Page 91 of Broken Daddy

“Did you want to stop at any other stores?”

It takes a second for the meaning of his question to sink in. When it hits, my eyes widen and a blush covers my cheeks.

“Oh! No, that’s ok. Thanks, though.” I shoot a glance at Eva, trying to silently communicate,how would we explain that one? Shopping for baby items.

Nate’s better at figuring out hidden meanings than I am. He checks on Eva in the rearview, then nods.

“Okay. Are you ready, honey?”

Eva looks up and nods passively. Half turned in the seat, my whole body clenches like a fist.

Nathan reaches out and covers my knee with his hand.

“Don’t worry about it, Gen.”

* * *

A dinnerof carnitas tacos followed by Black Forest cake.

It’sa lot.

Nate is laughing at Brutus putting his droopy jowls on Eva’s lap as she giggles. I clear the plates and can’t help but chuckle. All the while, marveling at how today turned out.

“Dad, can I go watch a movie?” Eva flutters her lashes and Nate gives in immediately.

“Of course, darling. We’re not staying up too late tonight, though.”

She shoots us a mischievous grin and darts off for the living room as I sit down next to Nate.

“I was such a mess today. I feel like it’smyturn to apologize.”

“Gen, what’re you talking about? You were great today.”

“No,” I insist resolutely, “youwere. I’ve never seen someone deal with loss like this before. You keep Julia’s memory alive for Eva, and that’s…”

Choking up a bit, I blink away tears.

Nate shrugs, as if juggling grief, a ten-year-old, and life as a billionaire in the very public eye is nothing. “Julia wouldn’t have wanted to be mourned. She always approved of a good celebration, though.”

I can’t help smiling back at his cheeky grin as he continues, “And this—it was her favorite.” He swipes a finger through the chocolate frosting and licks it off.

“Ahh, I thought so. It was a very specific request.”

“Mmm, well, it’s also delicious.”

Laughing, I swipe my own bit of frosting and enjoy the sweetness. I appreciate the lightheartedness, but still need to speak a truth.

“I just wish someone cared for me the same way when I was Eva’s age. Foster care…they’re dead set on making you forget where you came from.”

Nate’s expression turns somber. He reaches out under the table, fingertips ghosting across my belly before he takes my hand.

“I care about you.” Clearing his throat, he adds, “Eva does, too. I know you’ve made up your mind, Gen, but if you ever need a home to come back to…this is it.”

If it’s possible for your heart to heal and break at the same time, that’s exactly what happens in this moment.

Chapter38

Nathan

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