Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

chapter 644

Their faces tightened with suspicion. "Who are you?" one asked sharply.

It hit me-they didn't recognize me. We'd met before, but that was years ago, and they'd aged since then.

"I'm... a friend of Desmond's," I lied, keeping my tone light. No way would they tell me anything if I revealed the real reason I was here. "I heard he had a baby and thought I'd check in." Their eyes darted to each other, their unease palpable. "We've never seen you before," one said, voice sharp with doubt. "And Desmond never mentioned a

friend like you."

Their guardedness made sense-these days, you couldn't be too careful with all the scams and con artists around.

I offered a gentle smile as I handed over the small gifts I'd brought. "It's okay. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. That's all."

But they didn't take them. "We don't know you, and we're not comfortable with

this."

With that, they turned and walked away.

I stayed rooted in place, watching them go. Following them would only make things worse, pushing their suspicion or fear over the edge.

Still, where was the child? Was he cared for by a nanny?

them, and casually asked if they could pass them along. While I was there, I tried to bring up

property staff said. "They dotes on him. They take him

gestured toward a small play area within the

like gold," he added. "Though I heard he's been under

in a doctor to care for him. See

middle-aged woman gently pushing a baby

their son, the couple doesn't want to hear it.

Desmond's parents weren't just cautious-they were set in

decided not to push further. Still, I left the

chubbiest little thing. His fair skin looked impossibly soft, and his eyes sparkled like tiny stars. The

iciest heart. I couldn't help

"Keira?!"

nearby. It took a second to place her, but I recognized her immediately-Whitney. She used to work

doctor now?"

the hospital, I struggled to find a good

him

you want me to hold you?" I

and passed him to

hands grabbed at my cheeks, tugging at my lips, and then he nuzzled his head into