Accidental Fate by M.A. Stacie Read Free Book Online Page B

child she'd helped produce.
    Leo watched Erin's struggle. She didn't know whether to take Joe to Carlie or not. She'd hidden out in his bedroom, obviously wanting them to talk this through without her hanging around. Nevertheless when voices had been raised, and Joe had begun to cry, she had reappeared. Joe had been fussing, probably needing comfort from all of the loud noises, because as soon as she'd cuddled him he whimpered but went back to sleep.
    She gazed at Leo, looking for some direction as she moved closer. He held his arms out for the baby, shooting her a tight smile. She left the introductions to Leo, but he noted Carlie didn't say hello. She didn't even nod in Erin's direction.
    "I'll repeat," Leo said, sounding calmer now he held his son. "You cannot leave me to do this alone."
    "Do you want me to stay then? I'd fuck up our son completely. Look at me, Leo! Look. I'm a mess."
    He shook his head. "So you're doing this to save your son? I don't believe you. You're going to have some fun and be with… Bert ."
    Erin stroked his arm as he waited for her to answer.
    "Okay, fine. I'm a selfish bitch. I'm doing this because I want to."
    "And are you intending to come back? Because seriously, Carlie, you can't appear whenever you want and disappear whenever you get bored. I should be screaming at you now. I mean, I should be so angry for what you've done, but I'm not. Do you know why?"
    The woman shrugged again, not bothering to stifle her eye roll. Leo's tensed, and battled to keep his upset hidden.
    "I have Joe. That's why. I hate what you did , hate what you're doing, but I have him. This little boy has given me more than I ever thought I wanted. So you know what? You go. Go and do whatever you want, but just remember one thing—each day you're away from our son, you're missing out. And the longer you're gone, the harder it will be for you to look your son in the eyes. I don't care anymore, Carlie. Do whatever you please. I'm here for our son, not you."
    Her eyes went wide in shock, her reaction showing him she'd expected an argument at the very least. Leo just couldn't bring himself to care. His son had become the most important aspect in all of this, and if his mother insisted on discarding him, then he would make sure he gave Joe twice as much love.
    "So if you really only came to say your goodbyes, then say them and leave me alone to get on with raising a family."
    Erin leaned over and kissed his cheek.
    Leo's heart was breaking for his son, though he resolved to be strong. Parenthood hadn't been something he'd planned, or particularly wanted at this time in his life, but he wasn't going to turn his back on his little boy now. This last month with Joe had taught him so much, one of those being love found you, even when you weren't looking.
    It had found him.
    "Can I ask you for one thing, Carlie?"
    She popped a bubble with her gum, nodding.
    "I want your number, and I ask you never change it without telling me. I need to be able to contact you if Joe is sick. What you do with that information is your choice at the time. I just want to know that I'm doing what I can to be a good parent."
    "Is that supposed to mean I'm not?" she snapped.
    "Take that any way you want. I no longer care."
    She winced; he saw it. Leaving Joe here really was her choice. He could make her be a parent, but it wouldn't help Joe. He just had to concentrate on his own actions. That way, in years to come he could look into his son's face and know he did the right thing.
    "Just count yourself lucky I even let you through the door after where you left Joe," he continued coolly. "I'm treating you this way because we share a child. That's the only reason."
    "Y-you don't understand," she stammered, standing up and reaching for a cigarette from her purse.
    "I don't? Really? I'm not sure where you get that from. I'm the one who had no idea I was a father until I found him on the doorstep. I'm the one who had to spend night after night consoling him