Page 82 of Catnip, Claws, and Chaos

“There was a sort of emergency with Sarah, and I had to go out.” Not a complete lie, but the words stick in my throat anyway. I've never kept secrets from people I care about, and this is the biggest one yet.

“I hope everything worked out okay,” he says, and his eyes drop to the carrier. “Why do you have a baby with you?”

Before I can answer, Bob charges toward me. I've learned to tolerate the enormous dog, accepting that he'll jump and lick my face whenever I arrive. I set Sophia down and brace for a hundred pounds of Saint Bernard. Instead, Bob ignores me, sitting beside Sophia with his tail wagging excitedly.

Demon stalks into the room, tail swaying, and stops inches from the girl before hissing loudly, with her back arched and her fur standing on end. I'm momentarily grateful that Sophia can't hear the sound. Instead, she laughs and waves her arms. Demon seems to roll her eyes before turning away indignantly.

Logan continues to stare, bewildered, awaiting my explanation.

“Your neighbor asked me to watch her for half an hour,” I say. “He's in a bad situation. The mother, or I guess she was the mother, called her a little monster and said fighting in front of her was fine because she couldn't hear them.”

A strange look crosses his face. His shoulders tense as he stands motionless, as if afraid to approach.

“You can come closer. I don't think she bites,” I tease, trying to lighten the atmosphere.

He surprises me by moving forward, squatting beside her. “Hi,” he says awkwardly.

“She can't hear you. She's deaf, remember?”

“Oh.” His gaze softens with empathy as he caresses her cheek with unexpected gentleness. Sophia gurgles, delighted.

“Looks like she likes you.” My heart somersaults as Logan interacts with her. Seeing his large hand against her tiny cheek fills me with emotion. He would make a good father, gentle and caring. But would he choose to be one?

“Yeah,” he answers distractedly. “I didn't know Nathan had a daughter.”

“She certainly resembles him.” They share the same dark hair, hazel eyes, and determined chin.

“I never thought that guy could be a father. He's always been more of a rich playboy.”

“Well, maybe he shouldn't have dipped his wick quite so often,” I reply, the irony not lost on me. I can't believe I'mjudging someone else for an unplanned pregnancy while facing the same situation.

Logan frowns, opening and closing his mouth as if choosing words carefully. “I hope none of my exes ever shows up with a surprise like that,” he mutters, seemingly to himself.

His words hit me hard. “It takes two to make a baby,” I snap. “Would you prefer that your child never know their father? Is that what you're saying?” Heat climbs my neck.

“Yes, I think so.”

The words pierce my heart. “You're a jerk, Logan.”

“Emily, what's wrong? We're talking hypothetically. I don't have kids scattered around the world.” He sounds puzzled by my reaction.

I breathe deeply. “You're right.” My gaze returns to Sophia's beautiful features, those long lashes and perfect little details. My hand unconsciously moves to my belly. This baby has a father who doesn't want him. The knowledge sits like a stone in my chest.

“What is there between us, Logan?” I blurt impulsively. The question has simmered for months. He's about to respond when the doorbell rings.

Nathan stands at the threshold, looking even more defeated than before. “Hey, thanks for watching Sophia,” he says somberly.

“No problem, buddy,” Logan replies. “Are you sure you're okay?”

“Not really.” He sighs, disheveling his hair further. “You don't happen to know of a nanny you can recommend?”

“Sorry, no. I've never needed one.” The irony makes me want to laugh hysterically. Not yet, Logan. Not yet.

“Me either... until now,” he mutters.

“I'll get the baby.” Logan returns with Sophia. I wave goodbye and receive a toothless smile in return.

I imagine seeing such a smile daily. Behind closed eyes, I picture my baby's face, green eyes like his father and dark hair like mine. Tiny hands reaching for me, the sound of laughter. The image steals my breath. I'm startled by my desire for this future.

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