Page 20 of The Billionaire's Secret Heir

“Did you accept our counter-offer, then?”

“I think it’s ludicrous. Much too low. Especially now that I’ve seen the conditions you’re living in. This doesn’t look safe or like the kind of place you’d want to raise a child.”

Her anger was back. “What do you even know about raising a child? Beckett, you can’t do this. You can’t show up here, checking out our house, making decisions and assumptions about what I need to raise Becka. It doesn’t go both ways. If you don’t want to be a part of her life, then you aren’t. I’ll use the money responsibly until I can care for her without it. I’m not trying to be ungrateful. But it’s unfair for you to say that you don’t want to be involved while at the same time you’re inserting yourself into our lives. That’s not how this is going to work. Pick one: be involved with us or simply give us the support payments and otherwise leave us alone.”

The words stung. But only because they were true. She was right—he needed to choose. So he would.

With a nod, Beckett left Madi and the smoking mower, looking both ways this time before he crossed the street to his car.

On the way to Graham’s house, he played over their conversation in his mind again and again. Normally Beckett was skilled at negotiations, but had completely failed with Madi. He couldn’t read her and she didn’t react in any way that he could predict. And she was completely right, he couldn’t insert himself into her life and keep his distance. He certainly didn’t want to be more involved. Yet he could not stop thinking about her half-finished lawn and broken mower.

Or the fact that she lived in a rental that looked like it was about to crumble around her. Was he bothered for the sake of his child? Or was it because of Madi?

Beckett’s fingers tapped out a rhythm on the steering wheel. The pressure built in his mind. He simply could not leave things as they were. If there was one thing that wouldn’t let his mind rest, it was an unresolved problem.

“Call Kenneth,” Beckett said, activating the Bluetooth system in the car.

His executive assistant picked up on the first ring. Beth handled more of the in-office scheduling, while Kenneth took care of other details. “Yes, Mr. Van de Kamp?”

“I need you to order a lawn care service for a Ms. Madeline Lott. You’ll find the address in a file I received this morning from David Rose.”

One of the things Beckett loved about Kenneth was his complete lack of curiosity. Or, at least, his ability to hide his curiosity. Whether Beckett was asking him to procure items at odd hours, track down specific people, or ordering a lawn care service for a woman he hardly knew, Kenneth simply did as he was asked.

“Any special instructions?”

“Just set up a weekly service for yard and landscaping. If they have any questions, have them contact you.”

“I’ll have it done by the afternoon. Anything else?”

“Actually, yes. Have a handyman come out to that same address to do exterior repairs and painting.”

“Yes, sir. Do you want me to update you on the progress?”

“That’s not necessary. As long as it’s taken care of as quickly as possible. Thank you, Kenneth.”

Beckett ended the call as he neared the highway. He had planned to go to Graham’s house, but at the highway, he hesitated. His father had been overjoyed that Beckett had a child. Madi wanted him to make a definitive choice about being involved or not. What would Graham say?

Though he wanted to get back on the 610 loop and head toward VDKI, Beckett found himself drawn toward Graham’s house for reasons he couldn’t understand. He was pleased to find the front door locked today and Courtney smiled widely when she answered the bell.

“Beckett! What a surprise. Come on in. Graham’s just in the kitchen. He was just having lunch. Are you hungry?”

“Is it lunch time?” Beckett chuckled. “I guess I haven’t been paying attention to the time today.”

“You’ve got a lot on your plate,” Courtney said.

You have no idea.

“Brother! Twice in one week—I’d love to make this a habit!” Graham stood eating at the wide kitchen island and gestured for Beckett to sit in one of the stools across from him.

Courtney kissed Graham on the cheek. “I’m headed out, but will be back before the kids get home. Good to see you, Beckett!”

“You too,” Beckett said.

After the whirr of the garage door stopped, Graham turned to Beckett. “Do you hear that?”

Beckett listened for the faintest of sounds. “What?”

Graham smiled. “Exactly. There are usually only a few hours a week of total silence in the house.”

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