Page 29 of Secret Baby with My One Timer

“Don’t push Oliver away. Not until you’ve given him a chance.”

I nod. She’s right, this is what my life will be like if I don’t give us a chance. And the sadness I see on her face is heartbreaking as hell.

I thought about the man who joined me in the club that night too often over the two years since I met him. Wondering where he was flying to and if he’d ever come back and look for me.

But he never came looking for me. He was looking for his daughter. “He doesn’t want me,” I mutter, staring at Holly. “But I can’t stop him from seeing her.”

“He’s in the house,” Mom says. “He’s waiting for you.”

Tears roll down my cheeks as I turn and whisper, “He’s here. Why?”

“Why do you think? He wants his family. Now talk to him while I play with Holly.”

I stand and turn to the house. Tears roll down my cheeks when I see Oliver standing outside of the house, leaning against the doorway.

I walks toward him.

He pushes away from the door, striding quickly across the sand to meet me and when he does we stand and stare at each other for a few seconds before he says, “I’m sorry, but I’m not staying away from you or Holly for a moment longer. If I have to, I’ll buy the house next door and stalk you for the rest of your life.”

I laugh. “I can’t decide if that’s romantic or weird.”

He laughs. “That’s what happens when you’re in love. You’re prepared to do weird shit.”

“You love me?” I murmur.

“I love you and I’ll never let you forget it.”

“You mean when you stalk me?”

He smiles. “Yep.”

“I like the idea of my very own stalker. I’ll feel like the lead female character in a dark romance book.”

“Or you could stop being sassy and tell me you love me and live the beautiful life I plan for us.”

“You’ve planned our life? How does that play out?”

He smiles. “I’ll tell you everything, but you have to kiss me first.”

I arch an eyebrow. “I suppose I could give you a kiss.”

He grins, pulling me against his hard body and crashing his mouth against mine. “Oh fuck. I love you, Taylor.”

Our gazes meet. “I love you, Oliver.”

Chapter 12

Oliver

One Month Later

The beach house, nestled along the coastline with its panoramic views of the ocean, sets the perfect stage for Taylor’s mother’s birthday celebration.

The salty breeze carries the smell of the sea, and the rhythmic waves provide a calming backdrop to the perfect occasion. Today is special, not just because it marks another year of life for Taylor’s mom, Janie, but everyone believes the medication is working.

She looks radiant despite her illness. Her eyes sparkle with a resilient spirit that belies the pain she’s endured. A part of me thinks she’s strong purely for her daughter—but I hope it’s more than that.

Through the many people on the beach, I spot a familiar figure approaching—my father, Leighton. I stroll to him, ready to ask him what he’s doing here.

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