Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, and I looked at the woman.
“I’m married. I’m not looking for a relationship with him. I just want you to know that right up front. But . . . I’m a bit ashamed to say this, but I need to find out if Ty is her father. My baby is sick and needs a blood transfusion.”
My heart broke, but for two very different reasons. I cleared my throat. “I’m so sorry.”
She gave me a weak smile. “I’m not a close-enough match, and her daddy—her, um, stepdaddy—isn’t a match either.”
“Ty’s the father?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“I’m pretty sure, but we used protection, so I know how that makes me sound. It was a one-night thing here in Billings after a PBR event a little over four years ago. I was at a wedding here in the hotel and met Ty at the bar, and one thing . . . um . . . well, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Kaylee,” Lincoln whispered, her own heartache evident in her voice.
“Lincoln, I’m going to have to call you back. Let me take care of this . . . not Brock.”
“O-okay. Call me. And Kaylee?”
“Yeah?”
“Take a deep breath. Okay?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, then hit end. “I know where he is. Can you come with me?”
The woman nodded, then reached her hand out. “I’m Katy, Katy Olsen.”
“Kaylee Holden.”
It struck me as odd how similar our names were. Even the look of her. Blonde hair, shorter than mine. Her eyes were green, though, which made me look down to the little girl again, her brilliant blue eyes gazing back up at me. My chin wobbled, but only for a moment.
“The car should be waiting to take me to the arena.”
“Will they let me in?” she asked as she and her daughter walked alongside me.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
I pulled out my phone and sent Ty a text.
Me: Can you get another pass? For Katy Olsen.
He replied almost instantly.
Ty: LOL. Did you already meet a friend? Tell me she’s not a fan or something, Kaylee.
Me: No, she’s married.
Ty: Cool, I’ll call and let them know.
A part of me felt horrible for not telling him, but I wanted to see if he’d even remember this girl’s name.
As we rode down in the elevator, the little girl telling her mom how fast it moved, both of us smiled at her.
“I’m so sorry, Kaylee. I wouldn’t have ever reached out if it hadn’t been for Olivia needing medical treatment.”
Bending down, I tapped her on her nose. “Olivia. What a beautiful name. Who is this?” I asked, pointing to the little bear she was clutching in her hands. She was just a little younger than Blayze. The thought that he might have a cousin he didn’t even know made me feel sad.
“His name is Buzz.”
With a smile, I gave Buzz a tap on the nose as well. “Hello there, Buzz. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The elevator opened, and I took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. I’d made Ty a promise, only a few hours ago, that whatever problems came our way, I was going to stick by his side. As heartbreaking as this problem was, and as much as I wanted to take off in a cab and just run, I held my head up and walked toward the doors.
Then I realized I hadn’t responded to Katy. Before sliding into the black limo that was waiting for us, I took her hand in mine and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sorry. I just needed a moment.”