“Fine. In that event, a bank account has been established. Monthly deposits will be made. Everything is outlined in the relinquishment papers. And I’ve discreetly arranged for court approval of my son’s termination of rights.”
Lila turned to Blaine. “Are you okay with this?”
Blaine leaned back, stretching his legs out like the conversation bored him. He shrugged and looked toward Pete at the bar, tapping a finger against his empty glass.
“Look, it’s not like I didn’t think it through.” His tone easy, almost dismissive. “The kid has a mother, and Camille will handle it. I mean, you did. Best thing I can do is step back and let her. No need to drag everyone through unnecessary drama.”
Claudia clasped her perfectly manicured hands together, her expression calm, unwavering. She didn’t so much as glance at Lila, her focus entirely on Blaine.
“That’s right, sweetheart. You have your whole life ahead of you. One misstep doesn’t define a man—don’t let it. You’ve worked too hard, and you have too much potential to be tied down by a fleeting one-night stand that was never meant to be permanent.” She tilted her head slightly, gave him that knowing look. “The girl will manage. Women always do. But you? You have a future—one too bright to let a single mistake dim your potential.”
She finally glanced at Lila, smooth and unreadable, before returning her gaze to Blaine. “You’re making the right choice.”
Pete arrived with the plate, setting it down in front of Blaine with a slight thud. The burger rested under the dim lighting, unmistakable yellow cheddar oozing over the edges of the grilled meat.
Lila caught Pete’s eye, and he gave her the barest flicker of amusement before nodding toward the ketchup bottle. No words, just a silent acknowledgment. Then, without waiting for a reaction, he wiped his hands on his bar towel and slipped away.
Blaine picked up the burger, completely unaware.
Lila folded her arms against her chest and fixed them both with a steady gaze. “This is Camille’s decision,” she said firmly, feeling the blood pump through her neck veins.
Claudia pressed the sealed envelope closer, her expression stoic. “Take it. I’m sure she'll agree.” She paused, then added, “Besides, I understand she is intent on a career in film. She wouldn’t want anything to mar her chances of breaking into the industry, even given Nick Thatcher’s help.”
The barely disguised threat slithered between them, but Lila heard it loud and clear. Disgust churned in her stomach.
These people. Cold. Calculating. So convinced they could manipulate Camille’s future with a few carefully chosen words and a check.
It was hard to look at the truth when it ran contrary to what she wanted to believe. But the thought of them near her future grandbaby made her skin crawl.
Without further hesitation, Lila took the envelope and tucked it into her back pocket. Then, leveling Claudia with a razor-sharp look, she let a slow smile curve her lips.
“You know, Senator, for someone who’s likely spent a lifetime buying influence, you sure don’t know much about real power.”
And with that, Lila spun and walked away, leaving them both to sit in their own entitlement.
29
A spring breeze stirred the evening air, carrying the scent of damp earth and the promise of new beginnings. Capri sat on the porch of her cabin, bathed in the soft glow of the string lights draped along the beams. The bulbs swayed gently, casting golden halos against the night. Overhead, a full moon hung in the sky, luminous and whole, watching over Thunder Mountain with quiet wisdom.
Capri adjusted her position in the rocking chair, her crutches resting against the railing beside her. The ache in her leg was a dull reminder of all she had been through, but she felt lighter tonight.
Lila, Reva, and Charlie Grace bustled around, bringing out more snacks, uncorking a bottle of wine, and arranging themselves comfortably on the cushioned seats of Capri’s new patio furniture—the set Jake had picked out for her.
“Man’s got good taste,” Reva admitted, patting one of the chairs as she sat down.
The front door creaked open, and Jake stepped out. He was freshly showered, his dark hair still damp at the edges. Without a word, he walked over to Capri, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I’ll be home later,” he murmured, his voice warm and steady.
She tilted her face up to him, her heart skipping in a way she still hadn’t gotten used to. “Don’t be too late.”
The girlfriends chuckled, and Capri rolled her eyes. “What?”
Charlie Grace filled the wine glasses. “Nothing. You just seem…I don’t know.”
“Like an old married couple,” Lila finished.
Capri and Jake exchanged amused glances before he turned to go. With a lingering glance, he stepped off the porch and into the night, his silhouette disappearing down the gravel drive.
The moonlight caught on the trees, casting silver-edged shadows across the yard as she heard him start the engine and pull away.
