“Thank you,” I softly spoke as I took the cup from his hands.

Just as Simon sat on the bed next to me, Martha knocked on the door.

“Mr. Young, there is a policeman here to speak to Miss McCarthy.”

He sighed. “Thank you, Martha. Tell him she’ll be right down. Are you okay to go down and answer his questions?”

“Yeah. I’ll be fine.”

I climbed out of bed and brought my tea down with me. Brent, the officer from last night, was sitting in a chair in the living room.

“Officer,” Simon said.

“Hello. I wanted to stop by and let you know that we apprehended Mrs. Holms and she confessed to everything, so we won’t be needing you for further questioning.”

“That’s great. Thank you for stopping by and letting me know.”

“My pleasure, ma’am, and I’m sorry about your friends. How are they?”

“Critical at the moment. Only time will tell.”

“You both have a good day.”

“Thank you, officer,” Simon said as he escorted him out.

Simon put his arm around me and we went back upstairs. “I have something to tell you.”

My already fucked up stomach sank. “Now what?” I sighed.

“Relax, darling. I’m not the father of Alyssa’s baby. Just like I told you I wasn’t.”

“For absolute sure?”

“Yes.” He smiled.

I climbed back into bed and snuggled against Simon.

“She went and saw a specialist, some IVF doctor, and had sperm implanted in her by a donor.”

“WHAT?!” I exclaimed as I lifted my head.

“I know. She’s really fucked up. She did it under a different name for which she went to great lengths to create this fake identity.”

“Didn’t she stop to think that you’d find out?”

“She’s crazy, Gabrielle. I don’t know what she thought.”

“Have you talked to her about it?”

“No. I sent my people to confront her and tell her that if she doesn’t leave town immediately, then I was going to go to the authorities to report her for assuming a fake identity. Not only could she wind up in jail, but she’d more than likely lose her baby. Not that it would be such a bad thing because who would want that looney tunes for a mother?”

“You didn’t give her money, did you?”

“No, baby. I didn’t give her anything. Just a swift kick in the ass out of town. She will never contact me again.” He smiled as his lips brushed against mine. “Now close your eyes and get some rest.”

“Will you stay with me?” I asked desperately.

“Of course I’ll stay with you. I’m tired myself.”

I laid my head down on his rock solid chest and closed my eyes. At least one thing was settled. Now we could act like a couple in public. No more hiding.