Page 67 of Secret Baby
Vicki's skin jumped off her body, but she tried to hold still. "He did. My father had a habit of lying to everyone, including his own children."
"Why?" His mother stared hard, and Vicki's skin had goose bumps.
Vicki stared at the thin lips of the woman and answered in a quiet voice, "I embarrassed the House of Morgan."
His mother dropped her hands. "Mitch Morgan was always a jerk. I had a hard time believing he'd do that to his own flesh and blood, but that sounded just like him."
"I had boatloads of practice in mocking my father," Vicki said. "Dinner is simple tonight. Tortellini with oil dressing and Caesar salads. I hope that's okay with you."
"Perfect," Mrs. Morgan answered. "If you need me to testify, I'd be more than happy."
Vicki's mouth dropped. "Testify to what?"
"Nurse Marie, who was assigned to your room, repeatedly told me and the Department of Children and Families officers that night that you signed away adoption rights and you did not wish to be bothered. I tried to go into your room, but they barred me at the door. Later I had Clara safe, and tried to get in your room again, but you were already gone."
Vicki almost dropped the serving bowl. "So you believe me?"
"I always guessed your father had done something."
Colt reached out and held the bowl. Vicki's hands shook. She sucked in her breath to try to stay calm. "You did the right thing and kept Clara safe. I never signed anything."
"Marie quit the hospital two weeks later after I stayed on her heels and demanded she tell me what happened. She bought a big house up in Orlando and hasn't been back to Miami, Broward, or West Palm since. Vicki, we're already family, so call me Ellie."
"Ma'am," Vicki answered automatically, then corrected, "Ellie, I expected you to hate me."
"Don't be overdramatic. If both of my children think you're telling the truth, then I have to believe them. I raised them."
"I'm glad the news hasn't affected you, then."
Ellie stared at Colt. "Now that I see everyone is fine and the news station is just spinning rubbish, let's eat dinner."
Vicki's heart skipped and her hands stopped trembling. The weight on her spine lessened. Colt helped his mother sit and Clara took the seat beside her grandmother.
Then Colt served the salad. All of this could be Vicki's, but she needed to get things straight. Colt did not love her. She'd have to change soon, but not tonight. She deserved one more night with everyone she loved.
Tonight, she was with the family she'd always wanted.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Vicki stood at the door and continued to wave until she lost track of the silver car in the driveway. Clara was already in bed, and Colt had rushed off to take a shower, for the second time this evening. Alone, Vicki stared at the moon that peeked into the night sky.
If onlywas the worst possible way to start a thought. Vicki stepped inside. Her days were numbered here.
She'd not be where she'd never be loved. She closed the front door and ensured all the locks were secured. The quietness of the ranch seeped into her mind and brought with it a sense of peace. Vicki proceeded to her bedroom, but halfway through the house, Colt called out, "Vicki, can I see you for a minute?"
She turned around and then her mouth fell open. Colt Collins wore a gray suit and a blue tie. She took a step forward then asked, "What's going on?"
"Come." He offered her his hand. "Let's first go out back. I want to show you something."
He'd spent the day out there. She blinked a few times then nodded.
He took her hand in his and squeezed. "This way."
At the moment, she'd follow him anywhere. He led her to the small sitting room set off the living room. She'd never gone there as nothing much was there, except plants and a door that led out to a grassy area and the canal.
With a huge smile on his face, he opened the door and pointed to an old-fashioned wooden swing. He told her, "I'm gonna build a proper porch here because you always wanted a winding porch that wrapped around a house."
"I said that years ago." Vicki's mouth fell open again. "I was just a teenager."
