Love and Secrets - Kit Morgan Page 0,43

ordeal to have to go through when there’s no need for it.”

She smiled again and nodded. There was nothing she could do except maybe lend moral support. “Should I call him?”

He patted her on the shoulder. “If you wish. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.”

She blew out a breath. “I don’t know. I’m sure Janet told you I didn’t return his texts or calls for a few days. Then he took off.”

He nodded but didn’t say anything.

“Well, thank you for letting me know.”

“Of course, my dear. We’re all in this together, aren’t we?”

She laughed halfheartedly. “Sophie’s not mine.”

“No, but you and Zane… well, never mind.”

She wanted to ask what he was about to say, but Mrs. Blackstall shoved past her. “Pastor Brody, I have some disturbing news…” the older woman said.

“Oh dear, why don’t you tell me about it?” He steered Mrs. Blackstall to the nearest pew and sat.

Holly stepped back, turned, and headed down the aisle. There was nothing more she could ask him. Zane set out to do what he thought was right and would stay in New York until he got this settled. Who knew how long that would take?

She joined Katie and the kids outside in the parking lot. “Well, what did he say?” Katie asked.

Holly, unable to so much as force a smile, looked at her, her throat thickening with emotion. “He’s … not coming back.”

“He’s staying?”

“For now.”

Katie waved her kids into the car. “Oh, Holly, I’m so sorry.”

She shrugged, put a hand to her mouth, and did her best to stifle tears. This meant she had the answer to her other question concerning Zane. She really was in love with him. Otherwise, why would her heart be breaking? Worse, what could she do about it?

Chapter Fourteen

Zane pushed the stroller through Central Park. He’d missed the city and now that he was back, wondered if settling in Clear Creek was what he really wanted. Could he raise Sophie here, or was it too daunting. He’d have plenty of help in Clear Creek, what with his parents and all. And he did have old friends there. But he had friends here too. Not to mention Sophie had her other set of grandparents.

The Parkers were tough nuts to crack, making the last couple of weeks beyond laborious. Every time he was with them it was like being on trial. Jillian’s father already had his lawyer snooping into Zane’s business. But he didn’t care. He had nothing to hide, there were no skeletons in his closet. The only thing they could point a finger at, was the fact he wasn’t some wealthy businessman like Edward Parker. His wife Carol was easier on him. All she cared about was Sophie, he could see it in her eyes, and when she’d held Sophie for the first time, she cried.

He went back to his apartment, got Sophie settled and was about to start dinner when the buzzer from downstairs rang. He went to the intercom. Maybe it was the delivery of baby things he’d ordered. “Yes?”

“Zane?”

He froze. “Ho … Holly?”

“Yeah, it’s me,” came the static reply.

He pushed the button to open the downstairs door, then ran a hand through his hair. “Holly?!” He hurried into the living room, grabbed Sophie out of her playpen, then hurried out of his apartment. He went down the hall to the elevator, his heart pounding. What was she doing here? Had something happened? He’d wanted to call her, tell her things, but wasn’t sure she wanted to talk to him yet. He knew something had been bothering her …

The elevator doors opened.

“Hi,” she greeted with a little wave.

“Holls, what are you doing here?”

She stared at him, her mouth half open, then snapped it shut. “I … thought you might need some backup.” She stepped out of the elevator.

Sophie saw her and smiled. Zane glanced between them; his mind blank. “You … you came all this way …”

“… to give some backup and … well …”

He continued to stare. Her eyes locked on his. They stood like that for a moment before Sophie squealed.

Zane jumped. “Hey, princess, are you happy to see Holly?”

The baby grinned at him.

“I’ve missed her,” Holly said.

He smiled. “I think she’s missed you too.”

Holly waved the words away. “She hasn’t been around me long enough to miss me.”

He noted her small suitcase and backpack. “Here, I’ll trade you.” He offered her Sophie.

Holly slipped her load off and took her. “How’s my pumpkin?”

Sophie smiled and smacked a hand against her cheek.

Holly