I swear I almost deflated onto the floor from relief. “Oh, thank God. I often jump to the worst possible conclusions. My friend thinks I’m too paranoid for my own good.”
“The one who was disappointed at the size of a pea?”
I closed my eyes and nodded. “I’d like to formally apologize for her lack of filter. It’s not the first time she’s compared private parts to food.”
He chuckled, and I swear, it made him even more handsome.
“It’s just that...” he groaned and then took a deep breath, “when it comes to asking someone on a date, I’m not that good at it. Getting a small pea out of an adorable little kid’s ear, I’m great at, but asking her beautiful mother out for dinner... not so much.”
My head jerked in surprise. He wanted to go out with me? I blinked and realized this was the first time a guy had asked me out who wasn’t connected to my brother in any way.
He was gorgeous, kind, and was excellent with my daughter... so why was I hesitating to say yes?
That was stupid. I shouldn’t be hesitating at all. Why? Because I ran into the first man I gave my heart to, and I hadn’t stopped thinking of him for two years?
Jenner had obviously moved on, so it was time I did too.
“I’d love to have dinner with you.” I glanced down at the card. “Wayde.”
His smile grew, and I noticed a few heads turn to glimpse him.
“Great, just text me your number, and we can plan. I look forward to seeing you again.” He threw his thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll head back to get the paperwork ready to discharge your daughter. It was lovely meeting you, Lola.”
My cheeks warmed. “It was nice meeting you too, Wayde.”
He headed back into the emergency room, and I stood there staring at his card.
“Who was that?” A deep voice came from behind.
I jumped in surprise and turned. “Jenner, what are you doing here?”
All thoughts of the doctor melted away as I gazed up at Jenni’s father. Why did my heart still beat for him? I wanted it to stop. Perhaps the date with Wayde would change how I viewed Jenner?
Jenner wasn’t looking at me, but his eyes narrowed as he focused his attention on the door Wayde just went through. His nostrils flared as he finally gazed down at me. “You said your daughter was in the hospital.”
Shit. I didn’t want him to find out about Jenni. If he knew, then my brother would eventually discover her too. I felt guilty keeping Jenner away from Jenni because he should know about her, but he made it clear over two years ago that he never wanted kids. That they were nothing but a burden that kept his parents poor and eventually caused his father to leave them.
“Yes.” I just couldn’t look him in the eyes. It hurt, keeping Jenni away from him.
It was easier to just say nothing when he didn’t know where I was. But now that he was here, standing in front of me, I was struggling to keep my mouth shut.
He glanced around the waiting room. “Where’s the father? Is he back with her?”
I noticed his voice wobbled as he spoke.
“He’s here...” I wasn’t lying.
“Oh.” His head lowered, and it broke my heart to watch all the bravado evaporate, only to be replaced by hurt.
I couldn’t do it anymore.
“Jenner, can you give me a minute?” I didn’t wait for him to answer before I went back into the emergency room. When I got to Jenni’s bed, I saw the paperwork on the table. I quickly signed it, and thankfully, Lydia had changed Jenni out of the hospital gown and back into her clothes.
“Lydia, can you find a nurse and give this to them? I need to take Jenni to meet someone.” She nodded and took the paperwork I just signed with her.
I lifted Jenni into my arms, kissing her cheek as worry flowed through my veins.
Holding on to my little girl as if she were about to fall, I hoped Jenner wouldn’t reject her. That he would see how sweet and wonderful she was and want to be a part of her life. I took a deep breath right before I pushed my way through the doors and back into the waiting room.