Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,212

a fresh start for myself. I could break free from the parents who never loved me as well.”

“How did you do it?” I ask her.

“My parents’ attorney.” She grins. “Money talks and he signed a non-disclosure to not discuss any of this with my parents. Client confidentiality and all that. He helped me with the car accident, my new identity, and setting up an offshore account with five million dollars, and he also helped me set up a trust for Lexi. It was my stipulation that you not be notified until she turned one. I wanted to give you time to not hate me as much, to let some of the pain I caused you fade before you were notified I willed your daughter five million dollars in the event of my death.”

“Holy shit,” Kinley whispers.

Misty smiles. “It was a great plan, except for the fact it turns out the attorney sleeps with his secretary. She is also sleeping with my father. I was unaware or I would have chosen someone different. However, what’s done is done.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I tell her.

“Don’t say anything. The less you know about the how and where the better. I got word that my parents found out and were coming after you for custody of her. Turns out, they’re in financial trouble and gaining custody of her also gained them the five million dollars I willed to her in the event of my death. As soon as I found out what they were trying to do, I hopped on a plane and here I am.”

“They’re going to be pissed.”

Misty gives a humorless laugh. “Yeah, it’s safe to say I will more than likely be spending some time behind bars for my little disappearing act.” She shrugs. “It’s my own fault. I should have put the money into an account and sent you the information. I thought about it, but I knew you would never take it, not with me still alive. I knew if you found out about my death and then the money you would save it for her, for her future. That’s all I wanted.”

She looks at McKinley and then to me. “I’m sorry for what the two of you have gone through. My parents are not nice people, and there is no way I would let them get their hands on your daughter.”

“Thank you,” McKinley says before slapping her hand over her mouth.

“No, it’s okay,” Misty assures her. “I could see, just from the small interaction, you love her very much. I can tell from the tears in your eyes as I told you my story. I’m glad you’re her mom. I gave birth to her, but you are the one who gives her love and affection. I don’t have that in me to give.”

“Someday?” McKinley says.

“Maybe. I’ve been seeing a therapist, which is long overdue.”

“I don’t know what to say to all of this,” I say.

Misty shrugs. “Nothing. I just wanted to tell you myself that my parents will no longer be an issue. I have money for my legal fees.” She reaches into her purse. “And here is the account information for the money I want to give her. There are no restrictions on it. It’s in your name and hers.”

She holds it out for me, and I stare at her hand.

“Evan, take it. I want to do this. I don’t know how to be a mom and I know I wouldn’t be good at it, but I want her to be whatever she wants to be. College, backpacking through Europe, whatever her heart desires—I want her to have the means to do it. I know you, and I know you will let her live her life, not hold her back. I want her to have this.” She shakes the account book at me. “Please,” she says softly.

I reach out and grab the book, setting it on the table. The doorbell rings and McKinley jumps up. “That’s the pizza. I’ll get it.” She turns to walk away.

“Babe,” I yell for her. When she turns, I toss her my wallet and she catches it with ease before quickly wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“You love her,” Misty says.

“I do.”

“Good. She’s good for you and your daughter.”

I need a break from this. “You need something to drink?” How can I stay angry with her when she did this for Lexi? She’s going to jail to keep my daughter safe with me.

“Sure, water if you have it.”

“I’ll be right