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me.
    ~Janey
     
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Emma clutched Annie tighter, using her like a lifeline, and waited for Dillon’s reaction. After reading Janey’s letter, he swore under his breath, flung the paper to the couch beside him, and surged to his feet. For several minutes, he silently paced an invisible line. The front part of his house had an open floor plan, with the kitchen, dining and living areas separated only by an expanse of wooden flooring. He made his way back and forth along one slip of counter at the edge of the kitchen. A deep scowl etched his brow, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. He reminded her of a ticked-off bull who hadn’t yet figured out which direction to charge. It made her chest tighten to watch him. She couldn’t lessen the blow of this one.
    “I’m so sorry.” She shook her head. “If I’d known, I would have demanded Janey tell you sooner.”
    “Dammit.” His head snapped in her direction, his dark eyes hot. “Why the hell didn’t she come to me? What did she think, I’d deny it? Just abandon her? Tell her too bad, so sad, deal with it?” He shook his head, spun away and dragged both hands through his hair. “Like all the rest of the men in her life, I suppose. Why should I be any different? Never mind I’ve known her my entire damn life.”
    Annie stiffened and little fists clenched at Emma’s blouse. When she began to whimper, Emma patted her back to soothe her. “Please calm down.”
    He stopped in the center of the kitchen and turned those raging eyes on her. “I had a right to know!” The words burst from his lips at an angry clip, making Annie flinch. A distinct pain shone from the depths of his eyes that made her heart ache.
    She hugged Annie tighter and rubbed small circles over her back. “That’s why I’m here, but you need to quiet down. You’re scaring Annie.”
    His eyes flitted to the baby. His anger evaporated. His shoulders slumped, and he blew out a heavy breath.
    “Aw, damn.” His arms dropped to his sides. “I’m sorry.”
    Emma mustered a soft smile. One thing she remembered about Dillon—he was a gentle giant. “You have every right to be angry. I was too, but take it out on a punching bag tomorrow, when we’re not here.”
    She drew in a deep breath, drawing her courage around her like a shroud. She had to get this over with sooner or later. She wanted him to be that arrogant playboy, so he couldn’t take Annie away from her, but it wasn’t his fault they were in this position. They had Janey to thank for that. If Emma ever wanted to know if he’d accept the baby, she had to be brave now.
    “Would you like to hold her?” She crossed the room and stopped at his side.
    She expected him to back away. She held her breath and almost hoped he wouldn’t take any interest in Annie. Dillon took a step toward her, instead, and reached out a hesitant hand to caress Annie’s head.
    “She really does look like Janey.” There was a quiet, wistful tone to his voice.
    Drawing her last ounce of strength, Emma extracted Annie from her shoulder and held her out to him. According to the letter, this was what Janey would have wanted.
    Annie fussed, kicking her legs in a frantic effort to connect with something solid.
    He hesitated, his eyes flicking to hers. He waited until Emma gave a nod of encouragement before taking her. He held Annie out in front of him for a moment, looking lost and awkward, clearly out of his element.
    “Hold her against you like this.” Emma made a cradling motion with her arms, showing him how to hold the baby against his shoulder.
    Dillon pulled Annie gingerly against his chest, tucking one arm beneath her bottom and resting the other on her back. Except for their eyes, the two couldn’t be more different. Dillon’s skin had been darkened by the summer sun, whereas Annie’s was pale, creamy porcelain. Being huge like he was, Annie looked like a doll in his arms. He had biceps bigger than her. Yet, somehow,