprised at the news, he doesn’t react other than the sudden tightening of his fingers on my thigh. Like he’s gripping me to give him strength.

I’ve leaned into the misconception that I had Mirabelle with someone else because I was hurt. He’s probably been with countless other women, even though he keeps flashing that silicone wedding band on his finger. And childishly, I wanted him to hurt in return.

This isn’t how I wanted him to learn the truth.

We remain still, stiff beside one another. I continue to cling to Mirabelle.

Clearing my throat, I know I need to come clean to the authorities. To the people who can either help me or hurt my chances of keeping Mirabelle with me.

“We—”

The sudden wrap of Dart’s arm around my shoulder freezes my explanation. The physical display is too much, and I’m torn again, wondering what he’s playing at by acting like the doting husband.

“I’ve been away for a while, but now, I’m back.”

Stone narrows his knowing eyes and fixates on me. He’s well aware Dart has been gone for years.

Despite my stiffness, I lean toward Dart, further presenting the illusion of a united front.

“Good. This is so good.” Cassidy beams, brightening with hope, shifting her attention from us to Stone and back. “This could expedite your case.”

“Really?” The hope in me springs forth, echoed in the squeak of my voice. I nearly melt against Dart. Anything to move things along.

“Where are we with everything?” I ask, inhaling after asking, as if I’d been holding my breath. But I’m very conscious of the way my heart hammers and my lungs work.

“It’s rather cut and dry,” Stone states, hitching his fingers into his gun belt. “I found the girl. She admits she gave Mirabelle to the former nanny with instructions to do as she did. Leave Mirabelle with you. She’s fully consenting to the adoption.”

He offers a rare smile. “Mirabelle will soon be yours.”

Releasing another shaky breath, I glance at Dart, as if Stone just told me Mirabelle will be ours.

A baby. All that we’d hoped and longed for. She’s here. Actually here in my arms and almost ours.

Met by a shaky smile from him, I look away. I won’t drag Dart into this situation. Parenting. Responsibility. Longevity.

Mirabelle is a gift for me.

Dart squeezes my shoulder, arm firm and steady around me. “This is wonderful.” Laying it on extra thick, he presses a kiss to my temple.

The action takes me by surprise, and I glance at Stone, who is watching us with hawk-like interest.

“Can I have a word with you? Alone.” Stone asks, nodding toward the kitchen.

He’s an officer of the law and a man I respect, but I know the gist of what he’ll ask me. Do I feel threatened, coerced, or in danger? All valid questions if I felt endangered in any way. But Dart would never physically hurt me. He’s not a threat. Not like Stone thinks.

Stone is an investigator by nature and protective to a fault, both things I adore about him. So, I want to assure him without a lengthy discussion that I’m safe.

“I’m fine.”