Page 60 of Fate

Carson leads me to a stool and practically puts me on it. “Coffee, Sweetcheeks?” he says to me, but Misty answers.

“Oh, no thanks, I’ve had enough.”

“Now, Misty, you know I’ve never called you that name once in the two weeks you’ve lived here. I was talking to Kathleen. My girlfriend. Speaking of, we need totalk.”

Misty leans against the counter on the opposite side of the kitchen. Her gaze from this distance is lethal. “Do you really think that’s a good idea in front of our daughter? She’s liable to get confused. I mean, she knows I’m Mommy and you’re Daddy. This woman is a stranger.”

Carson visibly bristles. “No, she’s not. She’s the woman I’m in love with, and it’s time I introduce her to you and my daughter. You’re going to start seeing a lot more of her from here on out. Isn’t that right, Kathleen?”

“Yep.” And on that note I get up from my spot and hold out my left hand toward Misty. She narrows her eyes at the oddity. “Kathleen Bennett.”

She doesn’t take my hand, so I drop it to my side, feeling the discomfort pumping off her in waves of negative energy. Carson wraps an arm over my shoulders, providing me the extra boost of strength Ineed.

“I understand this is a difficult situation and time for you, Carson, and Cora. I’m happy to help this transition in any way Ican.”

Misty snorts. “Help? The only thing you’re doing by being here is breaking up my family.”

Carson lets me go and stands in front of me, thankfully breaking the dagger-like stare she had going. If looks could kill, I’d already be dead by now. The woman absolutely hates me. Then again, if she wants Carson and I stand in the way, she has good reasonto.

I remind myself it’s going to take time for all of this to sink in for everyone, and more time to get things on an evenkeel.

“Misty, that’s uncalled for. Kathleen is my family. Cora is my family. You are the mother of my daughter.”

“But you said you were going to change Cora’s name and make us a real family. You said that, and now that she’s here, you’re taking it back!” Her voice breaks and she runs out of the kitchen in tears.

Well, that didn’t go verywell.

Carson presses thumb and forefinger into his temples. I can’t imagine the weight he’s feeling on his shoulders. I rub a hand down his back. “Carson, baby, how about I leave?”

“No! This is just a misunderstanding. I can fix this.” Misery coats histone.

I bring him around to face me. “I believe you can and you will. But having me here is not helping. She needs time to get used to this idea. I think we all do. You’ve leveled me with a blow I need some time to come to terms withtoo.”

He grips my shoulders. “I don’t want you to overthink this and decide you can’t handle it. I want to work through this withyou.”

I shake my head and pat his cheek. “Honey, you can’t. We all need this. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to go to one of the girl’s houses, hash it out with copious amounts of wine, and then go home to bed. You deal with Misty and make sure Cora is taken care of. Then call me tomorrow. Okay?”

He pushes me against the counter and kisses me soundly. His tongue dips in, swallowing me whole. I love every second. Until we’re broken apart by a giggling squeal coming from a few feetaway.

“Someone wants her daddy’s attention.” I smile against hislips.

“Yeah,” he says softly, kissing me once more. “Will you meet my daughter before you go?” He sounds needy and wistful at the sametime.

“I’d like nothing more. Lead the way, Daddio.”

He chuckles and pulls the squirming toddler out of her chair. He grabs a towel, wipes her mouth, and then tosses the towel back on the counter.

“Cora Duncan, soon to be Davis, meet Kathleen Bennett, soon to be Davis.”

I try not to allow the shock of his words and intention hit me too hard. Carson was never shy about his desire to marry me. He mentioned it often when we were together. It was always me holding back. I should have jumped in before the fire. Had I done so, we’d be in an entirely different place. Then again, sometimes fate has other plans. Maybe we were meant to do things differently.

Considering the crystal-blue eyes of Carson’s daughter makes one thing very clear to me. If we had not gone through what we had, this perfect angel would never behere.

“Hi, angel baby. I’m Kat, and we’re going to be great friends.” I wrap a finger around her chubby one, lean forward, and kiss the top of herhead.

She giggles, and my heart melts. It is definitely not going to be hard to fall in love with this little girl. I’m half in love already.

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