Memories of the summer we spent together came rushing back. I’d fallen for her with all the passion and hormones of a teenage boy. Those strong emotions had scared the crap out of me, and I’d mistaken them for love. I’d torn out of there, far and fast, to get away from my own feelings.

And now she’d kept the ultimate secret from me. I didn’t know if I’d ever forgive her for such a thing, but I wouldn’t have to. She was married to another man. All we needed to do was straighten out this parenting business and figure out what rights I wanted to enforce and how the kid fit into my life.

Caro had texted me a few times to apologize for her rapid retreat. I recalled what a worrier she was, and my lack of response would’ve given her plenty to worry about.

At six a.m., I picked up my phone, found her last text, and texted her back.

~~Caroline~~

I woke early in the morning in a strange hotel room. I hadn’t fallen asleep until the wee hours, and I’d spent a good part of the evening fretting. Had I misjudged Easton? Was he disinterested in being a father? Did he hate me for running and not explaining the situation?

From his point of view, I didn’t look like a very good person. I’d regretted my rash actions and returned to the bar only to find him gone. I’d texted him several times, the last being at midnight, with no answer. I checked my phone almost every hour to find nothing.

I wished I’d allowed Fran to come to Seattle with me. She’d offered, but deep down, I knew this was something I had to do myself. I’d sure messed that up. Fran would tell me to have patience. I’d dropped a bombshell on Easton, and he needed time to put all of this in perspective.

Knowing it was early, I called Fran. She wouldn’t mind, even if I woke her up, and I needed to speak to someone. Fran was the closest thing I had to a real mother.

“Caro? Is everything okay?” Fran’s voice was a mixture of sleepiness and alarm.

“It’s okay. I’m sorry to wake you up.”

“You don’t have to apologize. We’ve been waiting for your call. When I said I was here for you, I meant it, no matter the time. Tell me what’s going on.”

I quickly ran through the events of last night, and Fran listened without comment until I finished. “And you haven’t heard a word since?”

“It’s still early.” I sighed, feeling both defeated and relieved. If Easton didn’t want any part of his children, I’d go on with my life, raise my kids, and work on a career path.

“I’m sure you will this morning. Give him time to adjust.”

“Maybe I’d just as soon he didn’t call back. Maybe it’s better that way. The kids can continue to believe Mark is their bio father. I won’t have to worry about Easton wanting custody down the road or interfering with my parenting…”