“Hey there. How’s your little one doing?”
“Dylan had a great first night, and we’re hoping to take her home later today.”
“Congratulations again to you and Kara. Hope she’s feeling okay.”
“She’s aching and tired but elated to finally hold our bundle of joy.”
“Give her my best. I didn’t think I’d hear from you today.”
“I didn’t either, but I got a voice mail from a lawyer on the mainland who says he represents the father of Jared and Lizzie’s baby, who just found out the baby exists.”
Kendall’s heart stopped for a hot second as she pulled off the road. “What? Oh my God.”
“I wanted to make you aware of it right away.”
As she took down the name and number that Dan recited, she felt sick to her stomach at the thought of having to tell her brother and sister-in-law this devastating news. They were counting down the final weeks to Violet’s adoption being final.
“Did the lawyer give any indication of what he’s asking for?”
“No, he just asked me to call him.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“I’m sorry about this.”
“Me, too. Let’s hope he’s after money and not the baby.”
“That was my first thought—that he recognized Jared’s name and is looking for a payout.”
“As disgusting as that would be, it’s better than him wanting the baby.”
“Yeah, for sure. Let me know if you need help with this. I’m a phone call away.”
“Will do. Enjoy your family. I’ll take care of mine.”
“Keep me posted.”
“You got it.”
Kendall ended the call and stared out the window at the ferry landing for a long time, summoning the fortitude to make a call that could upend Jared and Lizzie’s family. “Please don’t let that happen,” she whispered to the universe.
Before she could figure out her next move, her phone rang with a call from her ex-husband.
“This day just keeps getting better.” After a deep breath to calm herself, she said, “Hey.” She tried to remember when she’d loved Phil Tobin more than any human on the planet. That felt like a long time ago after the ordeal he’d put her and their sons through.
“Hi. Thanks for taking my call.”
She hadn’t talked to him in a few weeks, but the sound of his voice had the same effect on her as always—unreasonable yearning for what used to be. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to check on how you and the boys are doing.”
“We’re doing well. Settling into a new life here on Gansett. It’s been a good move for all of us.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Fucking tears. She deeply resented them as she brushed them away. “Was there anything else?”
“I was wondering if I could maybe see the boys.”
