“How did you explain a sudden baby in the house?” Jayne asked.
“It was easy to claim Cora had given birth,” Jack answered. “After the miscarriages, people accepted that we were afraid to share news of another pregnancy. Because of the depression, she wasn’t too active socially before you were born. To be frank, Paige resembled my side of the family so strongly that our friends just assumed what we wanted them to believe. Only my sisters knew about the private adoption.”
“He told me the whole story about Yvette when you were about a year old,” Cora continued. “We were debating when and if we might tell you about being adopted and he couldn’t go on without giving me all the facts. You were ours, Yvette was out of the picture, so it all worked out,” she finished.
“Except you were out there,” Paige said to Jayne, “stuck with her.”
“I caught a few breaks,” Jayne said. “She died early and Yost kept making those deposits.”
“If you need financial advice, I know a guy,” Carter said.
They all stared at him and after a beat, laughter filled the room.
Carter was more than a little surprised things had gone so well with the family. All the background on Cora along with Paige’s concerns had put him on high alert. He’d expected an outburst of some kind, either temper or sorrow. None of the scenarios he’d imagined included Jack and Cora being so clearly united throughout the conversation or taking ownership of their part in the debacle that had separated the girls.
Then again, they’d had nearly thirty years to come to terms with the facts and most of the details.
Cora had been gracious and caring and completely sincere when she’d met Jayne. It blew his mind. “Your mom handled that much better than I expected,” Carter said as they walked to his car.
“It was awesome,” Paige gushed. “I feel like I could dance all night.”
He wouldn’t mind joining her in that kind of celebration. She was practically glowing with joy. “You sure you don’t want to stay over, too?”
“No.” Paige slid into the car when he opened the door for her. “Let them have some time.”
Jayne hadn’t just decided to stay in town and give Jack and Cora a chance to get to know her. She’d actually agreed to stay at the house, in one of the guest rooms. Cora wanted to spoil her a little and frankly Carter was as pleased as Paige that Jayne was open to it.
He settled behind the wheel and started the car but didn’t drive off immediately. “What about you?” he asked. “Are you still angry with your dad?” Maybe he shouldn’t press on that sore spot, but her joy for Jayne shouldn’t take precedence over her own feelings.
“Yes and no,” she admitted. “Hearing the whole story, watching them share it as a team smoothed me out quite a bit. Obviously, I wouldn’t be here without him.” Her brow puckered as she gave it some thought. “Still, who wants to learn their dad has secrets like that? Then I think about Mom hugging Jayne and I don’t care.”
He pulled out of the driveway. “Sounds like the kind of joy they felt when they brought you home as a baby.”
“I guess so.” She sighed, abruptly subdued, and he almost wished he hadn’t brought it up. “What happens now?”
“Case is closed,” he said. “We can safely move you back into your place and you’ll be closer to everyone.”
“Is that the only option? Wait.” She swiveled to look at him. “Does that mean you’re done with me? Done with the case, I mean.”
He smothered a smile. Maybe she was as interested as he was in exploring a relationship. “That’s up to you. The case is closed at the agency, but we don’t have to vacate the safe house tonight.”
“It is closer to the retirement party venue.”
“It is,” he agreed, keeping his tone neutral. In a normal case, he’d already be headed back home or planning his next trip out on the boat. This was different. Paige was different. He’d called the office, asking to be taken off the schedule. He needed a few personal days so he could take some time, hopefully with Paige once her dad’s big event was over.
If he used those days right, he might just get the woman of his dreams to agree to keep him around.
“And you had your suit delivered so you’d be prepared for tomorrow night.”
“Also true.”
She eased back into her seat. “Then please, let’s just go back and get some rest. I promise to be all packed up before we have to leave for the party.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” He reached over and touched her hand. “We can even sit outside on the beach tonight and watch the stars.” It was a risk he couldn’t allow when they’d first arrived at the safe house.
She lifted his hand to her lips. “That’s a good plan. If you promise to keep me warm.”
“Count on it.”
For the longest time, the hum of the engine and the tires on the road were the only sounds. Then he heard the sniffle.
“Paige, are you okay?” He reached over for her hand, inordinately relieved when she curled her fingers around his.
“Sure. It’s the relief,” Paige said on a sigh. “The worst is over. Mom isn’t an emotional wreck, Dad didn’t disown me, and I’m not in jail. Plus, I have a sister who wants to take this family thing for a test drive.”
“Incredible changes,” he said. On his side of the equation, he’d found a woman he wanted to keep, to love and cherish forever, but this was hardly the time to force her to think about one more person, one more situation.
“I’m so glad Jayne found us,” Paige continued. “But the rest of it? It’s hard to believe it’s finally over.” She dropped her head back to rest on the seat. “These last few days have been intense. I couldn’t have come through it without you. Thank you, Carter.”
He tried to be glad everything was settled. He definitely didn’t want Paige to ever be in danger again, but he wanted to stay in her life. As her friend and preferably as her lifelong partner. He wanted a future with her. She was the most remarkable woman he’d ever met.
And yet how likely was that to work out? She was Charleston elite. He was gainfully employed but hardly stable. The work he enjoyed and excelled at would take him away from her periodically.
What could he offer her if he didn’t have that fulfilling work?
He could quit or change things up, maybe start his own charter fishing service. Would she be any more comfortable with that option? Whatever happened, he wanted to decide together. He refused to take advantage of her and live off her name and money.
Every assignment taught him something. This time, he’d learned he couldn’t live without Paige.
Chapter Thirteen
The night of her dad’s retirement party was clear and crisp, perfect December weather in the Lowcountry. After one last night in the safe house, Paige and Carter had dressed there and gone straight to the venue, joining Gloria, the event staff, and Melissa’s catering team for the final setup. Everything was lovely and sparkling in cream and cranberry colors, framed with fresh evergreens. The porch overlooking the marsh and creek glowed with candles in lanterns and winding white lights along the railing.