Page 64 of Single Mom's Undoing

I don’t want Carter to be hurt when I tell him the truth.

But I don’t want to keep running either.

Once I getStephan’s money into my account, I’ll have a bit more clarity. A safety net to help guide me forward. Until then, I make the most of every day and every moment that Iget to spend with my men, with Jodie, with Matty and Shiloh.

One afternoon, after I’m done submitting a proposal for Vanguard’s second Oregon location, I make my way downstairs to the daycare, eager to get Matty and Shiloh so Damon can take us to Mondy’s diner for some cheesy fries and cherry pie.

I’ve been craving so many different things lately.

“How are my munchkins?” I greet the kids as soon as they come out of the indoor playground.

They’re red-faced and giggly, clearly tired from their daytime activities. Matty hugs my right leg and Shiloh takes the left.

“We had so much fun, Momma!” Matty declares.

“Excellent!” I laugh and kneel so I can be at their level.

Behind them, a few other kids chase each other while the daycare staff carefully and lovingly watch over them. Matty needs a moment to catch his breath, though. He knows not to exert himself too much, but once the kiddie zoomies kick in, he’s hard to stop.

“I’ve got your inhaler, if you need it,” I tell him.

He cups my cheek with his warm little hand. “I’m okay, Momma.”

“Shy-Shy, your daddy’s going to be here soon, and we’re going to get fries and pie at Mondy’s,” I tell her.

Shiloh’s eyes burst wide with excitement. “With cheese?”

“Lots of cheese, I promise.”

“Daddy doesn’t let me have lots of cheese,” she pouts.

“I’ll put in a good word,” I say with a wink. I laugh as she throws her arms around my neck, promptly followed by Matty.

I revel in their embrace, their energy. I need every ounce of it. I’ve been carrying too many secrets lately, and the pregnancy feels like the straw that’s going to break the camel’s back.

The sound of heels clicking loudly across the marble floor makes me turn my head just in time to see Elizabeth heading toward us. Instantly, I stand up to face her.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” I say.

“Just because you’re porking my ex-husband doesn’t give you the right to tell me when I can or can’t see my daughter, Miss Piggy,” Elizabeth cruelly retorts, then plasters on a fake smile for Shiloh. “Hi, honey, how are you?”

Shiloh doesn’t know who she is, so she hides shyly behind my leg, holding on for dear life, while Matty gets protective, his instincts as sharp as mine.

“She doesn’t recognize you,” I say.

Elizabeth gives me a cold glare.

“You need to stay out of this, Clara. You’ve done enough harm as it is,” Elizabeth replies, crossing her arms.

“I’m afraid I can’t stay out of this since the law isn’t on your side.”

“Oh, it will be soon enough.”

“What were you hoping to accomplish besides giving Damon more ammunition for family court and traumatizing this poor child?”

Elizabeth smirks and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear, a diamond earring glistening from the lobe. “It’s none of your goddamn business, Clara. And frankly, I’m done explaining myself to you. I’m here to see my daughter, so do me a favor and get your fat ass out of my way. I have no patience left to be civil.”

“When were you ever civil?”