Page 70 of His Long-Lost Baby

I suck in a sharp breath, hating myself.

“You said what?” Carlos prompts.

“I said that she was clingy and desperate, that she was way too into me,” I admit, feeling the bile rise in my throat. “I said that she was probably already planning our wedding in her head, and that I was just trying to let her down easy. I made her out to be this pathetic woman who couldn’t handle being single. And now I realize how wrong I was.”

I close my eyes against the disappointment. It wasn’t just Sara. I used to trash-talk most people once I was done with them. Not once did I consider doing anything different.

Carlos nods, understanding now. “Yeah, that would do it. But we all make mistakes. You fucked up, but that doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person. What matters is what you do now.”

“It’s too late to apologize to Sara.” Knowing she’s gone is a weight in my chest. Poor Quinn. She never got to know her birth mother.

Carlos sighs. “Look, man, all you can do now is try to make it right in any way you can. Reach out to Billie, apologize, be there for Quinn however you can.”

I nod, feeling grateful for Carlos’s words. He’s right. I can’t change the past, but I can try to make things right with Billie.

“I need to talk to her,” I say firmly. “I need to apologize.”

Carlos nods, offering me a small smile. “I think that’s a good idea, man. But remember, it’s not about making yourself feel better. It’s about making things right with her and Quinn.”

I nod in agreement. “I know. I just hope she’ll be willing to talk to me.”

“Well, there’s only one way to find out,” Carlos says, clapping me on the back. “Good luck, man.”

I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I need to do this for Sara. I fucked up big time before, and there’s no going back.

But I can do better.

Maybe I can even seize an opportunity to be there for our child.

…If Billie will let me.

How do I even begin to reconcile with her? How do I make things right after I rejected her and abandoned her in her time of need?

I can’t stop thinking about the last time I saw her, when she told me about Quinn and I left without saying a word. How could I have been so heartless?

I know I messed up. And now I have to fix it.

“How about we call off poker night?” Carlos takes out his phone. “You’ve got a lot on your plate. I’ll text the others.”

I nod, grateful. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

Carlos gives me a small smile. “No problem, bro. Just take care of yourself, okay?”

I nod again, feeling like I have a lot of work to do. “I will.”

With that, Carlos leaves, and I’m left alone with my thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to stand up and head inside. As I walk through the empty house, I can’t help but feel a sense of loneliness. It’s not just because I’m single, but because I haven’t let anyone in. Not really.

But maybe that can change.

Maybe.

Or maybe I’ll say my piece to Billie and that will be that. She’ll never want to see me again.

I’ll never get the chance to meet my daughter.

Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes. The worst-case scenario is now a real possibility, and if it comes down to it, I’ll just need to live with it. Whatever will be, will be.