“How soon can we get the test?” I ask, still trying to stifle my sobs. I’ve got to pull myself together and be strong for my husband.

This is a crushing blow to both of us, but I’m not the one having my role in our child’s life threatened. However this test turns out, I’ll still be mom. But there’s a real possibility he could be demoted from dad to stepdad. And while I know a title won’t change the way he feels about Judd, it’s still a loss—one he’s already grieving the possibility of.

“Say the word and I’ll get the ball rolling today. I’m sure Trent is eager to see if he’s hit the jackpot. I can’t imagine he’d be opposed to providing a sample as soon as possible.”

“Do it,” Lyle says, grinding his molars. “And expedite it,” he clips. “Let’s figure out what the hell we’re dealing with here.”

“On it,” she says, rising to her feet. Anika makes it halfway to the door before stopping and turning back toward us where we’re still huddled on the floor. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling…and I am shit with knowing what to say in situations like this.” She shakes her head, as if she can’t believe she’s going to even attempt it. “But Lyle, you are that baby’s dad, no matter what any stupid test says.”

He sucks his tongue to his teeth and nods.

“You chose him for the right reasons,” she says. “DNA can’t take that away.”

“She’s right.” I say, pressing a kiss to the bend of his neck. “Trent can’t compete with what’s in here.” I squeeze the hand that’s resting over his heart into a fist. “Love will win out in the end…it has to.”

“I’ll be in touch.” Anika starts back for the door. “Gonna go work some magic and see if we can have those results in the next day or two.”

Once Anika’s gone, Lyle gets up from the floor, careful not to flash Raven with his robe. He blows out a long breath and then helps me to my feet. “I’m gonna go put some clothes on.”

I nod, smoothing a hand down his back. “Okay.”

He aims a snarky finger at Raven, but his voice is so heavy. “Then I’m gonna come hold my son.”

Tears well in my eyes. He’s clearly trying to lighten the mood, but I’m just so relieved to hear those words from his lips. Judd is his, in every way that matters. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that he knows no matter what those results show, his role in our son’s life will not be diminished.

Raven smiles. “You got it, Daddy.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine