Page 60 of The Sacrifice
“It should be anytime.”
What if she comes to the house when I’m not there? I can’t leave Mia and Hadley exposed like that. Maybe I should get a private security detail on them.
“When we get the results, I’ll file the paperwork. If she’s yours, that is.”
“She is,” I inhale. “How do we stall her?”
“I’ll send a motion to her to cease contact as you’re the parent of record on the birth certificate, and she left the state. As such, you’ll have legal custody until the court ruling.” He pushes the phone across the desk. “I’ll get her address from Truman.”
“Let me ask her for it and leave it open-ended. She might think I’m going to send her the money.”
“I find it hard to believe she expects you to fall for this.”
“I’m sure she’s being influenced by her boyfriend or pimp. Whatever he is. And she’s the kind of person looking for a quick buck.”
“I’ve seen it before. But it still surprises me.” He shakes his head. “And to admit it in writing….”
I shrug. “We’re trying to make the most out of a bad situation. She’s trying to make some fast cash, and I’m trying to raise my child.” I smile as I press Roxanne’s phone number. “I’m getting the better deal.”
As I suspected, she instantly responds with her address. Spencer confirms it’s the one the investigative team has uncovered, placing her in the low-rent district in Vegas. The rent by the hour, blow a guy, and get a venereal disease section of town.
Hell, she’d blow a million dollars in a year.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Mia
“Oh, let me see this baby.” My mom grabs Hadley from my arms. “She’s so adorable. Isn’t she the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?”
“Yes. She’s a beautiful baby.” Andrew walks over to me and raises his eyebrows.
“Everything is good, so stop worrying.” This whole big brother acting coming from my younger brother is getting annoying.
“What’s wrong, dear?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Andrew drops down onto the sofa, and I cringe. Shit. Did Jackson grab the sex toys and take them upstairs?
“God…,” Andrew grumbles, hops off the sofa, and marches into the kitchen. “I’ll be standing up drinking a beer if you need me.”
“That’s probably a good idea.” I rush over to where he was seated and survey the cushions, trying not to look obvious.
“What’s wrong with you?” My mom glares, and then her eyes widen. “Are you and Jackson having sex?”
“Well….”
“I knew it.” She presses her lips together. “It’s about time you stopped thinking he was a spoiled, immature brat. I told you he was a good man. Why doesn’t anyone listen to their mothers?”
“You were right. Jackson is a great guy. He’s wonderful with Hadley, and yes, we’re seeing each other.”
“That’s great. I’ve always loved him.”
“I know. I was wrong about him.” It’s easier to get the groveling over now rather than having her throw it in my face every time I see her.”
“And this little lady.” Her voice goes soft as she talks baby talk to Hadley. “She’s gorgeous.”
My phone buzzes and vibrates in my back pocket. The nanny company. I’ve got to end my contract with them, so they don’t think I’m going to another assignment.
I open our homebase app and read the notice from our recruitment coordinator. You’ve been matched with a widowed man in Wyoming. He has a two-year-old daughter and a six-month-old son. The assignment fits your parameters. The current nanny needs to end her assignment in a month, so you might have to end your current position early. But it is a long-term position versus the temporary one you’re currently working on. Please advise within one week of your availability.