Page 73 of Enforcing the Rules

I kissed Kate’s forehead, then shook her. “Hey.”

She roused, blinking her eyes. “Hmm?”

“I’ve got to go out for an hour. I’ll be back soon.”

She stiffened and met my eyes. “This isn’t about Ruiz or my father, is it?”

“No. It’s something else. I’ll tell you when I come back.” I slipped from the bed and dressed.

“Is this a regular thing that comes with the territory of dating a biker?”

“Maybe.” I grinned, then dipped and kissed her forehead. “I’ll make it up to you when I get back.”

“I’m holding you to that.”

I winked as I slipped out and closed the door.

I arrived first and pulled my bike into a spot in the empty lot. About three minutes later, Stephanie drove up in her SUV. I climbed into the passenger seat.

“What’s up? Is Mia okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine. Everything’s good.”

“Then what’s this about?”

She looked out the window and licked her lips. “This is hard for me, Utah. I never planned this.”

“Never planned what?” Finally, she turned and met my eyes. She looked afraid to tell me. “Just say it, Steph.”

“Gregg has a chance at a good job in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s a high-tech engineering town with a lot of tech jobs. It’ll mean a lot more money. The housing market is much more affordable there, too. We’ll be able to buy a bigger house, enough for each of the girls to have their own room.”

I help up my hand. “Stop.”

She went silent, and I let what she was telling me sink in. I pulled my phone out and pressed the button, asking it how far Huntsville, Alabama was. When it responded, I looked at Stephanie. “So, you want to take my daughter fourteen-hundred miles away from me?”

“It’s far, I know.”

“Far? It’s a three-day ride.” My jaw clenched, and I stared out the window. There would be no more glimpses of my daughter like the ones I’d had over the past five years—her learning to toddle, learning to run, learning to ride a bike. I’d miss every milestone from now on.

“Please understand, Utah. It’s what’s best for all of us.”

“Not me, Stephanie.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She toyed with her wedding ring.

I could let her take Mia fourteen hundred miles away, or I could force everything out into the open. But that alternative would shatter Mia’s world.

I stared out the window. What choice did I have? I had to put her needs above my own, but God, this seemed so final. Like that last string between us was breaking.

I swallowed and met Stephanie’s big, worried eyes. “How is she?”

“She’s just beautiful. You would be so proud of her.”

I nodded. “Is he a good father?”

“Yes. Very.”

“Does he know? Has he…. ever suspected?”

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