Page 53 of Until Daddy

“Well, first, watch your language, that’s the only warning you’re getting tonight. You keep letting the curses slip and I’ve been too lenient.”

Too lenient? Which relationship was he watching?

“Second, we can skip the rice tonight. I’ll get you a rice cooker if you really want one, because I love rice, carbs or not.” He moved to her side and slid his hands around her waist, pulling her to him.

She inhaled the comforting scent of his aftershave and nestled into his neck. Nothing felt more like home than when she was in his arms.

“What was that?” He chuckled. “You just got all tense.”

Of course she had. Her damn brain just wouldn’t cooperate with her plan.

“Nothing.” She maneuvered her way out of his embrace and went to get the meatloaf from the oven. Potatoes would have gone better with the meal, but like he said, he loved rice. And she enjoyed giving him what he loved. “You know that surprise I told you about?”

“Yeah?”

She placed the hot loaf pan on the table and gave him a quick glance over her shoulder. Should she maybe lead with the protest?

“Well?” He chuckled when she didn’t continue.

She dropped the oven mitts next to the meatloaf and turned to him, pressing her ass against the edge of the table. “After you told me about your mom, I did a little digging. Nothing dangerous,” she added quickly. “Just a Google search and a Facebook message.”

His smile fell a little at the corners. “Go on.”

“I didn’t find her exactly, but I was able to get a hold of Valerie Newton. Do you remember her? She was a friend of your mother’s.”

“Newton?” His brow wrinkled. “The name sounds familiar, but my father does a lot of business with a lot of people. What did this lady have to say?” She noticed his knuckles whiten as he gripped the counter behind him, leaning back against it attempting to look casual, but she knew it had to be bringing up some emotions for him. Some unresolved hope or anger.

“Not much, really. Just that she hadn’t seen your mother since she left Chicago. She went to Indiana, but…” Carissa weighed her next words. “She did say that your mother didn’t want to leave you. Valerie thinks your father held something over her, had something to use against her in order to make her sign away her parental rights.”

His expression darkened as he thought over her words. “I won’t lie and say that didn’t occur to me over the years. He’s not exactly used to losing, and losing a custody battle—even one he didn’t really want to win—would still be losing. Did she have any other information?”

“No. She said she thinks your mother went to Indiana, that your mother had distant relatives there.”

Jamison nodded. “I think I remember an uncle who lived out that way. It’s been too many years.” He dragged his left hand through his hair and took a deep breath. “You did that for me?”

She nodded, still unsure of his reaction. She hadn’t found out much, and in the process, had managed to open a few wounds. Did that count as a success?

He moved to close the space between them and pulled her in his arms, placing a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you.”

“I didn’t get very far. But she did say for you to call her. I have her number for you.”

“You did a hell of a lot more than I ever did.” He kissed her again and held her tighter. “I think I know someone who can help us do more searching. I’ll talk with Mrs. Newton then with him.”

She peeked up at him to find the darkness fading away and a warm smile crossing his face. “I wasn’t sure you’d be happy about me poking around.”

“While I don’t want you contacting people you don’t know anymore, I’m not mad about this. You did this for me and were somewhat safe. I mean, you didn’t meet her or tell her where you live, did you?” An eyebrow shot up.

“Of course not.” She giggled.

“Okay, but no more poking around, okay? I think you’ve gotten a good start and I agree, I don’t think my mother just walked out on me. I think there’s more and I want to find out what it was. Our dinner is getting cold. Sit down and let’s eat.” He gave her another kiss and a pinch to her bottom before letting her go.

If he had concerns, he wasn’t showing them to her, and he didn’t seem to be preoccupied in the least. It was the perfect time to bring up her next subject since he seemed to be in such a light mood.

“I talked with Margaret today. She said the city sent her a letter. Looks like your father is going through with his threat of using eminent domain to make them sell.”

“I know.” He let out a heavy sigh and went to the dishwasher to grab plates. “I spoke with him today. Briefly.” His voice went tight, like any second it could break from the tension. A far cry from the happy place she’d just had him.

“She said they are planning protests. This weekend, in front of your father’s building.” Carissa kept busy slicing the meatloaf and placing it on the plates he held out to her. She didn’t look at him.

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