Page 73 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy

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"True. But I like the work. And Colum's good in his way."

"He's a meddler." My eyes roll.

"That too." Gunther smiles. "But he means well."

"Meaning well doesn't excuse manipulation." I sigh.

"No. But it makes it easier to forgive."

I think about that. About Colum's proposal. This whole arrangement. "You think he set this up just to push us together?"

Gunther pauses. "Probably. But that doesn't mean it's a bad idea."

"You're okay with being manipulated?"

"I'm okay with spending time with my son." He says it simply. Honestly. "If Colum's scheming gets me that, I'll take it."

My son.He said it. Out loud. Like it's fact.

I swallow hard. "We still don't know for sure."

"I know." His smile slowly stretches across his face.. "But Cecie. Look at him. Look at me. You know."

I do. God help me, I do. "A test would confirm it."

"Do you want one?" His brow cocks endearingly.

I hesitate. "Do you?"

"I want whatever makes you comfortable."

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one I have." He steps closer. Careful. "I'm not going to demand proof. Or rights. Or anything you're not ready to give. I just. Want to be here. However you'll let me."

My throat tightens.Don't cry. Don't you dare cry.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay. We'll figure it out. As we go."

Relief floods his face. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." I turn back to the counter. Blink hard. "You haven't seen me at my worst."

"I'm not going anywhere."

We'll see.

Six p.m.Gunther's carrying boxes to my car. I'm wrangling Orry and the diaper bag.

We load everything. Orry babbles in his car seat. Gunther closes the trunk.

"Same time tomorrow?" he asks.

"If you're sure." I peer at him, my brow lifts.

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