Page 38 of Rhythm Of Redemption

With each passing moment, as she prepared the meal with tender care, Lou felt a deep longing for answers. She was at her wits' end, desperately searching for a path forward, yearning for a way to rebuild the bond that had frayed under the weight of her divorce and their financial struggles. The clatter of utensils against the cutting board echoed her inner turmoil, a symphony of uncertainty and determination. Lou's heart ached for resolution, for a way to heal the wounds that had brought them to this painful crossroads.

More than once that day, Logan had come to her rescue, providing a steadfast presence when she’d felt lost and vulnerable. He had intervened when Detective Russell’s relentless questioning had become overwhelming, and he had taken charge when Dani had disappeared. And yet, the undeniable truth was that she and Logan were fundamentally different people from very different worlds. His was one of excess and superficiality, a stark juxtaposition to her own down-to-earth existence. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, but Lou couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that their connection was built on shifting sands.

Lost in her thoughts, Lou contemplated the complex tapestry of her feelings for Logan. Despite knowing deep down that he was wrong for her, there was an undeniable pull, an invisible thread that seemed to draw her closer to him.

Dani wandered into the kitchen, her hair loosely plaited over one shoulder and her fresh, makeup-free face exuding youthful vulnerability. It was a stark contrast to the fiery wild child she sometimes embodied. Lou braced herself, anticipating another argument. “Look, Dani, if you're looking for another fight—” she began wearily, her patience wearing thin.

But to Lou's surprise, Dani's intentions were different. “No, I just wanted to see if you needed some help with dinner?” she asked, a little timidly.

Relief washed over Lou mingled with a sense of hope. “Where is my daughter, and what have you done with her?” she joked, handing Dani a chopping knife.

Dani chuckled softly as she reached for the tomatoes, washing them under the tap with care. “Ha, ha. I'm sorry about earlier,” she admitted, her head bowed as she carefully sliced through a tomato.

Lou paused, letting the apology sink in. “I'm sorry too,” she responded sincerely, setting down the spatula and moving the pan to another burner. “I shouldn't have said anything about the baby, and I'm sorry you had to find out like that.”

Dani's eyes met Lou's, a flicker of knowing passing between them. “It's fine, Mom. I already knew,” she revealed.

Lou's eyebrows knitted together in surprise. “How?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Mum, I'm fifteen-sixteen. Social media is my life. And the baby scan photos that Truda posted on her Instagram page were a bit of a giveaway,” Dani explained, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Lou's frown deepened. “Who puts their baby scans on Instagram?” she questioned, feeling out of touch with the digital age.

Dani chuckled. “Eh, everyone.”

Lou's expression softened. “I'm so sorry, honey. It was a horrible way for you to find out.”

Dani shrugged nonchalantly, masking her true feelings. “It is what it is.”

Lou sighed; the weight of disappointment heavy in her voice. “I should have told you, but your dad promised me he'd handle it.”

Dani rolled her eyes, a familiar frustration in her tone. “Same old story, huh? Dad and his promises.”

Lou’s chest tightened, a surge of anger and frustration coursing through her veins. That damn man. If he were here in front of her right now, then he’d be getting both barrels from her. How could he do this to his own daughter?

“At least you won't have to babysit,” Lou remarked bitterly.

Dani shook her head and let out a soft laugh. “No.”

“Have you spoken to your dad about it?”

“Not really.”

Lou imagined the conversation in her head, knowing too well how he operated. He would find a way to deflect the blame onto others and avoid taking any responsibility for his actions himself.

“He said he wanted to tell me in person, but they moved into a new house and then Truda became ill and had to stay in bed, so he couldn't leave her,” Dani explained with a touch of scepticism. “You know Dad.”

She did know him, all too well. That was precisely the problem. She knew the way he operated and was well-versed in his avoidance tactics. He’d probably had no intention of making the trip and facing Dani to tell her about the baby. Knowing him, he would bury his head in the sand until it worked itself out. Although a new baby was going to be pretty difficult to hide.

“He said I should come and stay after the baby's born, get to know my new brother or sister,” Dani shared, her voice tinged with doubt.

Lou's heart sank, recognising the hurt in her daughter's tone. Discovering that you have to share your parent is tough enough, but learning about it through an Instagram post was just adding insult to injury. She could only imagine the mix of emotions Dani must have experienced when she saw it.

“Did he mention dates?” Lou enquired gently.

Dani shook her head, her expression filled with disappointment. “No. Whenever I asked, he brushed it off, saying it wasn't a good time.” It was typical of Steve to avoid anything remotely uncomfortable. “And to be honest, I'm not sure if I even want to go now.”

Lou's brows furrowed in concern. “Don't you want to meet your new half-brother or sister?”

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