Page 29 of Alpha's Secret Baby
“Lately, the Disney Princess Lego has been popular.” She pointed out a Rapunzel doll and tower set, and I nodded, adding it to my basket, as well as the Frozen Winter Wonderland set, complete with Anna and Elsa dolls.
Next, the sales assistant motioned to the Magnetic Letters and Number kit. “They’re perfect for kids practicing their spelling and times tables,” she explained, and I was sold.
The Magic Hair and Chalk Set ended up amidst the trove next, and then the Hop ‘Til You Drop Dance Mat. By this time, the sales assistant was beaming at me, and sensing that money was no issue soon added a dozen other high-ticket items to my already overflowing baskets.
As my shopping was rung through the checkout by a smiling sales assistant, who I suspect was looking forward to a healthy commission, I asked for everything to be gift-wrapped. When I finally left the store, I was so laden with toys I had to take a cab back to my townhouse.
Soon, I stood outside the door to Cherry’s apartment again with multiple bags at my feet.
My stomach clenched as I heard footsteps issuing up the stairs. Sweat prickled along my forehead. I realized I was more nervous than I had been waiting for Cherry here yesterday. The magnitude of the moment seemed to sneak up on me. I might be about to meet mydaughter. No, I felt certain that I was about to meet my daughter. My heart stampeded in my chest as if mimicking the running steps of the kid I heard racing toward me.
The brown-haired little girl stopped suddenly as she caught sight of me. Her dark eyes widened.
A slight smile crossed my face, eager not to frighten her, but she surprised me by tilting her chin out and demanding, “Who are you?”
She didn’t look frightened or shy. Instead, it was me that felt stupidly tongue-tied and struggled to answer that question. I realized I didn’t want to just introduce myself as Dylan. And it was far too early to say I was her dad. I didn’t know for sure. Instead, I said, “Someone who’s been looking forward to meeting you, Fern. I couldn’t resist bringing you a few presents.”
Her eyes fell on the bags around me, which had lots of wrapped packages poking out of them. Now, a small smile crossed her face, and she asked, “How do you know my name?”
Just then, Fern’s nanny joined her on the stairs. “Oh, hi, can we help you?” The young woman asked, her gaze raking over me and the shopping bags.
“I hope so.” I smiled. “I’m Dylan, an old friend of Cherry’s. I was hoping to surprise her and Fern,” I said.
But before Lara could respond, Fern exclaimed, “Omg! This is even better than when Bert came!” She darted toward me and asked with a smile. “Can I open one now, please?”
I grinned, about to comply with her request. The beautiful smile across her heart-shaped face, so like Cherry’s, was impossible to refuse.
But the nanny’s guarded voice interrupted. “Fern,” she reproached. “You know better than to talk to strangers, let alone accept gifts from them.”
I was startled, frowning at the nanny. “I told you, I’m an old friend of Cher–”
“Until I can confirm that with Miss Wood, I’m afraid you have to leave,” the nanny said staunchly, her hand settling protectively on Fern’s shoulder.
I nodded, realizing I’d over-stepped the mark by coming here without Cherry's home. But I’d wanted… no,neededto meet Fern. I could see the confusion flitting across Fern’s face. I didn’t want to disappoint her by having her nanny forbid her from accepting the gifts I’d already said were hers.
Berthadwarned me how angry Cherry was when he’d used his shifter powers on the nanny last time. So I knew using my Alpha assertiveness wasn’t a good idea. But I swore I’d only do so once so that she allowed Fern to accept the gifts.
Meeting the woman’s gaze, I used my preternatural stare. “It’s fine, honestly. I’m a good friend of Cherry’s. Let Fern take the gifts, and I’ll leave and call Cherry to arrange a better time to visit.”
Lara released Fern’s shoulder, and as she met Fern’s upturned hopeful eyes, the nanny sighed. “Okay, go on, Fern, openone.”
I gave the young woman my warmest smile, and she blushed.
I crouched down and handed Fern one of the packages. Soon she had ripped it open. She turned to Lara, “Look! It’s an Elsa and Anna set!” She beamed at me and threw her little arms around my shoulders since I was still crouched down at her level.
My chest felt tight as I heard Lara opening the door and calling Fern in. I was about to be shut out, away from my daughter. Nuu-Chah’s insight stirred again, and I felt keenly that Fern was my daughter.
As I stood up, I tried my warmest smile, without any use of my shifter powers as I suggested, “Like I said, I’m an old friend of Cherry’s, and I’ve just moved into the house opposite. Perhaps, you and Fern would keep me company, and she can play there for the afternoon?”
The woman’s cheeks flushed, and I could tell she thought me charming and attractive as her heartbeat raced. But she still answered, “I’m afraid we can’t. Not until I chat about it and have okayed it with Cherry.”
I had to content myself with the last smile I received from Fern before the nanny shut the door on me. Feeling as hollow as when Cherry had walked away from me, I descended the stairs.
Chapter 20 Cherry
As I hung up my coat in the hall, I frowned. Everything was too quiet: no feet hurried to greet me as I arrived home. Where was Fern? Unease crawled over my skin. I’d been on edge since Dylan’s appearance outside my flat yesterday. Earlier, I’d been sorely tempted to call Lara to check everything was okay. But I’d fought back the tide of worry and abstained. After all, Dylan had asked whether Fern was his showing he had suspicions, but when I’d denied it, he’d shown only patience and tenderness toward me.
I shook away the soft feelings that surfaced at only the thought of him. I’d been firm with him I reminded myself. And rightly so. He wasn’t part of my life.