Page 2 of Rolling with the Single Daddies

I explain the double whammy of Jake’s absence and Mara’s sudden departure. With each word, I feel worse about disrupting his plans. “You’ve been looking forward to this conference for weeks, so I get it if you want to stay. It’s your call.”

Without missing a beat, he says, “I got you. I’ll head to the shop now. I can hit up some of my new friends later and get them to practice their newfound mixology skills and show me what I missed.”

Relief washes over me, quickly followed by guilt. “Are you sure?”

“That’s what partners are for.” Diego’s tone is light, but I can hear the underlying disappointment.

“Thanks, Diego. I owe you one.”

“You owe me several, but who’s counting?” He laughs, and he’s not wrong. He always helps with Evie. “See you later, alright?”

I hang up. The immediate crisis is averted, but at what cost? I’ve inconvenienced Diego again. And now I don’t have a nanny. Even though I usually work from home, I’m not going to be able to manage our nationwide stores without someone to care for Evie. And the international expansion involves way too many video calls for me not to have help.

Evie’s incoherent babbles pull me back to the moment.

“What are we going to do, Baby Bear?” I murmur into her hair.

Two

Avery

I sing along to P!nk’sGet the Party Startedas I apply the final touches of mascara. Nikki invited our roller derby team to check out a cigar shop. Months after her brother was killed in combat, she’s pushing herself to get out and try to start her life again, which I’m proud of her for doing.

I just need to get out and do a non-Mom thing and pretend that I haven’t forgotten to have fun. Luckily my brothers are wrapped around Bella’s little finger.

I’ve squeezed into my favorite jeans that hug my curves a little more tightly than they used to, but it’s a good change from sweats covered in baby spit-up.

As I’m headed out the door, my oldest brother yells, “Don’t forget to pick up some diapers!”

Mom duty never ceases, but at least the majority of my outing will be fun. After the short drive to town, I pull into the nearest grocery store, grab the largest pack of diapers I can find, and rush back to my car.

That’s when I see him. Roman, Bella’s father.

My blood runs cold as I spot my ex leaning against my car, arms crossed and a smirk on his face. I fight the urge to run back inside. He’s figured out that I had a baby and it’s probably his. The mega-pack of diapers that’s nearly as big as I am doesn’t help the situation.

He stares at them, then huffs.

I walk directly to my driver’s-side door, ignoring him, anger churning in my gut.

He pushes off the front of my car, slapping a hand on the door to keep it from opening. “I think you know why I’m here, Avery. Where’s my kid?”

I’m fired up. “Your kid? Right, you’re great dad material.”

His laugh sends chills down my spine. “I have a right to see my kid.”

“I seriously doubt you want a baby in your precious bachelor pad. You didn’t even want me there other than for booty calls.” That little gem took me way too long to figure out.

“I know you’re living with your brothers. How’s that working out for you? Still can’t stand on your own two feet?”

His words sting, hitting a nerve. I take a deep breath, channeling all my anger and fear into a steely resolve to protect my daughter.

He continues, “You can’t keep my child from me.”

“Even if you are the father, do you really want to man up for midnight feedings? Diaper changes? Maybeyou want to see how much diapers cost?” I thrust the receipt at him but he doesn’t take it. I add the kicker. “Child support?”

Uncertainty flickers in his eyes. “So you were fucking around on me and you don’t even know who the father is?”

Letting him believe that is my best option. “Yep, no telling who the father is. Be grateful I’m not trying to pin it on you.”

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