One More Chance (Chance, #2)(26)

He was silent a moment, then let out a groan of frustration. “Son, if the news is right, she has a congenital heart defect. Having a baby isn’t recommended. It could be fatal.”

Did he think we didn’t know that? I wasn’t an idiot. “I know that,” I replied through clenched teeth.

“And Kiro Manning’s daughter? Really? Have you learned nothing from watching that crowd and hanging out with Rush?” My dad was once married to Rush’s mother, Georgianna. I was a little kid when they were married, and it was a short marriage. He wasn’t a fan of anyone connected to them.

“She’s nothing like them. She’s . . . wonderful, Dad. She’s too damn good for me, but she loves me.”

“Her heart—”

“I know about her heart! Dammit, I understand what could happen. I don’t want her to have this baby. I want to save her, but she’s determined. She loves this baby so much already, and she refuses to listen to anyone tell her she can’t bring it into this world. And I love her too much to walk away just to save my heart from being destroyed. I can’t leave her, so if this is what she wants, I will take this chance and ride this ride and pray like hell I don’t lose her.”

Dad didn’t say anything for a few minutes. “I’ve never loved a woman like that. But I’m glad you found it. Just be careful. Call me if you need me. And get your ass back to Sandestin tomorrow and straighten out that order.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied.

“’Bye,” he said, then he was gone. Call ended.

He never said he loved me, and he never got very deep with me. Our relationship was based on business. I often wondered if he’d even call me at all if I didn’t work for him, so I was stunned by our conversation. This was the first time he’d admitted to not loving my mom. I always thought he had. I thought she’d ruined him. She was a beautiful, selfish, ambitious woman who traded up for husbands with more money on a regular basis. Sometimes she settled for sugar daddies to keep her in luxurious surroundings. The last time I had spoken to my mom, she’d been . . . hell, I wasn’t even sure where she lived now. It had been that long.

I set my phone down and headed back to the bedroom. I wondered if my dad would ever ask about Harlow and the baby again.

To my precious baby,

You came into this world with something special that many kids aren’t blessed with: a wonderful father. I know that by the time you read this letter, you will know just how amazing your dad is. To be loved by him is to live. And I lived because he loved me.

You have his love now, too. We may be sharing it together. If we are, then we’re the two luckiest people on earth.

My experience with my own daddy was more complicated. He was just a different kind of daddy. He loved me, which I never doubted, but he’s unique, as I’m sure you already know. Being Kiro Manning’s grandchild would be interesting, I imagine. I hope you won’t be the only one for long. Uncle Mase will have kids one day, and I know you’ll have a close relationship with them.

Your grandfather might do things that make you question him, but when you’re having mixed feelings about him, know that I love him. He was my world for a very long time. He became a different man once he lost your grandmother, and he has never been the same since. It changed him. So, love him anyway. Even when he’s crazy, love him. Love him because I love him. Because he loves me and because he won’t be able to help but love you.

I hope one day, we can curl up in your bed together and giggle about something he said or did. He’s an unforgettable character, and he will love you. I know he will.

Love you always,

Mommy

Harlow

My eyes opened, and I was in bed alone. My Grant pillow was gone, but I was tucked in, and the pillow Grant had slept on was still warm. Then I heard him.

My dad was here.

Grant was talking, but I couldn’t hear what he was saying. I sat up and took several deep breaths. I had to stay calm. Getting upset wasn’t good for the baby. I had to protect the baby. And I had to protect myself. Standing up, I ran my hand through my hair and looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes were still slightly swollen from earlier, but I looked rested.

Kiro started raising his voice, and I knew Grant needed me to rescue him. My dad was in a foul mood. I had to remember he was just scared. He’d already lost so much in life.

The room fell silent when I opened the door, and both men turned to look at me. I gave Grant a reassuring smile before turning my attention to Kiro. He looked awful. He had lost weight since I’d seen him last, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He wasn’t wearing any jewelry. If he weren’t covered in tattoos, he’d look like an average older man. But he was a rock god. The world’s rock god. My dad.

“Hey, Daddy,” I said, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room.

Pain contorted his face, and he shook his head. “You can’t do this, baby girl. I won’t let you. I need you. Gambling with your life sure as hell ain’t gonna fly. I’m taking you to get this fixed.”

“No,” I interrupted him. I had known what he would say, but hearing him actually say it was too hard. “No,” I repeated for emphasis. “I’m staying here. I have an obstetrician who specializes in pregnancies like mine. He’s teamed up with a cardiologist, and I will see him weekly. Yes, this is a high-risk pregnancy compared with normal ones, but I’m considered low-risk in my category. The doctor is positive about this.”