And Father Makes Three

Jordan’s gaze shifted back to Blake. A tiny bit of color infused her cheeks now and a shimmer of moisture touched her eyes. Blake wove his finger through hers as he’d seen Elizabeth do. “Pinky promise.”

He had no idea if he could keep that promise, but he knew he would die trying. He’d do anything to make Jordan happy.

Chapter Four

“I’m sorry, Blake.” Elizabeth finally spoke as the bell dinged, signaling the arrival of the elevator. She stared at the red triangle above the metal doors instead of the man shifting on his feet next to her.

“Sorry for what?”

“That Jordan mistook you as my fiancé. She’s been praying for a new daddy. I just never thought she’d be so blunt about it in front of a complete stranger.”

He stiffened at her words. “I’m not a complete stranger.”

Elizabeth knew he spoke the truth. But how, after all these years, could she admit to her daughter—the one she’d promised Tessa she’d love and protect as her own—that she’d gone along with the lie?

But Jordan was her daughter. She wasn’t her own flesh and blood, but that didn’t matter. It was Elizabeth who had been up doing the nightly feedings. Elizabeth who took care of Jordan’s boo-boos and watched her take her first step. Elizabeth who kissed her goodbye as she rode the bus her first day of school. And Elizabeth who consoled her when Tom passed away.

The only father Jordan had known, yet hardly remembered.

She had the power to make her daughter’s prayers come true but fear kept her in its grip. What if Jordan chose to go live with Blake when she found out the truth?

“You can’t keep her in the dark forever.”

She dragged air into her lungs. Words jumbled around inside her head, but no sound passed her lips.

“Look, contrary to what I said upstairs, I won’t take her away from you. I just said that to get your attention. You’re her mother. You always will be. And I will always be her dad. I’ll have to be a bit more patient, that’s all. Not one of my strong points.”

“Jordan’s, either.” Her lips cracked into a grimace. “Still, she’s been watching too much of The Miriam and Teddy Show. Too much TV in general.” The doors slid open and Connor Stalling’s parents hurried past them. From the concern on their faces, something must have happened with Connor’s kidney transplant. Her heart went out to them and she wished there was something else she could do besides pray for his recovery.

“It’s not like she has a choice.”

Elizabeth watched him push the first-floor button. The interior of the elevator grew smaller and she stepped away to increase the distance between them. “I suppose you’re right. She’s read almost every book I’ve brought her and those in the play area, and on better days, she goes and plays games, but still…”

“Maybe me and some of the guys will come in on our days off and keep her company.”

“That will help.” She paused for a few seconds. “And give you a real chance to get to know her.” As she glanced over and saw understanding in his eyes, her stomach lurched. She’d been on this elevator too many times for it to be from the quick descent. The doors slid open and they stepped out onto the tiled foyer. She hesitated, looking between Blake and the empty space behind him. The E.R. was to their right, the entrance to the hospital to their left. Work beckoned, but suddenly she wanted some more time with Blake.

Gently he cupped her chin and tilted her head so she had no choice but to look at him. His nearness brought a measure of comfort and something else she was afraid to identify. “She will get better, Elizabeth.”