Page 41 of A Baby for the Billionaire Cowboy

She crossed the living room and took a couple of deep breaths, forcing her emotions under control. Then she shifted Avery into her left arm so she could open the door.

“Here he is.” She turned so William could see Avery’s face but kept both arms around the baby and her body blocking the door.

William barely glanced at Avery. “It’s healthy?”

“Yes, he’s healthy. This is Avery.”

“Avery?” His brows drew together. “That sounds like a girl’s name.”

“Avery is for either girls or boys.”

“You should have named him William.”

The sound that came out of her mouth was somewhere between a laugh and a growl. “Well, I didn’t. I named him after Ava, the woman who hired me here, because she’s been so kind to me. Kinder than my own family,” she added pointedly.

“Well, we can change it. Pack your things.”

“What?”

He smiled. She’d once thought that smile was kind. “We’ll go home and forget about this foolishness. I’m willing to forgive you.”

“I—what? No! I’m not going home—I mean, this is my home. I live here now.” She lifted her chin. “I have a job and my own place, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” The thought steadied her. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Then the child is.” He reached for Avery.

Daisy screamed. She held Avery tightly, but she couldn’t win a wrestling match with William, and she couldn’t risk Avery getting hurt in a tussle. He started crying, from the noise or her tight hold or both.

A dog barked. William yelped and stumbled backward. Buddy had ahold of his pants and was pulling him away from Daisy. Lucky got in between Daisy and William, hackles raised, snarling in a way Daisy had never heard before.

Daisy slumped against the doorframe, holding Avery tight, choking on sobs. She’d never seen the friendly dogs act like this before.

William struggled to reach her. “Help! Let me in!”

“No!” She backed through the door, slammed it shut, and locked it. The dogs wouldn’t really hurt William. At least, she was pretty sure they wouldn’t. And to be honest, she couldn’t bring herself to care much if they did.

Except then he might sue the Tomlinsons. Oh no. This was a disaster. What had she done? She needed to call Carly.

Shouting came from outside. Daisy moved to the window and looked out. The dogs now stood on either side of Josh, still looking alert and dangerous. He must have called them off. Xander was right up in William’s face, yelling. She’d never seen Xander get more than mildly annoyed before.

Carly eased herself in between them. Xander turned and stomped off as Carly said something to William that had him quickly backing away. She turned her head toward Josh. He nodded and followed William, the dogs at his heel.

Ava hurried toward Daisy’s door. For a moment, Daisy could only lean against the wall, holding Avery as he squirmed and fussed. But she needed to unlock the door. She needed to explain this disaster.

She made it the few steps to the door and opened it. As she gazed at Ava, tears pooled in her eyes, and her throat felt too tight for words.

“Oh, honey.” Ava enveloped Daisy and Avery in a hug.

Sometime later, they were on the couch, although Daisy had no memory of moving there. Xander stood in front of her. “Are you all right?” he asked.

She nodded.

“You’re sure? You’re not hurt?”

“I’m okay.” Humiliated, yes. Angry and scared, absolutely. “I’m not hurt.”

“I’m sorry,” he said. “Josh will make sure he really leaves the property this time.”

She sniffled and nodded again. Then his words penetrated. “This time?”

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