Tinsel (Lark Cove #4)(45)

“I love it.” Rozene clutched her heart then looked to her husband. “Let’s try for a girl.”

He just smiled at her—a smile that said I’d be here again in about nine months.

My father stepped up first, taking the baby in his arms and rocking her back and forth until her momentary fussing stopped. “Kimi. I am your grandfather, Joseph. Burn bright, little star.”

It was something Dad always added. I wasn’t sure if the rest of my family wished the babies anything. If they did, they didn’t say it out loud.

“Kimi.” Mom was next to take the baby. “I am your grandmother, Lyndie.”

She turned to me, bringing the child over. I took her in my arms, careful not to bounce her too much as I cradled her.

I wasn’t like other single men who were nervous around babies. We’d always had kids in and out of our house growing up. My mother or sisters were always babysitting for a relative or neighbor and I’d pitch in.

I liked kids. I liked this kid.

Her eyes were open and dark, staring at me without blinking.

“Kimi, I am your uncle, Dakota.” Be free.

It was the same thing I’d wished for all of them after they were born.

If they ever needed some help finding that freedom, I’d be the guy they could call. Even if I didn’t live down the block or attend every holiday, I’d be there.

Like Xavier had been for me.

“My turn.” Rozene swept the baby from my arms, cooing as she rocked her side to side. “Kimi, I am your aunt, Rozene. And this is your other aunt.” Rozene handed the baby to Petah.

She hesitated a moment after the baby was in her arms, then she introduced herself. “Hi, Kimi, I’m Petah.”

At least she hadn’t added the aunt.

Petah rocked the baby back and forth, smiling at Kimi’s round face. Then she looked to me with the words I want one written all over her face.

I took a step away from Petah, nearly knocking over one of my nephews who’d come over to stand close.

My family had all but convinced her I’d come home eventually. No matter how many times I stressed that I wasn’t coming back, that Petah and I would never be together again, they’d fooled her into thinking there was still a chance.

Petah handed the baby to Rozene’s husband next. When he was done with his introduction, Kimi went back to Koko. Each of the kids climbed up on the hospital bed for their introductions. As I waited for each to say their name to the baby, I maintained the foot of space between me and Petah.

When was she going to get the hint? The shoulder I’d always tried to keep lukewarm needed to turn icy cold.

The moment the naming was done, I walked to Koko’s side and dropped another kiss on her cheek. “Congratulations. Get some rest, okay?”

“You’re leaving?”

“The roads are icy,” I lied. “Don’t want to drive on them in the dark.”

Koko frowned. “Fine. I guess we’ll see you when we see you.”

“Yep.”

I bit my tongue so I wouldn’t point out for the tenth time they could always come and visit me. I’d lived in Lark Cove for five years and not once had a family member made the two-hour drive to see where I lived or where I worked.

I hugged Mom and Rozene good-bye. The embraces weren’t returned since they were just as pissed as Koko. Then with a nod and wave to the guys, I strode out the door.

“Dakota.” Dad followed me into the hallway.

I stopped walking and turned, fisting my hands on my hips. “Dad.”

“They’re looking for a new director at the economic development office.”

“Great. Hope they find someone.” Because I had a job.

Dad didn’t seem to remember that little fact. Each time I came home, he’d list off all the available jobs in the area.

“It’s time you came home,” he said. “Hasn’t it been long enough? You belong here.”

“I have a home. I belong there.”

“With your uncle,” he grumbled.

“He supports me.”

Dad didn’t have a response.

So I spun around, striding down the hallway and leaving him behind.

Every time this happened. I’d come here, and all I’d get was pressure. Not a single person asked me how I was doing. Not a single family member asked me if I was happy.

“Dakota, wait,” Petah called after me.

“Christ,” I groaned, looking at the ceiling as I stopped once again. The waiting room was only three feet away and around the corner. So close. But my escape was stopped again.

Petah caught up, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I didn’t know you’d be here. Koko called and said she’d had the baby, and I asked if it was an okay time to bring flowers. Please don’t leave because of me. I can go.”

As frustrated as I was with the entire situation, I didn’t blame Petah. I knew her well enough to know she wasn’t into games or manipulations. She didn’t realize that she was part of one. My sisters were using her as bait, a beautiful woman who might entice me to come home.

“No. It’s fine. It’s not you.”

“My offer for dinner is still on the table. You could bring your friend.”