Page 63 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
"It doesn't." I keep my voice steady. "I know it doesn't. But I'm trying to show you I'm serious. That I want to be here. For both of you."
"Why?" The question cracks. "Because of guilt? Obligation? You think you owe me something?"
"Because he's my son." The words come out raw. True. "I don't need a test to know. I see it every time he smiles. Everytime he looks at me. But if you need proof, I'll take one. Whatever makes you feel secure."
She blinks rapidly. Not crying. Refusing to cry. "A paternity test."
"Only if you want." I shift Orry gently. He's playing with my collar now, babbling nonsense. "I trust you. But I understand if you need the certainty."
"I do." Her voice firms. "Because this isn't just about feelings or dimples or whatever cosmic coincidence brought you back into my life. This is about Orry. About making sure he's protected. Legally. Financially."
"Agreed."
"There's a clinic on Fourth. They do same-day appointments." She pulls out her phone. Scrolls. "I'll schedule it. We'll go together. Get the results. Then we. Figure out what comes next."
Relief floods through me. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet." She hops off the counter. "You're still on probation. One wrong move and?—"
"I understand."
Orry squirms. I set him down. He toddles to Cecie, arms up. She lifts him. Kisses his head. Whispers something I can't hear.
Then she looks at me. "The accounts thing. You serious about that?"
"Completely."
"Fine. Monday. Bring your calculator boyfriend and we'll talk deductions."
I blink. "Calculator. Boyfriend?"
"Colum mentioned you name your office supplies." The corner of her mouth twitches. Almost a smile. "It's weird. But. Kind of endearing."
"His name is Clarence."
"Of course it is." She shakes her head. Softens. "Okay. Saturday babysitting trial. One hour. I'm going to the corner shop for milk. You'll stay here with Orry. Don't let him eat anything that isn't food. Don't let him destroy the inventory. And if he cries, there are bottles in the mini-fridge."
"Got it."
She sets Orry down. Grabs her purse. Pauses at the door. "Gunther?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm still furious with you."
"I know."
"But. I'm glad you're trying."
She leaves before I can respond. The door chimes. Orry and I peer at each other.
"Duh?"
"Yeah, buddy." I sit cross-legged on the floor. Pull out the blocks. "Dada's here."
One hour turnsinto ninety minutes. Cecie returns with grocery bags and a slightly less hostile expression.
Orry's asleep in my arms. Drooling on my shirt. The blocks are scattered everywhere. I've read the counting book fourteen times.
