Page 133 of Roses and Skulls

He pauses on the bottom step and when he turns, his face falls. “No.”

I nod, yes.

He stares at the ceiling. Guilt pulls at the corners of his eyes as he tortures himself.

“I don’t regret it. Not for one minute,” I tell him.

He makes his way back to me and sits down on the couch, motioning for me to join him. “Does Elijah know?”

My bottom lip slips between my teeth and I nod, fighting that damn knot that seems to never leave me. “He says it’s his.” I chuckle lightly, realizing just how similar Elijah and my father are. “Actually, scratch that, he demands it’s his.”

Dan notices my ring and smiles. “You said yes.”

“I did.”

“And would that decision have been different if there was no one else to consider.”

My eyes fall closed and I try to imagine it all happening any other way. When I open them, I answer with certainty, “No. I love him.”

“Good.” He leans over and places a kiss on my forehead.

“There is something I need you to do for me. You’re the only person I trust.” I fight the urge to pick at my nails.

Breathe. Count to ten. Breathe.

He tips my face with his knuckle, watching me in action as I exercise my new arsenal to fight off the demons. When I let out a long breath, he speaks. “I’ll do anything for you.”

“Elijah doesn’t want a DNA test and neither do I, but I need to have it available for the baby’s health. Especially, if there’s a problem,” I turn away to stare at a painting of a sunflower field in a window frame across the room.

“You have them sent to me and I’ll keep them safe.”

“If Elijah asks for the results, give them to him, yeah?”

He lets out a long sigh. “You have my word.”

“Okay, then.” I stand up. “Elijah is waiting for me in the car. I just wanted you to know before I tell everyone else.”

He rises with me, pulling me into a hug. “I’m happy for you, Billie Rose.”

I give him a smile in thanks. “Before I leave, how is Kelsie doing?” My eyes roam to the stairs.

He grimaces, running his hand down his face. “She’s quiet and scared. I hate that for her.”

Leaning my head on his shoulder, I wrap my arms around his. “Then it’s a good thing she has you.” I stare up at him through my lashes. “She needs someone to make her feel safe.”

He pats my cheek. “I’m doing my best to be there for her.”

“Honestly, Dan, that’s all a daughter needs.”

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Billie Rose

My heart beats happily as I watch Elijah and my dad play with the kids of the club. They are playing tag. When they disappear into the trees, I turn to find my mother staring at me. I slowly make my way over and sit beside her.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

Her green eyes blink a few times and I see she is fighting back tears.

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