Catherine set her phone down. “It really is up to you. It would be good to put it out to let everyone know about you and Garrett, but you certainly don’t have to. There’s no guarantee that won’t happen again, but it makes a statement.”
“What about your father? Won’t that set him off?” Paisley wondered.
“The odds are that he will do something anyway. Once he finds out about the DNA test and that the stuff with social services didn’t work out, he will try something else.” Luke shrugged. “It’s a sad reality but unavoidable right now.”
“I agree with him sadly,” Catherine confirmed. “If that’s your only reservation, I wouldn't let that be your deciding factor.”
She thought about it for just a second. “Go for it then.” It wasn’t something she wanted, but it felt like something they were supposed to do.
“I’ll get it typed up and send it over for you guys to review. I think that I can get a photographer out this week to take a family photo, too. It will stand out better with a picture.”
“Let’s slow down a bit,” Luke said, probably reading the surprise on her face. “Can we go back to you babysitting?”
“Oh, of course we will.” She waved him off. “I can take a photo instead of a photographer and just have it edited a bit to look more professional. Is that better?”
Paisley nodded as the question was directed at her. “Thanks.”
“Of course. I know I jump a little quick at things, but you can always speak up to me,” Catherine assured her.
“I’ll try to remember,” Paisley said.
“When were you guys thinking of going?” Catherine asked.
“Anytime you are free,” Luke said.
“In that case, we will see you later.” She reached out for Garrett from Luke again. “Take your time and he can hang out as long as he wants. Ryker loves him to pieces and it’s so cute.”
Luke looked questioningly at Paisley, as though he wanted to know if that was okay.
“Let me love on him for a minute and then you can take him with you,” she said.
“You’re going to have a great time!” Catherine assured her.
Chapter Seventeen
Luke
Catherine took Garrett home with her and Luke went to make sure he got settled. There was little doubt he wouldn’t be since he had practically as much stuff at her house as he did at theirs.
“I think getting out will be good for you two,” Catherine said as they made the short walk.
“I didn’t plan it until you came by, but I think so too. It gives us a chance to get some talking in and not have to worry about Garrett at all. We have a lot to discuss.” He held in a groan at all they really did need to talk about.
“Ryker,” Catherine called out when they went inside. “We have company!”
His groan carried down the hallway from his office. “Who?”
Neither of them answered as they heard him making his way to them. His face went from annoyed to excited in the blink of an eye when he saw Garrett.
“Did you come to see me?” he said lovingly to Garrett as he relieved Catherine of him.
She feigned annoyance. “Umm, I was holding him.”
“And now I am. You shouldn’t have called me in here if you didn’t want me to.”
Luke couldn’t help but smile at how loved his son was and would always be. “I’m here too,” he pretended to complain.
“You don’t count,” Ryker completely dismissed and spoke to Garrett instead. “Are you going to help me decide if this company is a good idea? We have interviews today.”