Page 23 of Luke

She sighed. “My job was at a clinic in Minnesota, where I worked as a phlebotomist. I loved my job and fell for one of the physicians there, who told me he was getting a divorce. I believed him and got involved, even though he said we had to keep it quiet because it could jeopardize our jobs, especially since his divorce wasn’t final yet.” She shook her head. “His father-in-law owns the clinic. Looking back, there were signsthat something wasn’t right, like when he didn’t show up or stay the night when he said he would, and always had an excuse about visiting his so-called ‘ex’ to discuss the divorce. When I got pregnant, he was furious. He wanted me to have an abortion. I couldn’t do it. He fired me and told me if I told anyone about the baby, I’d regret it. I was afraid he was telling me the truth, but I found a part-time job. I had no idea what I was going to do once the baby was born. Anyway, his wife couldn’t have kids, and she found out about the pregnancy a month ago. I’m not sure how, but she gave him an ultimatum: her and the baby or me and the baby, and he chose her. He lied to me throughout our relationship, and I was heartbroken. When I decided to leave and go back to Seattle, he suddenly showed up telling me he was getting a lawyer because his wife didn’t work and since he makes more money than me, they could provide better for the baby. I had planned to stay in Minnesota, but when he started threatening to take my child, I knew I had to go. It broke my heart to think of losing my baby. And when I left, he sent me a threatening text saying he would find me no matter where I went. There was nowhere to hide from him. So, I changed my phone number. Now that I’m here in this small town during a snowstorm, I actually feel safe. I know he’s looking for me but probably thinks I’m already in Seattle.”

“Is he listed as the father?”

“No, but I know he’d demand a paternity test. Especially if his wife made him do it. Her family is rich and if she divorced Mick, he’d lose everything.”

“Well, at least you bought yourself some time by going into labor.”

“Yeah, but I know he’ll hire a private investigator as soon as possible.”

“That might take some time in this weather. No one will want to travel.”

“That’s true. But even if I leave here in two weeks like I planned, going to Seattle might be too obvious of a choice.”

“You can stay here for as long as you need.”

“I don’t want to impose on Connie.”

“You met her. What do you think?”

“She’s amazing. I’ve never met anyone like her, or you and Beau for that matter.”

“Everyone in this town is always willing to help out. It’s just the way it is in small towns like this.”

“It’s such a charming and picturesque town.”

“We get a lot of people who visit during the summer and end up moving here.”

“Do you get a lot of tourists passing through?”

“Oh yeah, Spring City and the other surrounding towns are popular destinations. People come from all over the country. Becca Stone owns the Clifton Bed and Breakfast and cabins, and the Bur Oak Guest Ranch is also nearby. The towns get pretty crowded during peak tourist season; there’s even a two-year waiting list to stay at some places.”

“Wow, I never would have guessed. I can see why though; this place is so beautiful.”

“Then why not stay? You’ll be safe here; we take care of our own.” Luke laughed as Leah let out a loud burp. “Looks like she enjoyed her bottle.”

“I’ll go change her and put her to bed.”

“Alright.” Luke handed the baby to Bryce. “Goodnight, baby girl.” He gently stroked her head.

“I won’t be long. If you want to find something to watch, go ahead.”

“Okay.”

Bryce made her way from the living room to the bedroom, where she changed Leah’s diaper and placed her in the bassinet. As she gazed down at her daughter, a tear slipped down hercheek.

“I won’t let him take you,” she whispered before leaving the room.

When she returned to the living room, Luke was flipping through channels but stood up when she entered. She shook her head.

“You and Beau have such good manners.”

Luke shrugged. “As I’ve said before, we were raised properly.”

“Connie also mentioned that.” Bryce shook her head. “I still can’t believe she’s letting me stay here for free without even knowing me. She’s truly amazing.”

“She and Owen are both wonderful people. Even though they don’t have kids of their own, they consider the whole town as their family.”

“She told me about her nieces finding love after moving here.”

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