Page 95 of Totally Off Limits

She got up and hugged them both and then, through blurry eyes, she grinned when she heard Mia all but scream, “Mama!”

“Mommy loves you, Mia.”

Layne and Jasper followed Mia toward the deck. “I guess I’m chopped liver.”

“I love chopped liver, too.”

Just then, the triplets walked on the deck following grandma using her walker—and, for once, the Haydens felt like one big happy family, and they all enjoyed an impromptu dinner on the deck, laughing and smiling, feeling free.

Miracles would never cease. Sierra would discover that again later.

CHAPTER31

“Thanks, mom. I’m not sure how long I’ll be, but I’ll be home as soon as I can,” Sierra said, pulling into a parking spot at the big park on the north side of town. Mickey had texted her earlier that day, asking if she could meet, and she told him she couldn’t until after work.

She hadn’t seen him or spoken with him since the night he’d shown up at her condo, having figured out he was Mia’s father. And the last thing she’d said to him had been in a voicemail confessing everything. She was no dummy. She knew this was likely going to be a discussion about visitation and/ or custody.

As long as he wasn’t asking forfullcustody, she’d do her best to be reasonable.

She had to—for hisandMia’s sakes.

As she looked through the park, she tried to find Mickey, but there were people everywhere, enjoying one of the last days of summer. Even though she’d never admit it, she was following the band on their tour, so she knew they had a two-week hiatus before heading overseas. What she hadn’t expected was to hear from Mickey so soon. After all, he hadn’t called or texted—until today.

Which told her he was getting ready to sue her ass for custody.

And she knew she could make a shitty argument to a court that he’d be a bad father, but she didn’t know that at all. In fact, she suspected the opposite. Everything she knew about Mickey, every encounter he’d had with Mia as evidence, everything he’d ever said all pointed to the likelihood that he’d be an excellent parent.

Finally, she spotted him closer to the river sitting at a picnic bench. Out of habit, Sierra had parked near the playground where she and Mia frequented when they came to this particular park, far from this quieter spot. Mickey was by himself looking at his phone but he must have seen her coming, because he looked up. Although there was no smile on his face, he didn’t seem angry.

Probably because he was getting ready to let her have it with both barrels—and there was satisfaction to be had in that.

“Hey, Mickey.” She’d almost forgotten that he’d cut his hair, but it was already growing out. Long or short, the man’s eyes, cheekbones, and firm jaw made him as handsome as ever.

Standing, he nodded. “Sierra.” Jesus. His voice was still smooth like chocolate. Why the hell had she shit on him?

She wanted to beg for his forgiveness but that wouldn’t be fair—to ask him for mercy after she’d given him none would be a slap in the face. And, besides, she’d already apologized.

Time to get it over with. As she drew in a deep breath, she joined him at the bench.

“How have you been?” she asked.

Shrugging, he said, “It’s a tour. There’s a lot that’s good and bad—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Sierra blinked and gave a small nod. “Did you want to sit down?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Um…we don’t have to.”

“Nah, it’s good.”

They sat in silence next to each other for a bit, and Sierra tried to focus on the sound of the river not far away. There was something calming about the rush and gurgle of water racing toward its destiny.

Kind of like she’d been.

“What about you? Everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

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