Page 93 of Tempted

She moved closer. “Baby?”

“Honey, I’m here to take you home—for good. When we leave you’ll never have to back.” Jasmine didn’t want to break down in front of her daughter but her anxiety and the pregnancy hormones finally caught up with her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

Hesitantly the child moved into Jasmine’s embrace and held on tight. A dam broke forth and sobs shook Jasmine’s body as she held on to her daughter determined never to be separated from her again.

* * *

“When can I see Star again Daddy? Can we visit her tomorrow?” Chelsea asked at the dinner table.

It had been an emotional day for him. Seeing Jasmine reunited with Star tugged at his heartstrings. As mother and daughter held on to each other there hadn’t been a dry eye in the house. Even Jason seemed a little misty-eyed.

Once everything had been settled between Jasmine and the caseworker, she was free to take Star home with her but Victor couldn’t help feeling an emptiness inside. He wished to God they were going home with him. He’d grown quite fond of that little girl when she’d come to visit his house on several occasions and his kids most definitely loved her. They would have made the perfect blended family. Instead they were going home with Jason.

Victor sighed. With the baby being due next month Victor realizedhe’d have to step things up if he wanted Jasmine back. He wasn’t willing to roll over in defeat until she said I do to Jason.

“Daddy are you listening to me?” Chelsea demanded.

Victor looked up from his barely touched steak. “I’m sorry pumpkin, what did you say?”

“Can you take us to see Star tomorrow? I want to show her the new doll we brought. Grandma and me picked out a brown one especially for her.”

Victor pushed his plate away giving up any pretense of eating. “I’ll be in court all day tomorrow but you may want to give Jasmine and Star a few days to themselves. I’ll take you to see them this weekend.”

Chelsea pouted. “But I haven’t seen Star in such a loooong time, Daddy. I miss her.”

“We all do honey. But so does Jasmine. She deserves to have a little alone time with her daughter.”

“Yeah, kiddo, give the poor girl some time before you drive her nuts with your nonstop chatter,” Adam teased.

Chelsea folded her arms over her chest. “I will not drive her crazy! Star is my best friend. She likes to hear me talk.”

“Or maybe she’s just too polite to tell you to shut up.” The teenager laughed.

“Yeah! You big blabber mouth,” Tyler joined in.

“Daddy! Make them stop!” Chelsea glared at her brothers.

“That’s enough, all three of you. Chelsea, I’ll take you to see Jasmine and Star this weekend and that’s final.” He pushed away from the table. “I’m going to my study to make a couple phone calls.”

Victor was halfway to his office when the doorbell rang. He frowned. They weren’t expecting any visitors and his mother had a key and normally let herself in. He hoped it wasn’t a solicitor at this time at night.

Looking out the peephole before opening the door, Victor’s frown deepened. What the hell was he doing here? Then it occurred to him something might be wrong with Jasmine. Why else would Jason be on his doorstep? Opening the door with no little apprehension, Victor inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Is everything alright with Jasmine? Is it the baby? Star?”

Jason shook his head. “Jasmine is home with Star and both of them and the baby are fine. They were looking through a book of baby names when I left them. Star won’t leave her mother’s side and I can’t say I blame the kid. So, uh, are you going to let me in or am I not welcome in your home?”

“Oh, my apologies. Please come in.” Victor stood back and allowed the other man entrance into his home. “Can I take your coat?” Victor closed the door behind him.

“No what I have to say to you won’t take long.”

Victor raised a brow. “Oh?” If this joker was over here to tell him to stay away from Jasmine, he was in for a fight.

“Look, I don’t think you’re a bad guy, a little bit of an asshole maybe but deep down you’re decent.”

“Gee thanks,” Victor didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm in his voice. “I’m sure there’s a point to this backhanded compliments so how about getting to it?”

“I love Jasmine. Very much. And I’m willing to raise her children as my own.”

“Look if you think—”

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