“Ava?” he called, his voice softening as he sought her attention.
She turned back to face him. “Yes?”
“Is something wrong? I thought we parted on good terms after that night together, but you seem nervous,” he said, concern furrowing his brow.
“No, I’m fine. Just surprised to see you,” she replied, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
At that moment, Rudy Hollister strode into the kitchen, holding a little girl on his hip. Deke’s eyes widened, and his breath caught as he absorbed the scene before him. The child was beautiful, with dark brown hair and… honey-colored eyes, glinting with innocent curiosity. The sight of her struck him with unexpected force, akin to a swift kick in the gut, leaving him momentarily breathless.
“Agent Anderson, come into the living room,” Rudy said, nodding toward the adjacent room. The little girl waved at Deke with a smile.
Deke clenched his jaw, turning back to face Ava with a simmering intensity. “How old is she?”
“Two years old,” Ava answered quietly.
“Is she mine?” he growled, his voice low and urgent.
“Deacon—” Ava began, her voice faltering.
“Simple question, Ava. Is. She. Mine?” he pressed, his words punctuated with a sharpness that demanded the truth.
Ava bowed her head, but after a moment, she nodded.
“And you didn’t think I’d want to know?” he muttered, raking his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Son of a bitch.”
“We both said it was a one-time thing—” she attempted to reason.
“She is my daughter,”he roared, his voice booming with the weight of realization.
“Keep your voice down,” she snapped, her eyes darting toward the door.
“The hell I will. I—”
“What is going on here?” Rudy asked, reentering the kitchen, his gaze shifting between them and his granddaughter. “I thought there was something familiar about you. You’re her father, aren’t you, Agent Anderson?”
“It seems that way,” Deke replied, his voice laced with unresolved emotion.
“Ava? You told me the father knew and didn’t want anything to do with Ellie,” Rudy said, his voice filled with confusion and disappointment.
Deke clenched his jaw tighter. “Well, she lied to you, just like she lied to me. You and me?” He pointed between Ava and himself, his expression unwavering, like a stone wall. “We’re going to talk.”
Ava’s father stepped in; his voice calm yet firm. “You two need to do that. Ava, how could you not tell him he had a daughter?”
Ava’s voice was barely more than a whisper, burdened with years of secrecy. “I never thought I’d see him again.”
“So, you never planned to tell me I had a daughter?” Deke ran his fingers through his hair again with a sense of disbelief.
Ava’s shoulders squared as she fixed her gaze on him, her eyes defiant. “I saw no need! We agreed to one night together—” She cast a glance at her father, apologetic. “Sorry, Dad.” Then she looked back at Deke. “Deacon, how would I know you’d want to know?”
“Not many men wouldn’t!” His voice rose, edged with anger, before he shook his head, trying to regain composure. “I can’t deal with this right now, but we are going to talk, Ava. Count on it. Once I get finished with this case, we will talk about this.” He exhaled heavily, the weight of the revelation pressing on him. “Damn it. I can’t believe you kept this from me for over two years. You knew how to get in touch with me.”
“I’m sorry. We will talk about it.”
“You’re damn right we will.” Deke turned to Rudy, his demeanor softening slightly. “I apologize for raising my voice, Mr. Hollister.”
“Don’t worry about it. You had every right.” Rudy’s gaze shifted to his daughter, disappointment clouding his features as he shook his head. “I’ll take Ellie with me to get her things ready, and you can take her home, Ava, then I’ll meet you in the living room, Deke.” He left the kitchen.
Deke placed his hands on his hips, lowered his head, and let out a deep sigh, his mind a whirl of emotions.
