Nathan's Child Read Free Page A

get his way.
    â€œSo you’re going to stay here,” she said conversationally. “Doing what, If you don’t mind my asking?”
    â€œBeing a father.”
    It was the last thing she expected him to say—and it hit her right in the gut. She stared at him. “You?”
    Kids had never figured in Nathan Wolfe’s universe. Inthe week they’d spent sharing dreams and hopes and plans, never once had he mentioned wanting a family.
    His jaw tightened. “You don’t think I can be a good parent?”
    â€œI’m surprised you want to.”
    â€œDid you? Want to?”
    The question caught her off guard. And the panic she’d felt when she’d discovered she was pregnant appeared unbidden in her mind. She banished it now as she had determinedly banished it all those years ago.
    â€œI always wanted children,” she said defensively. “I love my daughter more than anyone on earth.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to meeting our daughter.”
    She wanted to say, Well, you’re not going to. She wanted to banish him from the island, from her—and Lacey’s—life. But she couldn’t, and she knew it. He was her daughter’s father, and ever since Dominic and Sierra had turned up, Lacey’s curiosity about him had been piqued. She’d studied his books avidly, asked a million questions, wondered whether she would ever get to meet him. And Carin had had to smile and act indifferent, as if it wouldn’t matter to her whether Nathan appeared or not.
    â€œI’m sure she’ll be glad to meet you, too,” Carin said stiffly.
    â€œWhere is she?”
    â€œFishing.”
    Nathan raised a brow. “Fishing?”
    â€œGirls can fish, too.”
    â€œI know that. I just didn’t think about it. I thought…school or something.”
    â€œIt’s July. No school in July. She went with her friend Lorenzo. He’s Thomas’s son.” Nathan knew Thomas. They were about the same age, and Thomas’s parents, Maurice and Estelle, were the caretakers of the Wolfes’ house. “They won’t be back until late.”
    Not that late actually. Thomas brought his catch in before dinner every day. But Carin wasn’t having Nathan hanging around waiting, for the rest of the afternoon.
    â€œI’ll just mosey on down to the pier then, shall I?”
    â€œ No! I mean…no.” She’d forgotten Nathan would know that unless a fisherman was going to be gone for several days—in which case he wouldn’t be taking a couple of kids—he’d be back in time to sell his catch to housewives looking for fresh fish for dinner. Carin wetted her lips. “You can’t just go. I need to talk to her first.”
    â€œCome with me. We can talk to her together.”
    â€œNo. We can’t. I can’t. I have to keep my shop open.” And she didn’t want to show up on the quay with Nathan in tow. “Let me talk to her, Nathan. Let me prepare her first. Please.”
    Nathan jammed his hands into the pockets of well-worn jeans. “Prepare her? How?”
    â€œTell her that you’re here. Have some consideration, Nathan. She thought as soon as you knew about her you’d come. You’ve known about her for months. You didn’t show up until today.”
    â€œI had assignments. I had work. I didn’t want to come and leave again two days later.”
    â€œFine. Whatever. You did this on your timetable. Give me a chance now.”
    â€œAll right. You can have the rest of the day.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œHow long does it take, Carin?” he said impatiently. “Just tell her I’m here. We’ll work it out from there.”
    â€œWe can’t—”
    â€œPromise me you’ll tell her tonight. Or I’ll go down to the pier and tell her myself.”
    â€œAll right! Fine. I’ll talk to her. Tonight,” she added