Page 42 of One Little Mistake

Without thinking, I wrap an arm around her waist and steer her toward the parking lot.

“What?” she squeaks, confused.

“You said it yourself—you’ve got nowhere to go. My place was your home for almost half a year. What’s a few more days?”

“Have you lost your mind?” she stammers, trying to pull away. “Thanks, really, for everything you’ve done for us, but now’s not the time for jokes at my expense. We have a taxi waiting. Good luck and goodbye.”

She tilts her chin up and strides proudly down the path leading toward the hospital gates.

I smirk. Naïve little thing.

I trail after her, hanging back, watching as each step seems to get harder and harder for her.

“Give him here,” I sigh, stopping her and holding out my arms for the baby.

She shoots me a glare, like all her problems are somehow my fault.

“I can handle it. Don’t worry,” she says, lifting her eyes to meet mine.

And that’s when I notice the shimmer there. Silent tears spill down her cheeks, soaking into her knitted scarf.

“I don’t doubt you can,” I say calmly. “But maybe wait until you can actually walk two miles without collapsing, yeah? Come on. You know I’m right.”

I pause, then push a little more.

“I’m not exactly thrilled about the idea of having you crashing at my place again, but half your stuff’s already there, the nursery’s set up, Vivienne lives next door, and I’m not that horrible once you get used to me.”

“Are you serious right now?” she asks, voice trembling, and I see the fire in her eyes flicker out.

Truth is, I’d planned to find her a place today—sign the papers, get her moved in—but like always, nothing’s going according to plan.

“As serious as it gets,” I say, holding her gaze.

“You know,” she says quietly, “I’d love to take you up on your offer. Really. But I can’t. My cab’s waiting. Goodbye.”

She hesitates for a few seconds, then she walks away.

I exhale, close my eyes, and tell myself she’s not my problem. I did everything I could. My conscience is clear.

But for some damn reason, instead of turning around, getting in my car, and forgetting about this whole mess, I find myself running after her.

CHAPTER 16

Erin

I’m beyond excited about today.

Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I felt this upbeat—even though, technically, I have nowhere to go and, oh yeah, I’m a single mom now.

I have no idea how to take care of a newborn. I’m terrified I’ll screw something up. I blame myself for not being able to breastfeed and for having to rely on formula to feed Tim. I have no clue how I’m going to handle everything moving forward…but that magical thing everyone talks about—maternal instinct—has to kick in eventually, right?

It has to.

I pull my son closer to my chest.

It’s cold and windy outside, and I’m terrified he’ll catch a chill. I do my best to walk steadily, pretending to look confident, hiding the fact that I’m feeling a little dizzy.

No weakness. No slipping up. I have to stay strong. I don’t have the right to fall apart.

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