kids and shook his head. “I’m still…this is all such a surprise.” He looked at her seriously. “Is their father still alive?”
Stevie cringed. “I don’t know. The last time I had any contact with their father, it was…” she took a breath, remembering the letter from Janus’ lawyer after her phone call, warning her to stop harassing his client. “Well, it was contentious.”
Lincoln nodded. “I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through.” He glanced down at his wife’s huge belly. “I’m just relieved that we’re having only one at a time.”
Kinsley laced her fingers through his. “Linc has been a bit nervous about the upcoming birth,” she explained. “He’s interviewed the doctor several times and has done so much research on giving birth, I’m wondering if we even need a doctor at this point.”
“Don’t even joke about that,” he growled, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple.
Stevie jerked to attention and realized that they were still standing. “Please, why don’t we sit down? We can watch the kids and talk.”
Over the next forty-five minutes, Stevie listened while Lincoln told her about his mother, how he’d grown up not knowing anything about his father except that he’d rejected his mother after she’d told him that she was pregnant. Edward Meyers had insisted that Lincoln’s mother get an abortion. Because of that, Lincoln had decided the man had no place in his life.
Until Frankie had come into his life. Frankie had introduced the idea of talking with Edward Meyers to Kinsley, and Kinsley had convinced Lincoln to at least meet with his father.
“He’s not a good man, Stevie,” Lincoln said in a dire voice. “He threatened to cut me out of his will if I didn’t move into his house and take control of his company. He even told me that Kinsley,” he paused to kiss her forehead, “wasn’t worthy of his legacy and I should dump her. Edward explained that he would choose a more socially acceptable wife for me.”
Stevie rolled her eyes. “Okay, so if Kinsley isn’t worthy, then I’m sure I wouldn’t be. I can’t imagine that a kindergarten teacher would be worthy of his exulted self either.”
Kinsley nodded her head. “I wouldn’t put it past him to sue you for custody,” she warned. “Don’t let him get near you, Stevie.” She looked at her husband. “At least not unless you have Lincoln with you.”
Lincoln nodded. “You’re family now, Stevie. If you need something, please come to me. No matter what it is, just ask. I don’t care if its money or just advice, we’re here for you.”
Their unconditional support brought tears to her eyes. Stevie bowed her head and took a breath. When she was more in control, Stevie looked up at them. “Thank you for that,” she whispered. Clearing her throat, she explained, “My mother passed away several years ago. She left me her house as well as a small inheritance. So, I’m okay with money. But I might take you up on the advice.”
Lincoln smiled warmly. “Whatever you need.” Kinsley nudged his shoulder and Stevie knew what she wanted her husband to ask.
“You want to know your brother,” she whispered.
Lincoln looked at her, his eyes concerned. “No. There’s a reason you haven’t contacted the father. I’ve known you for just under an hour, but I don’t think you’re a horrible person. So, there must be a reason he’s not in the picture.”
Stevie’s sigh was profound as relief surged through her. Still, this man was kind and she sensed that he was a good soul. Besides, Frankie had vouched for him.
“His name is Janus Meyers,” she blurted out, staring at her children.
There was a stunned silence. “Not the football player, is it?”
Stevie shrugged. “Yes. One and the same,” she replied with a bit of bitterness. She hadn’t know that Janus was a football player when they’d been together. But she’d figured it out when his lawyer had threatened her. “When I realized I was pregnant, I tried to let him know. But he ignored my phone calls. I went to his business address, but he refused to see me.” She took in a long, slow, deep breath, letting it out just as slowly. “When I got home, there was a letter from his lawyer’s office explaining that if I persisted in harassing Janus, I would be prosecuted.” She looked at Lincoln. “So, make of that what you will.”
Lincoln swore under his breath, and they watched as Halley and Harrison raced across the playground, yelling excitedly.
“I