Page 29 of Nico
Nico had a daughter, one he never knew about. She wasn't sure she wanted children. As a result of her mother's indifference and the heartache of losing her father, she had put thoughts of children from her mind.
He needed time to be with his daughter. And she wasn't sure she wanted to be part of it.
So, yes, the breakup was sensible. Even if her heart was breaking, it was the right thing to do.
Stepping into the glossy Jimmy Choos, she took another look in the mirror before heading out. She was strong and was certainly not going to allow this to beat her.
*****
His hands were shaking and his stomach still felt queasy. But on the outside he looked calm and collected. Gracie had walked straight to him as soon as he stepped into the dining room and tugged at his trousers. Responding to the sad look on her adorable face, he picked her up and went to sit at the table.
"She would not eat until you got here." Linda searched his face and made no comment about the bloodshot eyes.
"Is that right?" He turned his head to look at his daughter. "How about some pancakes?"
She nodded.
"Eggs as well?" The idea of food had his stomach churning.
The little girl nodded again.
He spooned a bit of scrambled eggs onto Gracie's plate, careful not to let his hand tremble too much. She watched him with wide, trusting eyes, her small fingers already clutching a fork in anticipation. For a moment, the weight in his chest seemed to ease, just a little, replaced by the gentle pressure of responsibility and love. He managed a smile for her, though it felt fragile, as if it might shatter at any moment. Still, she smiled back, and that was enough.
*****
"A minute darling?" It was posed as a request, but they both knew it was not.
"I promised Gracie I'd take her out for a drive."
"She's in the playroom with her aunt right now. This won't take long."
He reluctantly followed her into the blue and white salon with its latticework furnishings and glass doors that spilled out to the east side of the garden.
"You didn't eat anything."
"I wasn't hungry." But he was definitely queasy, and his head still hurt like a son of a bitch. He had downed four Excedrin and half gallon of coffee, but he still had a way to go. Easing himself on a padded chair carefully, he looked over at his mother.
"Everything all right?"
He lifted his brow at her. "Just peachy."
"You have a responsibility to your daughter..."
"I'm here, am I not?" he demanded. "I am standing. I just offered to take her for a ride so I can get to know her."
"You look terrible."
"Why, thank you mother for that heartfelt criticism."
"Nico, darling." Her voice was soothing and patient and made him feel even worse. "We were all thrust into this situation, but it's our duty to adjust. We have a child in the house, a lovely little girl who has been displaced and confused as to the reason why. She cried herself to sleep last night and asked for her mommy. And then she asked where her daddy was. Your sister and I and even your father tried to be of some comfort to her, but she needs her father."
"I'm here." He jerked to his feet and started prowling the length of the room. A Fabergé egg nestled on a cherry wood table. The room was filled with treasure, and he wondered absently if his mother was going to have some of them removed. Having a toddler running around with all of this on display wasn't a good idea.
"You ended things with the young woman."
He whirled, eyes flashing fire. "Her name is Sadie. Good God, you cannot even say it, can you?"
She gave him a steady look which did nothing to ease his temper. "I know what her name is. All I'm saying is your responsibility is with that little girl, and it should come first."
