Page 111 of Charm

Whatever it is.

It’s the knowledge that my daughter’s father may have just wandered into our lives.

Bruce walks into my den, closing the door softly behind him. It’s unnecessary since Olive is fast asleep, but Bruce is a man who values privacy and will do anything necessary to protect his granddaughter.

I stare at them both as they sit side by side on the small pink loveseat that is opposite my desk. The loveseat was an impulsebuy right after I moved in. When I first saw it, I pictured rainy afternoons with Olive curled up on it, having a nap.

I don’t think she’s fallen asleep on it once, but she’s tucked her dolls in to sleep on it.

The purchase was worth every dime I spent on it.

“We want to help you, Greer.” Bruce smiles gently. “You know you can tell us anything. There’s no judgment here. We will always love you no matter what.”

I know that and believe it deep within my bones.

These people are my family. They are Olive’s family. They need to know what’s happening.

“The man I’ve been seeing, he…”

“Holden?” Martha interrupts. “Olive says he’s the nicest man she’s ever met and his smile makes her smile.”

That sends an ache through my heart. I brush away a falling tear.

“Did he break up with you?” Bruce asks in his best protective dad tone. “Give me his address and I’ll have a talk with that young man.”

I manage a small smile. “It’s not that.”

Bruce leans forward slightly. “Tell us what it is, dear.”

“There’s a chance that he might be Olive’s dad.” I take a breath as both of their mouths drop open. “He slept with Celia around the time she got pregnant. She stole that four-leaf clover charm from him.”

“Oh, my,” Martha whispers.

Bruce glances at her before he locks his gaze on my face again. “Did he know about Olive before you met him on your trip?”

“No,” I answer quickly. “He had no idea I was a mom.”

He considers that for a second or two. “Let’s do the right thing. You deserve to know the truth. He does, and Olive sure as hell does.”

I close my eyes and drop my chin. “A paternity test.”

“Yes.” His voice fills the room. “Let’s find out if he’s her dad. Would he be the kind of father she deserves, Greer?”

I look at Martha before I level my gaze back on Bruce. He’s always been like a dad to me. He’s given me advice whenever I’ve asked. He’s held me when I’ve cried. He stepped up to take care of a little girl when his own son walked away.

“I think he has the potential to be as good a dad to our Olive as you’ve been to me,” I tell him.

A single tear streams down his cheek. “You love this man, don’t you? I think there’s a chance you’ve fallen in love with him.”

“I have,” I admit for the first time out loud.

“Then it’s settled.” Bruce pushes to his feet, motioning for me to do the same. “Give me a hug, my girl. Tomorrow we’ll make a few calls to find out what the next steps need to be to get that paternity test done.”

I rush into his arms. Martha stands and joins in the embrace.

I cling tightly to my family. I have no idea what the future holds for Olive and me, but I know we’ll get through it.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

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