Page 46 of Secret Match
Doubtful, but if he could have kept Tom safe sooner, he’d have done just about anything. Piper could have left their son on his door with a note if she didn’t want to talk to him. They could have talked about her cancer treatment. Gio kept all his thoughts to himself and just asked, “What?”
“It’s why she left,” Serenity said. “She thinks you wanted to marry Piper. And I’m guessing she thinks you only want to marry her because of that same honor.”
Piper had been the wrong woman for him, and while he would have provided for Tom in any way, that didn’t include marriage. Piper had been a lover, that was all, a relationship between consenting adults.
Gio shook his head but then his son started to whimper. Caro directed him to put the baby on his shoulder and tap his back gently as he told Serenity, “Kiwi could have said that to me.”
A moment later, Tom let out a little burp.
“I thought she had.” Serenity crossed her arms like she was thinking. “And if she didn’t I hope she figures that out soon.”
“I don’t know.” He lowered the boy back to a cradling position. “She asked if I’d have married Piper and then stormed off.”
Caro asked, “What did you say?”
“That I would want my son.” He held the boy closer.
The only thing in the world that made sense right now was Tom. If Gio had a clue about him months ago, he’d have never spent a day without this baby.
Serenity let out a small sigh. “Hopefully, she’ll calm down and realize that.”
Kiwi was emotional. He understood that. She was pregnant. He held the baby to his heart and met the gaze of both women. “I can’t chase her. I need to make sure Tom is good.”
Luke walked over and took his wife’s hand. Serenity sucked in her lip and once she released it, she said, “I think she was in love with you and that scares her. She never had a dad and her mom taught her to rely on nobody. Did you tell her how you feel?”
Love? If Kiwi loved him, they’d have dealt with today, together. She didn’t have to mother his son, if she didn’t want. She didn’t have to do anything, but all she’d done was leave. He shook his head and bounced his baby. “I don’t have time for this.”
Serenity stepped back but kept her gaze on Tom. She then looked up at him and said, “Kiwi might still have her phone on. If you do love her, call and at least leave her a message before she runs across the globe.”
Absolutely not. He said, “I-” But then he wasn’t sure how to say that Kiwi left on her own which meant there was no possible future. She didn’t want his child in her life.
Serenity seemed so unsure that he held his tongue and instead said, “Thanks for helping me today.” He looked at all three of them. “All of you.”
“We’ll leave you alone now to get to know your son.” Caro tugged Luke by the hand and waved at Serenity to join her.
Gio returned to the chair and sat so he could rock Tom while studying him. He looked up at them briefly. “Tell Victoria, I’ll sign the contract with her company. I’d rather work with family. We can make our brand stronger together.”
Caro held the door and the others filed out. “I’ll be sure she knows when she gets back.”
Perfect. They left, and he rocked his son.
Kiwi had left because she thought he was in love with Piper? He supposed he could tell her that and clear the air.
If she’d left because she didn’t want Tom, then he’d never see her again.
Right now he wasn’t sure so he picked up the phone and dialed Kiwi’s number. The call went directly to voicemail so it must be off. He let out a small sigh, kissed his son’s forehead and said, “Kiwi, this is Gio. I don’t know why you left, but I never would have wanted to marry Piper like I wanted to marry you. I don’t know why you ran when I needed you, but if you want to come back, I’ll send the car or the plane for you, wherever you are.”
There was nothing else to say. He hung up the phone and held Tom closer. He’d just lost the only woman that mattered to him, but he’d never give up Tom. His son deserved the best in life and he’d ensure Tom had everything he might possibly need. He’d ensure no more tragedies ever happened in this boy’s life again. He’d been through enough. And if that meant forgetting about Kiwi, he’d do his best, though he’d like his daughter to be safe and protected too.
Chapter 17
After racing through security of the huge international airport, with no luggage, Kiwi made it to her terminal. She followed the letters and numbers blindly and easily found where she was supposed to get her plane. Adrenaline rushed through her and she was slightly sweaty from her fast pace. But she slowed down once she made it to her gate. Kiwi stared at the plane headed to Miami and then down at the boarding pass she held in her hand.
The last of the customers in line now filed on board.
Clutching the paper in her hand, Kiwi looked at the boarding agent. In a few steps, she’d be on her way home, far away from Italy.
But if she left, was she throwing away her chance at happiness? The thought kept floating in her mind.
