“Stein’s name isn’t on the certificate.” She swiped her finger under her eye.
“No, it’s not.”
She looked at Abe again, understanding registering on her face.
“He’s your dad.”
Abe leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs and clasping his hands together.
“His name is Abe, but he’s called Cobra in his club. Remember how Sadie’s dad has a road name?”
She nodded, staring at Abe.
I could hardly breathe. My stomach was tight, my hands clammy.
Nova lowered her gaze to the box and removed another picture of Abe and me. It was from our first Valentine’s Day together.
“Your daddy gave me your teddy bear, Murray, for Valentine’s. When you were born, I gave it to you so he’d always be with you.”
Nova put the picture back and ran toward her bedroom.
I stood to go after her.
“Wait to see what happens,” Abe told me, raising his hand. “This is a lot for a little girl to process.”
I pressed my hand to my stomach and nodded.
As quickly as Nova left, she returned with Murray. She took it to Abe and thrust it toward him. “Here. I don’t want it anymore.” She let the bear fall when he didn’t take it, then ran back to her bedroom and slammed the door shut.
I covered my mouth and cried as he bent to pick up the bear.
“Come on, baby.” Abe tugged me onto his lap. “You didn’t really think she’d jump for joy?”
“I don’t know what I thought. My heart hurts for her.”
“So does mine. Let’s give her a little time to process.” He kissed my head. “I like her name, Nova Gray.”
“Gray was after your eye color.”
“I figured. Thank you for putting me on her birth certificate.”
“How could I not?” I pulled back to see his face. “You might’ve broken my heart Abe, but you were her father. And you were my one and only love.”
“And youaremine, baby.” He captured my lips and kissed me softly. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll get through this together.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am. Does she like pizza? We could order one for dinner. Or have ice cream sundaes. I’m just going by what makes Piper happy when she’s sad.” He rolled his eyes. “She’s the only little girl I’ve ever been around.”
“You’re adorable.”
“You think so?” His hands went on my ass.
“Yes, very much so.” The small gesture wouldn’t have fazed me if it were anyone else. But with Abe, his hands on any part of my body ignited a burning desire for sex in me. If Nova wasn’t here, I’d rip his clothes off him.
“I feel it, baby. We’re all going to be okay.”
“I believe you.”