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

Oh, he's doing just fine," the property staff said. "They dotes on him. They take him out to

gestured toward a small play area within the

he added. "Though I heard he's been under

doctor to care for

a middle-aged woman gently pushing a baby carriage near the

want to hear it. You might as well take those

me off guard. Desmond's parents weren't just

not to push further. Still, I left the gifts with the property

a glimpse of Desmond's child. As Lena had said, he was the cutest, chubbiest little thing. His fair skin looked impossibly soft, and his eyes sparkled like tiny stars. The baby noticed me watching

help but take a few steps closer.

"Keira?!"

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

a family doctor now?"

to find a good

him up, patting his back, but he kept stretching his little arms toward

you want me to hold you?" I

and passed him

hands grabbed at my cheeks, tugging at my lips, and then