Page 241 of Show Me

“The baby. I figured maybe that’s what’s got you twisted up.”

“That’s not it.” My chest tightens. “I’m not upset about the baby.”

His eyebrows lift.

“I almost watched her die tonight.” My hands lock together. “If Jake and I had gotten there a minute later–”

“But you didn’t.”

“I almost lost her.”

Dad exhales. “You didn’t put that woman in Ruby’s kitchen.”

“No. But Lindsey was after me. She thought Ruby took something from her.”

“That doesn't make this your fault.”

“Ruby didn’t even know Lindsey existed.” I stare at the floor. “She thought somebody was after her because she rejected someone. But it was because she was with me.”

Dad is quiet for a moment. “You’re not responsible for Lindsey’s actions. Neither one of you are.”

“I know.”

He rubs a hand across his jaw. “I’m not real good at this emotional crap.”

Despite everything, I almost laugh. “Could’ve fooled me.”

His gaze shifts toward Ruby’s room. “That girl’s scared.”

“I know.”

“And so are you.” There’s no point denying it. Dad shifts in his chair. “She ask you to leave?”

“Not exactly. She said she needs space.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

Feels like it.

I drag my hands down my face. “She told everybody about the baby before me. Her dad. Emily. Bella. Even Jake knew.”

Dad’s brow furrows. “And you think that means she didn't want you involved?”

“I don’t know what it means.” I swallow. “She didn’t tell me.”

“Son, you spent a long time convincing that girl you weren’t sticking around.” I flinch at his words. “You told everybody you didn’t do relationships. Kept one foot out the door.”

“I know.”

“So maybe she didn’t know if you’d stay because you wanted her or because there was a baby.”

He’s right. Ruby doesn’t know that the baby changes nothing about whether I want her. She doesn't know I was already gone for her before I knew she was pregnant.

Because I never told her.

“But I don’t think she stopped loving you tonight.” Dad leans back. “Telling her you choose her probably isn’t going to be enough anymore.”

My chest tightens. “Then what the hell am I supposed to do?”