Page 16 of Bragg's Christmas

Moon’s hand shoots into the air. “Ten bucks says she didn’t show on Monday.”

Riley pulls her hand down. “Of course, she didn’t show.”

I ignore their antics to continue my story. “When I rang the number she left for me, it was disconnected.”

“Who’s not surprised?” Moon starts to raise her hand in the air again but Riley shackles her wrist to stop her. He mouthssorryto me but I’m not bothered since I’m used to my family’s antics by now.

“I hired a lawyer to locate her. My intention was to share custody with Skye’s mom. Instead, Maria signed away her parental rights.”

“Signed away her parental rights?” Miller asks. “Does she not visit her daughter at all?”

I glance outside to check Skye is occupied and not anywhere nearby where she could accidentally overhear our conversation.

“She doesn’t want visitation rights. She’s done being a mother.”

“What’s her last name?” Mom asks.

“I’m not giving you her address,” Brody answers.

Mom huffs. “I don’t know why not. Someone needs to teach the woman a lesson.”

“But if you’re in jail you won’t be able to spend time with your grandchild,” Lennon points out and I want to hug him.

Mom studies him for a moment before nodding. “I’ll let it go as long as Damon and Skye are here in Winter Falls to stay.”

“They are. He rented the big house on the other side of town,” Brody answers on my behalf.

“You can’t help yourself, can you?”

He bats his eyelashes at me. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“If you don’t show off your computer skills, you’ll burst.”

Soleil purses her lips. “But he didn’t have any problem keeping his wealth a secret from anyone.”

“I want you to love me for me and not my money.”

She growls at him. “If you want to live to witness the birth of your child, you’ll never say those words to me again.”

“But—”

“Children,” Mom calls and Brody snaps his mouth shut. “Can we concentrate on Damon now?”

She waits for them to nod before speaking again, “Is it true? You’re staying in Winter Falls?” Her eyes are full of hope. I’m glad I don’t have to disappoint her.

“We’re staying.”

“But why did you keep your daughter a secret from your family for all these months?”

I shrug. I really don’t know. “At first, I wanted to make certain Skye was my biological daughter. Afterwards, I was dealing with lawyers and custody. Months passed before I realized I hadn’t told anyone about her. And then it seemed too late to tell anyone.”

“Damon Bragg, I’m your mother. You don’t let months pass before telling me I have a grandchild again. You hear me. Never again.”

Never again? I fucking hope this situation doesn’t present itself again. I am not my father. I don’t sleep with every single woman who catches my eye.

I frown. Except I did have a one-night stand with Maria. But I’ve sworn off sex until Skye’s older. And definitely no more faceless fucks. I’m a serious man from here on out.

My gaze wanders to outside where Love Hill is laughing as she twirls Skye around.

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