Page 123 of Fierce-Baker

“Yikes on a couple of levels. Did he think he could pick up where he left off?”

“The guy is an idiot. Maybe he’s related to Dad somehow.”

Brittany laughed. “Which would make him related to us. It’s funny, but not.”

“True. I’m not worried about that shit, but now that he’s here, Tasha knows her time is running out with Micah. She saw an attorney yesterday. She wants to get everything lined up before she lets him know.”

“She’s going to tell him?” Brittany asked, her voice more surprised than he expected it to be.

“Yes. It’s better if she takes that first step.” One she should have done before now, but he couldn’t say that to the woman he loved.

He didn’t know her back then. He was positive he had only heard parts of what she went through.

Did the thought that she was in love with the guy who did that to her make him jealous?

Maybe just a bit.

But he knew beyond a doubt Tasha felt nothing for the guy now.

Other than Shane was going to be in her life forever.

They shared a child together.

Things in his quiet little world with her were going to be no more.

Which was why he hated telling her what was going on with his parents.

It was simple, stupid shit he could handle and was.

“What did her attorney say? Did you go with her?”

“I offered, but she wanted to do it alone. She’s embarrassed about the whole situation. She confessed it to her parents over the weekend and though they are being supportive, Tasha’s mother got a few licks in there. They were hurt they never knew this before.”

“They’ve had two years to get past not knowing,” Brittany said. “That’s not right. You’d think they’d be happy Tasha was finally telling them.”

“I said the same thing. But I can tell it had more to do with her mother not understanding how Tasha couldn’t see the signs of what was going on.”

“Does it really matter now?” Brittany asked. “That petty shit should be cast aside.”

“I agree. Anyway.” He blew out a big breath. “Her attorney wants her to force him to take a DNA test. They need it on record right away who Micah’s father is since she didn’t list him on the birth certificate.”

“Is Tasha going for child support? That would open the door for visitations or more.”

Didn’t he know that!?

“Tasha knows who the father is, but I get it. They want it on record. Then they will figure out the next steps. She isn’t asking Shane for anything other than hoping he’d just sign off on his parental rights, but her attorney advised she doesn’t voice that now.”

“That’s asking a lot for a man who has other kids,” Brittany said. “Micah has half siblings, other grandparents. Lots of things.”

All the things he thought of and wanted to say but told himself he couldn’t.

He didn’t need to add more stress to this situation.

“I’m sure she knows that. She’s lining things up the best she can. Her mind is racing and she’s concerned about many things. But she’s been through a lot in the past and done it all on her own.”

“She doesn’t have to now,” Brittany said.

“No. She knows I’m here for her. For everything. Her parents will be too, even if they are hurt and not happy. Her best friend, Margo, is there also. She’s not alone.”