“The headline is Josh Carter’s Secret Love Child. What do you want me to do? I’ve spoken to a lawyer already and we could argue that they’re putting a minor at risk. They have photos.”

I nod. “Do whatever you have to do. Delaney’s going to kill me. She knows what’s coming. Amelia isn’t fair game. I haven’t even told my parents yet.”

She lets out a sigh. “I suggest you tell them in case we can’t get this pulled.”

“You’re right. Of course. I’ll call Delaney first and let her know too. Please keep me updated.”

“Will do.”

Shit.

Every time I think we’ve hit a rough patch, I think that’s as bad as it’s going to get. I should have had a better plan for this, but I thought in their small town they’d be safe. When I find out who’s been digging …

I dial Delaney.

“Hey. Haven’t I already heard from you today? I’m not complaining, but we’re going to have to talk about your clinginess.” She teases.

It takes a moment for me to gather my thoughts. It takes that long for her to figure out something’s wrong.

“Josh? What’s going on. You’re still coming to spend time with us, right? Because I don’t want you to let Amelia down, and—”

“I’ll be there. There’s something else I have to tell you.”

She lets out a sigh of relief. My gut clenches knowing that’ll be short-lived.

“The media have got hold of a story about Amelia. And photos.”

Delaney gasps. “What?”

“My publicist called me because she got wind of it. She’s working with—”

“I don’t want her picture up there, Josh. I’ve seen some of the shit people have said about me. I’m a big girl. But she’s five.” She lets out a strangled sob and it damn near breaks my heart to hear.

I close my eyes. The last thing I ever want is for either of my girls to hurt, and Delaney’s one hundred percent right.

“My lawyer’s trying to get them to stop publication. I don’t know how anyone got hold of this, except …”

“I know it’s not you.” She’s still upset, but at least she’s not crying. I don’t ever want her to cry.

“I agree. I’m so sorry. I wish I could undo all this.”

She sighs. “I guess it was only a matter of time. Doesn’t make it any easier. How bad is it?”

“I’m not sure, but they’re headlining it as my secret love child.”

I know she’s back to being Delaney when she snorts. “I guess it wasn’t much of a secret when I lost the plot at Jessie in the middle of the diner.”