Page 9 of Walk Off

This had to be a dream, or really more like a nightmare.

Her very worst nightmare.

Kyle was there. At the wedding.

She still couldn’t believe it was true and the image of him standing in front of her ran through her mind on repeat.

What was he doing there?

He looked the same but different. The blond hair he’d had as a young man was darker and a lot shaggier than it used to be. Plus, now he had facial hair. Not a full beard, but just a little scruff that made him look better than ever.

Cassidy burst through the doors of the room she’d run into to hide. “I’m so sorry, Cel. I had no idea that he was Benji’s friend Kyle from college. He never gave me a last name and I just had him pass the info straight to the wedding planner.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“What can I do?” Cassidy knelt in front of where she was sitting, her gorgeous white ball gown taking up all the space between them.

“Nothing, go back and enjoy your reception.”

Cassidy tilted her head and glared at her. “The fact that you think that I’d leave you alone even for one second, means you’ve lost your mind. The man you love is out in that room right now.” She pointed behind her. “And I, for one, want to know what you’re going to do about it?”

She shook her head repeatedly. “I have no fucking idea.”

“I do.” They both turned at the new voice.

Ruby.

One of only three people who knew that Kyle Dulanay was Jasmine’s father.

Bile rose in her throat but she pushed it down. She was so ashamed of what she’d done all those years ago, but nothing could change the past.

She’d broken up with Kyle never telling him she was pregnant with his child.

Horrible was not a strong enough word for the kind of person she was.

“Cass,” Ruby said, “why don’t you go back out and enjoy your night? I’ll take it from here.”

Cassidy stood, giving Celia a quick hug. “It’s going to be okay.”

Celia wasn’t sure if she believed her, but she gave her a small smile anyway. “Go, get out of here.”

Cassidy left and Ruby took her place, squatting in front of her. “Talk to me.”

“Did you see him?” Ruby had never met Kyle but she absolutely knew who he was.

“I did. I even talked to him.”

Celia’s mouth fell open. “You what?”

“Dallas pulled him outside after you ran out and he and I officially met. I gotta say, Cel, he seemed a little broken after watching you run away. He thought you were afraid of him.”

“I am afraid of him!” She stood and paced the room. “What am I going to do, Ruby? If he finds out about Jasmine, he’s going to take her from me.” She turned and stared at her sister. “I can’t lose my kid.”

“I know why you did what you did and I can even understand it. But it’s gone on too long. If he’s the guy you always say he is, then he won’t take Jasmine from you. He might hate you forever, but that’s a chance you’re going to have to take. It’s time that Kyle got to know his daughter.” She took a step toward her. “And don’t you think Jasmine deserves a dad?”

She swallowed back the tears that were falling. She knew Ruby was right, and Jasmine did deserve a father, especially one like Kyle. Celia had no doubt he’d be an amazing dad.

She’d robbed him of that.

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