Page 29 of Taming a Heartbreaker

She didn’t say anything at first, and then, “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Redford. I’m not sure, even after what you’ve told me, that my thoughts will change. Earlier you said I’m in a super protective mode when it comes to my child, and I am. I’m not sure you’re there.”

“I wouldn’t be here wanting to take care of the two of you if I wasn’t there, Carmen.”

“Is Candy still living in Skagway?”

“No. The guy she betrayed me with dumped her. Then she left for college and met and married a military guy. I understand they have two kids.”

She wondered how he knew that. Did he keep up with her? As if he’d known her thoughts, he said, “Her parents still live in Skagway, and she often comes to visit them. At some point, she apologized to my parents. The whole thing was one hell of a scandal, and for years her reputation was in shambles.”

“Did she ever apologize to you?” Carmen asked.

“No, but not for lack of trying. I refused to accept her calls and letters, and I made sure our paths didn’t cross whenever I returned to Skagway.”

Deciding to change the subject, she asked, “I’m feeling a little hungry. Did Leslie leave the soup out for dinner?”

“Yes. I’ll prepare you a bowl,” he said, standing with her in his arms and then placing her on the sofa. “Do you prefer getting back in bed?”

“No, sitting here is fine.”

He nodded. “It won’t take me long to warm up the soup. I hope you’ll be able to keep it down.”

“I hope so, too.”

She watched him leave, thinking about what he’d shared with her. Candy had broken his heart and that was the reason he would never love anyone else. It was sad that after all this time Candy hadn’t died in his heart like he thought, but that she still had a hold on it.

Chapter Thirteen

Redford noted the lifting of Carmen’s brow the moment she tasted the soup. Before returning to her home, he had gone to the grocery store and purchased ingredients for a soup he’d wanted to make for her. He’d also made a stop at a retail store to purchase one of those over-the-bed eating tables versatile enough to be used when she was out of bed and sitting on the loveseat like she was doing now. He sat in the chair across from her bed and was surprised she hadn’t asked him to leave so she could eat in private.

She glanced over at him. “This isn’t the soup I had yesterday.”

“No, it isn’t. It’s a recipe I discovered that’s rich in nutrients. I thought it would be good for you and our baby.”

“And you discovered this how?”

He smiled at her. “During my research.”

She must have been amused by what he said because she returned his smile and began eating again. He had wanted to make her a sandwich to go along with the soup, but before leaving Leslie had warned him the only solid foods she could consume were the ones on the list the doctor had given them. He had studied the list and already his mind had conjured up several recipes he could put together for her. That is, if she decided to let him stay.

Although he had wanted to use his powers of persuasion and negotiation, after she had accused him of having an ulterior motive for wanting to claim their child, he knew the only thing that would work would be the truth.

It had been hard reliving that part of his life, which he’d done twice now in the past twenty-four hours. First to Leslie and then to Carmen. He hoped that would be the last time he’d have to bring it up to anyone. He had moved on. It was in his past and he wanted it kept there.

“This is really delicious, Redford.”

“Thanks. I recall telling you that I liked to cook but not bake.”

“Yes, that was one of the things you did tell me.”

Had her comment been meant to remind him of what he’d said about not wanting kids? Leslie had warned him that even after telling her about Candy, it might not matter. A part of him wanted to believe that it would.

“Tell me about your childhood, Redford.”

Her request caught him off guard. He glanced over at her. “Any particular part you want to know?”

“Yes, your younger years, like before you started school.”

“Whoa. Not sure if I remember that far back. I would say I was a good child; however, my parents might beg to differ.”

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