Page 101 of Allegiance

He kissed her on the top of the head.

“You and me both, Kiddo. You and me both.”

Saying nothing else, he grabbed his tools and headed out. So he wouldn’t know that she heard him, Eve tucked herself into the closest room.

When they heard the front door close, she finally reappeared.

“Are you okay?” Eve said, feeling emotional herself. That man did it to her.

“Yeah, I like him.”

She held out the note and stared into Eve’s eyes. She loved this woman, and she’d been the reason she healed.

“I know it’s not my business,” she began.

Eve stopped her.

“Anything that happens here is your business because we’re a family.”

Well, then…

She was curious.

With love, she put her hand on Eve’s little bump. It’s small yet, but it stood out because she was small.

“Is it his baby?”

Ah, she wasn’t shocked. She got right to the point.

“Yes.”

“Are you going to keep the baby from him?” Violet asked.

Eve had been told by Callista Gaines that if she lied to Violet, even to protect her, it would be damaging. So, she went with the truth.

“I don’t know.”

She offered her perspective, even though she wasn’t an adult, but instead, a child who grew up unloved.

“So this baby could have a Mom and Dad, and you’re not going to let it because you’re angry with him? Who are you trying to hurt? The baby? Him? Or you, Mom?”

Well, from the mouths of babes.

Eve didn’t answer because she didn’t have one.

Violet continued.

“That’s sad for the baby. I wish I had a Dad. Sometimes, I wonder if he ever knew I was around. When I was in the foster homes, I used to dream about him coming for me.”

Tears filled her eyes.

Eve’s too.

“I used to dream about that too,” she admitted. “And it never came true.”

Ever.

She took her hand in hers.

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