“It’s a long story, but I need you to know it really wasn’t her fault back then. It was all a big misunderstanding.”

There’s silence for a moment. “I hope she doesn’t do it to you again. Lord knows, you don’t need it with the stress I’d imagine you’re under splitting away from Mac.”

“Mac can go to hell. He tried to buy Delaney off, and she refused. And there’s something else you should know. Something I need to tell you before you read it online.”

She doesn’t answer, but I’m sure she’s processing what I just said. And I don’t want to wait any longer to tell her because it’s only a matter of time before some arsehole journalist contacts her.

“I have a daughter. Delaney and I do.”

“What?”

“Her name is Amelia, and she’s as cute as a button. I’ll send you photos. She’s five.”

“You have a daughter?” she whispers. “What? How?”

“Delaney had a baby.”

“Are you sure she’s yours?”

“You only have to look at her to know. Trust me on that.”

“Josh.” There’s so much emotion in her voice. I hate dumping this on her from so far away, but if Tonya is right, the news is about to drop and I can’t have my mother finding out about Amelia that way.

“I’m so sorry, Mom. A reporter’s got hold of the story, and I’m trying to stop it to protect Amelia, but I really needed to tell you in case they run it.”

She lets out a long breath. She’s used to the crazy things happening to me, but this has to be the most out-of-the-blue thing I’ve landed on her.

“Please send me the photos. We’d love to see her. I’ll work out how to tell your father.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Oh, this is not over, Joshua. We will be having further conversations about how you hid this from me.”

I swallow hard. Here comes the even harder part.

“I didn’t know. I’ve only found out these past few months. And I wanted to see how things went with Delaney before pulling her into my insanity.”

Her sigh says everything. “I’m not sure how to feel about it. She kept your baby from you and she almost ruined your career, but now you want to be with her?”

“She tried to tell me, Mom. I have all the proof of that I need.”

“Oh, Josh.”

“Anyway, I have work to do and I’ll call you later. But I’ll just text you through a couple of photos of Amelia. You’ll fall in love with her. I swear. She’s amazing.”

“I can hear how much you already love her. Please send them. I want to see my granddaughter.”