If You Must Know (Potomac Point #1)(76)

“If it’s all the same to lyou, maybe you could spare me the details. It doesn’t feel good—hearing how my son uses lies about his mom and me to hurt other people. If I’d met you before you got married, maybe I could’ve helped, but I can’t be much use to you now.”

His pain put mine in a different perspective. No parent ever imagines him-or herself in those powerless shoes. “I can see where it would be hard on you.”

“Ignorance is bliss, you know? I hadn’t been ashamed of any new trouble for years until you called.”

“I’m sorry, but this is important. I actually have good news, but first I need to ask something. If Lyle would reach out for help to avoid consequences, could you do the right thing even if it would hurt him?” I bit my lip.

“Hurt him how?”

My heart thumped. “Fines. Possibly prison.”

“Jesus. What’d he do?”

“He’s defrauded my mother out of a substantial amount of money and fled with his mistress.” How easily my new reality could be reduced to one bitter sentence. “I’ll share details another time, but I need an answer. If he contacts you, would you help him hide?”

I waited out a long silence.

He coughed. “Parenting has never been easy, and this kind of decision makes you question everything you think you know about yourself and love and fairness.”

“I’m very sorry.” He wasn’t the only father with a child who’d turned into someone no parent could respect. Still, I couldn’t imagine that Willa would grow up to be a monster, even if she had her father’s DNA. “Yet I need an answer.”

My foot jiggled for what seemed like forever while Mr. Foster seriously contemplated his heart and conscience. “I wouldn’t break the law to protect him, if that’s what you’re asking.”

I took that to mean he’d lend emotional support and maybe help with lawyers but wouldn’t help him hide or escape. Good news for me, and for him, because now he could learn about Willa.

“I’m glad you said that, because I’m pregnant with your grandchild. Coming up on seven months. It’s a girl. I’m planning to name her Willa for my late father.”

I’m not sure what reaction I expected, but I got silence.

“Mr. Foster?”

“Maybe you should call me Richard.”

I smiled. “Okay, Richard. Did you hear what I said?”

“I’m going to be a grandfather?” I recognized a familiar sound in his voice—awe mingled with a sort of terrified joy, as if letting the excitement in might somehow put it at risk. “Seven months, you say? Things between Lyle and me are bad, but I can’t believe he didn’t tell me.” He fell silent a moment. “He obviously took my warnings to heart after Deanna, but I meant it when I said I’d never lie for him like his mother did.”

I vaguely wondered what Lyle had done to Deanna, but that was pointless. “My daughter won’t be able to count on her father, but I’m hopeful you’ll be a man she can respect and love who will love her back. If you want to be that for her, then you’re welcome to come meet us in August, after she’s born.”

“Wow.” His voice broke apart a bit. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect all this. From one extreme to another . . . I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

“I understand. I didn’t mention Willa the last time we spoke because I was reeling from all Lyle’s lies and needed to verify what we’d discussed. The PI checked into your background a bit, too. I’m not proud of that, but I needed to protect Willa. I hope you understand.”

“Of course.” He clucked. “I’ve gotten used to being alone—looking ahead and seeing myself getting old here in this living room all by myself. Never gave grandkids a thought. This is welcome news for sure.”

For the first time all day, a genuine smile split my face. Willa would have a man who could dote on her because he had no wife or other grandkids to divide his attention. That might help her to be confident like Erin. “I’m glad.”

A beat of silence passed. “Does Lyle know you’ve called me?”

“No. He still thinks I believe that he’s in Florida working on the business deal my mother lent him the money for. He’ll be unhappy that I contacted you, but I’m well past caring. He’s left me unable to afford to keep my house, yet unable to sell it without his signature. I’ll probably need to file for bankruptcy on top of finding a better-paying job as a single, working parent.”

I covered my mouth with my free hand, stunned by my flippant tone and careless confession. I’d been acting more like Erin than myself lately. Although I’d never admit it aloud, this bold streak made me feel the best I had in weeks.

“I’m sorry my son has caused you and your family so much pain and trouble. I’m not a rich man, but I can help with some of the childcare costs . . .”

My nose tingled. The amount didn’t matter; his kindness brought on fresh tears. “That’s very sweet, thank you, but that’s not why I called. Please don’t worry about me. One way or another, I’ll solve my own problems.”

I had to learn to stand on my own, for Willa’s sake.

“You’re giving me a chance to be a grandfather after what my son has done, and that’s priceless. Truly. I want to help, for both your sakes.”