Page 78 of Mountain Daddy

"September fifteenth," I try to speak firmly.

"What year?"

It takes everything in me to not wince.

"What year, Lilly?"

"Two thousand nineteen," I whisper.

He nods slowly. Like he's doing math in his head.

"Five years ago. Nine months after that first night at the hotel."

"It's a coincidence."

"Is it?"

"Yes."

"He has my eyes."

"Lots of people have green eyes."

"My expressions. My mannerisms."

"You're imagining things."

"Am I?" He steps closer. Predatory now. Dangerous. "Or are you lying to yourself because the truth scares you?"

"The truth is that Chleo's father isn't in the picture. That's all you need to know."

"The truth is that I'm his father."

The words hang in the air like a grenade with the pin pulled.

"No."

"Yes."

"You're wrong."

"I'm not wrong. And deep down, you know it."

I back away from him. Put distance between us.

"You're delusional."

"Am I? Then prove it. Take a paternity test. Put this to rest once and for all."

"I don't have to prove anything to you."

"Don't you?"

His voice drops to a whisper. Becomes more dangerous than shouting.

"That boy is my son. My blood. And you've kept him from me for five years."

"I've protected him!"

---