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“Yeah, I don’t think his dad had a healthy liking for me either. The whole family is a bit crazy.”

“Fuck. I can’t believe your father was okay giving you to them.”

I watch her look down and then back up to me. “I want to be completely honest with you.”

“I want that too, baby.”

“My parents kidnapped me from my grammy and poppy. They’d lost custody of me and hated it. So, after Poppy died, they took me and told me my grammy was dead.” Tears start rolling down her cheeks, and I pull her onto my lap. “I thought I was seeing a ghost when she showed up in Tucson.”

“Baby, I’m going to make sure that the rest of your life is good.”

“Thank you, honey.” My heart swells at her words.

When I hold her close to me as we fall asleep, I silently pray I can always protect her and our children. I slide my hand over her belly as my eyes drift closed.

Chapter Ten

LYNAE

It’s been over a month since I changed our relationship. We are officially boyfriend and girlfriend. However, he won’t leave my side very much lately, not after Coral was kidnapped and buried alive. I try to assure him that no one is coming after me. I’m safe.

I’m twenty-five weeks pregnant and getting bigger every day. The doctor keeps saying it’s because of how big Ryker is that our baby is growing so fast. I’m measuring at almost twenty-eight to thirty weeks, but developmentally, he’s right on target.

Ryker is upset with me because I’m still working at the vineyard restaurant when Jaden needs me, like tonight. I move between the tables, watching the floor to make sure I don’t trip on something.

“Welcome to Painted Desert Winery and Vineyard. Can I tempt you with a glass of our famous wine?” I ask the couple seated at the table.

“Lynae?”

I look up and freeze. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys. How are you doing?”

“You’re pregnant? Cheri said the pregnancy didn’t take. Does she know?”

“Oh, no, this isn’t from that. I got pregnant right afterward with my boyfriend’s baby.”

“Lynae, you okay?” Ryker says from behind me.

I love that he can sense when I’m not feeling right. I’m freaking out because if they go back and tell Cherise and Ken I’m pregnant, it could start another court battle.

“Excuse me, sir, she’s speaking to us,” Mrs. Humphreys says, her tone dripping with condescension as she addresses Ryker.

“I’m her boyfriend, so back off, lady.”

“Well, I never.” She gasps and holds her hand to her chest like she’s shocked.

“Mrs. Humphreys, let me get you a glass of wine. Mr. Humphreys, would you like me to get you some brandy? I’ll also have another server help you.”

I put in their drink orders and ask one of the other waitresses to help them before I join Ryker in the kitchen.

“Who are they?” he asks when I step up to him.

“They are close friends with Cherise and Ken.” My heart beats faster as worry sets in.

“Who are Cherise and Ken?” Jaden asks from where he’s running the kitchen and checking all the plates before they go out.

We haven’t told his family about Sayler’s, or the court battle I went through. I’m sure they’d look at me differently if they knew I had been on hormones and didn’t protect their son or myself.

“They’re Lyn’s ex-in-laws,” Ryker answers.

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