Page 154 of Illicit Heir

A million thoughts go through my mind in a debate about the logistics to make this happen. When Tynan finally pulls into Brody's driveway, I get out of the car.

One thing is clear as I climb up the steps to the house. Come Saturday, I will have Lauren back in my arms as well as my son.

27

Lauren

"There we go. Ya look like a bride now." Stella, the maid who hates me and sleeps with Caleb all the time, smirks, pushing the final pin into my hair to attach my veil.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, feeling sick. There's no choice. I have to marry Caleb. He already warned me that if I don't say my vows and someone else has to for me, that I'll never see my son again.

Stella adds, "Don't worry, ya won't be the only one servicing him."

I shoot her a look. The thought of touching Caleb makes me ill. So far, he's not touched me in that way. But he already told me he's saving it for after our ceremony. I seethe, "You're disgusting."

"At least I know where my loyalty lies."

"Get out of here," I say to her.

She gives me another nasty yet haughty look and leaves.

I go over to the bassinet and pick up my son. "Hey, sweetie."

He looks at me, and my heart swoons. He's the only thing that holds me together. But I still can't look at him and not think of Devin.

I add, "Hey, baby, we have to be strong today, okay?"

He tilts his head, peering at me.

I coo, "Look at ya all dressed up, handsome man." I lean closer and whisper, "Your real da would love to see ya, I bet."

He tugs on his onesie tux.

I kiss his cheek and add, "I need ya to be a good little lad at the ceremony today. Okay?"

He snuggles into my neck.

I hug him tighter, wishing today wasn't happening but knowing I need to get through it.

The door opens, and Caleb's voice booms, "There's my bride!"

My skin crawls, and I spin to face him. I point at Maeve and question, "What's she doing here?"

Caleb taunts, "Now, is that any way to treat your new nanny?"

I gape and hold my son tighter. "Nanny? I don't need a nanny. And she's not touching my child."

"Your child? Don't ya mean our child?" he asks, arching his eyebrows, challenging me.

I step back, repeating, "She's not touching him."

"She's the new nanny, and ya will hand over Caleb Jr. to her."

I cringe inside whenever he says Caleb Jr., but I'm also dying. No one has touched my baby except me unless I was in the room and Caleb forced me to allow it.

I state, "She doesn't even have any qualifications."

"And how would ya know that?" Caleb questions.

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