Page 45 of Spring Break With a Baby Daddy
“Because my wife doesn’t want to give him up and I’ll do anything to give my wife what she wants.”
“Oh.”
Vivi
“Lisa.” I squeeze Easton’s hand, shocked to see the young woman walk through the conference room door.
“Hello, Uncle Easton.”
Her voice is quiet but not timid. And for someone who gave birth to a baby not long ago she looks remarkably well.
“Leelee.”
The sweet laughter that floats out of her is a giveaway of her age. “I haven’t heard that name in years. Not since I turned thirteen and told Mom not to call me that baby name anymore.”
“I’m sorry about your mom,” Easton says. “I wish you’d reached out when it happened.”
“To be honest, I’d forgotten all about you until Mom’s will was read.” Her gaze moves to Jethro Warrington. “Jet told me not to ignore Mom’s advice, but I haven’t been in a good headspace since…”
“I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.” I take a step closer. “I’m Vivi. Easton’s wife.”
She takes my offered hand. “Nice to meet you. I hadn’t realized.”
“It’s new.” I smile.
“Well, congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Lisa.” Easton moves beside me. “Have you changed your mind?”
“Oh, no. Not at all. But when Jet called me this morning, I wanted to be here when the final paperwork was signed.”
“Final paperwork?”
“Yes. The adoption paperwork.” Her gaze moves to Warrington again. “And if it’s okay, I’d like to know what you called him.”
“Cade. Short for Kincade.”
Lisa presses her lips together, her eyes filling with tears. “Cade.”
“We wanted him to have something of you and your mom,” Easton explains. “His full name is Kincade Garnett Ralston.”
I suck in a sharp breath. Easton hasn’t once mentioned using my last name as Cade’s middle one and while I don’t have an attachment to it and will be changing it to Ralston as soon as I can, it’s still a part of me. He’s giving him a part of all of us.
“It’s a strong name.” Lisa smiles through her tears. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to keep him. I hoped. But I knew whatever you did, you would do right by him.”
“What doyouneed?”
“Nothing.”
“Do you have medical expenses or debts or?—”
“No. Mom had life insurance, and she’d already paid off her house. I’m okay. Not okay enough to raise a baby on my own, but I’m okay.”
“You can see him whenever you want.” I want—need—her to know that. “And we can keep you updated if you want.”
“I’d like to know how he’s doing. Not yet.” She gives us a shy smile. “To be honest, I’m glad you didn’t bring him with you. I’m not ready to see him.”
