Page 80 of The Bachelor's Dilemma

He wanted to reassure her why it didn’t matter an iota. But so far nothing seemed to lend itself to that discussion.

He wanted all the old life cleared up, both his work in the Middle East, and the truth about Zack’s paternity.

“Zack is a wonderful child. You’ve done a terrific job with him.”

“Thanks. It hasn’t always been easy. But I wouldn’t trade him for anything.”

Myles waited a moment. This was as perfect an opening as he could give her. He hoped she’d say something about it being hard to be a mother without the father, that when they had first adopted Zack, she and Tom had planned a long life together.

But Anna remained silent.

Time was running out. He’d to leave soon, and he wanted her to know he knew about Zack and didn’t care. In fact, he relished the knowledge that she didn’t have to raise him alone from now on. And that he was Zack’s father.

It’d be easier to tell her if she’d bring it up. But Anna continued to snuggle close, obviously content with her own thoughts.

Or was she struggling to find a way to tell him? Was she the one who couldn’t have children? It didn’t have to have been Tom. Was she worried that would impact him someway? He wanted her whether she could have children or not. His love for her was not based on her ability to bear children. He loved her for herself and always would.

“The house you like has five bedrooms and an in-law unit.”

“Mmm,” she said.

“Could be we’d need to work to fill them up.”

“Could be,” she said.

“I’m not against adoption, you know,” he said easily. “I wish someone had adopted me once my parents were no longer in the picture. But by then I was an older child—no one wanted to.”

Now she’d say how she couldn’t bear for that to happen to another child, how they’d joyfully adopted Zack to give him a family and a permanent home.

“I’m sorry you weren’t. You couldn’t have been much older than Zack is now.”

“But maybe not as charming. I can’t imagine anyone seeing Zack and not wanting to adopt him.”

“Good thing he’s not available,” Anna said.

“Not now.”

She sat up and looked at him, frowning slightly. “What do you mean? Nothing’s going to happen to me.”

“I didn’t say it was.”

“Then why say Zack’s not available now?”

“I mean, not now. Earlier, maybe.” How much of an opening did she need? His heart sank. Did she not trust him?

“Never. Even if something happens to me, my folks would make sure he was loved and taken care of.”

“I could do that.”

She smiled slightly and nodded.

“Zack’s my son,” he said.

“I’m so glad you think like that. I’ve heard stories about women marrying and the new husband wanted nothing to do with their children.”

“I mean, he’s really mine. I want to adopt him or change his last name, or something, so the world knows.”

She pulled back a bit and tilted her head to better see him, obviously puzzled.

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