Page 75 of More Than a Helping Hand

Me:Have a good day. Thanks for dropping her off.

Tousling Bailey’s hair, I lead her into the barn.

Thanksgiving is days away, and I need to be mindful of all that I’m thankful for. Bailey is near the top of my list.

CHAPTER27

PRIMROSE

Isit in the car outside the lawyer’s office, trying to wipe off my streaked mascara. For the second time since I called an end to things, I completely lost it. I sobbed as I drove over from the barn. And losing it today is terrible timing.

The last thing I want is for Kyle to think that these tears have anything to do with him. He isn’t worth tears.

But seeing Bailey react to Anderson, while knowing that I’m on my way to have her biological father sign his rights away without even knowing if his child is a boy or a girl has me emotional. I swipe at my eyes one last time before opening my door.

The sooner Kyle signs the paperwork, the faster I can get on with my life and be rid of him forever.

As I get to the door, he runs past me and pulls it open. “I guess today I’ll finally find out if you had a boy or a girl. The name is in the paperwork, I’m assuming.”

“What difference does it make? You don’t care. I don’t even know why you showed up after all this time.”

“I didn’t want you to hear about my engagement and try to ruin things for me. I figured it was best to just talk to you. But I shouldn’t have threatened you with filing for custody. I wouldn’t do that. Shoot, I don’t have the slightest idea of how to be a dad. The kid deserves better than me.”

I stop outside the lawyer’s office. “You aren’t wrong about that last part.”

The issue of parental rights is settled quickly and easily with a couple of signatures.

Then Kyle rolls his neck from side to side. “Whew. That’s a lot of stress off my shoulders. Thanks for making this an easy process. And I hope your little girl has a great life.”

“I’ll do my best to make that happen.” I hang back so that I can speak with my lawyer alone.

Kyle waves as he walks out the door, and I can’t help but feel sorry for the woman he plans to marry. Hopefully, she discovers who he really is before walking down the aisle.

After wrapping up with the lawyer, I walk out to the lobby and am greeted by my parents.

Mom opens her arms. “Let us take you to breakfast. Or lunch or whatever.”

“Y’all didn’t have to come.”

“Phooey.” Dad drapes an arm around my shoulders. “We love you, Primrose. You’re a great mom, and we’re proud of you.”

If he keeps talking, I’m going to lose it again. “All this mushy stuff is making my eyes water. And I have to be at work in a couple of hours. I’d rather not show up with red puffy eyes.”

“We should hurry to breakfast then.” Dad holds out both his arms, and Mom and I each take one.

“Thanks for coming.” I’m blessed to have such wonderful parents. Maybe they don’t see me as the gray sheep.

Mom grins. “I bet Bailey was happy to see Anderson.”

The abrupt change of topic isn’t subtle.

“She was.” I smile thinking about it.

“He’s a great guy.” This time, it’s my dad being obvious.

Unsaid words hang in the air, but I know we’re all thinking the same thing. Too bad Bailey didn’t end up with a dad like Anderson.

She has me to thank for that.

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