He shakes his head. “No, it’s not. I’m sorry. I haven’t slept in two days, everything’s falling apart at work, and nowthis—” he gestures at Cami, sleeping soundly in her new crib. “I didn’t mean to snap. It’s completely inappropriate to speak to an employee like that. You’re helping us so much, and I’m really grateful.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure that all of this is very stressful.”
He nods, lifting a hand to massage his temple. “That doesn’t excuse my actions, but thank you.”
“Do you have a headache?” I ask. “I have some painkillers back in my flat, if you want some.”
“Just a little one. I’m fine.” He clears his throat, turning to Cami. “How is her health?”
I tell him about the appointment. He listens intently, asking questions as I relay all of the information the doctor gave us. At one point, he pulls out his phone and starts making notes.
“Overall,” I round up, “she seems like a perfectly healthy baby girl. Whatever her living situations were before this, they don’t seem to have harmed her health.”
His shoulders relax. “Thank God,” he mutters.
I consider him. I think I might have misjudged him. I was a bit put off when he didn’t want to come to the appointment this morning, but it still seems like he really cares about Cami. Even if he is convinced that she can’t possibly be his.
On the table by his hand, his open laptop dings, and he checks it automatically. His face stiffens.
“What is it?”
He doesn’t respond, his eyes scanning the screen. His hands grip the table as he stares blankly at the laptop, his lips parting.
I put my hand on his arm. “Seb? Are you okay?”
A few seconds pass, then he pulls away from me sharply, turns on his heel, and heads for his bedroom. The door slams shut behind him, the noise ringing through the flat.
Cy and Jack immediately stop bickering about baby clothes, looking up. “What was that about?” Jack asks.
I shrug. “I don’t know. He just got an email.”
They both share a look, then jump to their feet, crowding around the laptop.
“Ah,” Jack says, leaning in to study the screen. “Shit.”
Cyrus grabs the laptop and swivels it so he can see, his eyes flickering over the email. His lips press together unhappily. “Well, well, well,” he mutters. “Who would’ve called it.”
“What’s going on?” I ask. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” Cy says, his voice curt. “The DNA lab got back. They have the results.”
My stomach sinks. “She’s Seb’s, isn’t she?”
“Total match,” Cyrus says. “There’s no doubt.”
I look up at the doorway where Sebastian disappeared, anger suddenly burning in my stomach. “You’re telling me,” I say slowly, “that manjust found out he has a baby daughter, and he justran away? He won’t touch her, or pick her up, orhold her?He’s just disappeared into his study towork?!”
The others sigh. Jack rubs his eyes. There’s disappointment in every line of his body. “You should go get some rest,” he says. “We’ve unpacked pretty much everything, I think Cami’s ready for bed.” He rolls out his shoulders, checking the clock. “You don’t have to come in early. I’ll get her ready and knock on your door at nine to go shopping?”
I know a dismissal when I hear one. I’m sure the guys want some time alone to process the news. I nod sharply, standing and heading to the crib. Cami’s already curled up sleeping, but I pick her up anyway, holding her close and kissing her cheek.
It’s so unfair. She’s a tiny baby. She’s done absolutely nothing wrong. She didn’taskto be born, but neither of her parents want her anyway. How is that okay?
Cami rouses in my arms, grumbling, so I settle her back down. My throat is tight with tears as I turn to the door, grabbing my keys.
A low voice calls after me. “Beth?”
I turn in the doorway. Sebastian is standing in the lounge. He clears his throat. “What’s your nightly rate?”