But then Ethan made a soft sound in his sleep—and reality hit me.
I wasn’t just a woman anymore.
I was a mother.
And I wasn’t going to let chaos touch my child.
“If she shows up, security will escort her out,” I said firmly. “I’m not exposing my son to drama. And you’re not using me as your backup plan.”
Daniel ran a hand through his hair, visibly shaking.
“I just need to explain… I didn’t want her to find out like this.”
“You had eight months,” I replied. “What I need now is clarity. Are you going to be a father—or just show up when it’s convenient?”
Before he could answer, footsteps echoed in the hallway. A nurse peeked in.
“There’s a woman asking for you,” she said. “She says her name is Claire.”
The air shifted instantly.
Heavy.
Final.
If Claire walked into that room, nothing would stay contained.
So I made a decision.
“Tell her to wait in the visitor lounge,” I said. “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Daniel stared at me. “You’re going to talk to her?”
“I’m going to keep her from yelling in here,” I said. “And I’m going to tell the truth.”
I pulled a robe over my hospital gown and asked the nurse to watch Ethan.