Cole: Red, Hot & Blue, Book 5 (5 page)

Lifting the iced tea glass, she was just using the paper napkin underneath to wipe the tears streaming down her cheeks when she heard the screen door open. She turned, expecting to see Bobby, but instead found Cole.

He strode over to her side and knelt on the floor by her feet. Raising one hand to her cheek, he brushed a tear away. “Don’t. Don’t cry.”

His being sweet was exactly what she didn’t expect, and it broke what little composure she had left. She was a weepy sobbing mess in an instant as Cole pulled her into his arms and tried to comfort her. It felt so good to be held. Her feelings for him had never disappeared. The constant reminder asleep in his room down the hall had made sure of that.

What started out as comfort, turned into something else. He kissed the tears from her face until he reached her mouth. His lips lingered there, kissing her, then he pulled away.

“What are you going to do? What do you want?” She couldn’t wait any longer to ask about the situation with Mikey. Cole didn’t seem so angry anymore. Perhaps he wouldn’t sue her for custody, but she was sure he would want something.

He shook his head and let out a bitter laugh. “Apparently I want to kiss you.”

“Cole, that’s not what I was talking about.”

“No, I didn’t think so. What were you talking about?”

“We need to talk about Mike.”

“You’re right. We do.” He rose from his knees and sat in the kitchen chair opposite hers. Taking a sip of her tea, he placed the glass back between them. “I want to be a part of his life, Liz, as his father.”

That twisted her gut. Chances were good he wanted to be part of Mikey’s life but not hers. She’d ruined that by lying to him ten years ago. “Okay. You deserve that at least.”

“Have you told him yet?”

“No.” She’d managed to avoid that conversation and his questions so far. Working at the diner had at least been good for one thing that night.

“Good. I’ll be back in the morning and we’ll tell him together. Okay?”

She swallowed hard and nodded.

“What time should I come by?”

She shrugged. “We all wake up pretty early, but since it’s summer Mikey doesn’t have school to get up for. Anytime after eight, I guess.”

He nodded and stood. Cole turned to leave, but then looked back. “Why are you wearing that horrible outfit?”

She frowned. “It’s not by choice. It’s my uniform, but thanks a lot for the compliment.”

Cole’s brows knit together in a line above the eyes that had once looked at her with desire. “Uniform for what?”

“I waitress at the diner.”

“What? Why?” He took a step closer and towered over her.

“Because I have no skills to get a better job and I have to save for Mikey’s future. That’s why.”

“That’s ridiculous. There’s no need for you to work there.”

“First of all, I can’t just up and quit. Mac is overwhelmed as it is with all the extra business from the TV crew. Second, I make good tips and I need the money for Mikey’s college fund. And third, it’s really not your concern where I work or what I do.” Tired of him standing over her, she stood now too.

His frown deepened. “First of all, it sure as hell is my business what you do. You’re the mother of my child. Second, I will support both you and Mikey financially, including paying for college, so you don’t have to work there or anywhere else for that matter. And third, Mac can take his diner and shove it. It is not your problem to staff it.”

In the midst of the arguing, Lizzie didn’t notice Bobby arrive until he opened the screen door and was half through. He took one look at the two of them sparring nose to nose, spun on his heel and shoved the ever-present cameraman back out the door by his lens. “How about we hit the bar for a bit, boys and girls? I bet we can find you some nice drunks that will make mighty good television.”

She and Cole were silent until the trio were out of the driveway, then Cole spoke. “I’m calling my lawyer first thing in the morning.”

Lizzie’s heart lodged in her throat. “No, Cole. Please, don’t. I’ll quit my job. I’ll do anything you want me to. Just don’t take him away from me.” Her last words came out in a sob.

Cole stepped forward and grabbed her by both arms. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re mad at me, and now you’re going to try to take Mike away.”

He frowned and shook his head. “No, Lizzie. I’m calling my lawyer because I want to change my will to name Mike and set up a trust for him. But if that is what you really think of me, then we have more problems than I thought.”

He dropped his hold on her, then he was gone. Alone again, Lizzie was left with her guilt, her fears and a wave of fresh tears.

Chapter Five

It amazed Cole how things worked out sometimes. One moment life could be great and a man might think he could actually get everything he’d ever wanted. Then the next, just a split second later, nothing is the same.

That scenario seemed to happen to Cole a lot in his life. There was the meteoric rise, followed by the ultimate crash and burn of his baseball career. Then there was the mind-blowing discovery that he had a son by the very woman he couldn’t get out of his mind, followed shortly by the discovery that she didn’t trust him. Not one tiny bit. Maybe it was him who didn’t know her the way he thought he did.

If Lizzie could believe he was the kind of man who would try to take their son away from his mother, then they had no hope of a future together.

Future
. Yeah, that was the other thing currently weighing down his already overloaded mind. Lizzie had no future thanks to him. Cole had come to that disconcerting realization last night after seeing her in that horrid black and white polyester waitress uniform. Lizzie had given up her college scholarship and her dreams of becoming a teacher to have his baby. Waiting tables instead of teaching, and it was all his fault. He felt like shit knowing that.

Of course she couldn’t have gone to college. How could she have lived in the dorms as an unmarried, pregnant freshman in her second trimester? And since then, she’d been raising his son and trying to make enough to pay for his future by slinging greasy food at Mac’s diner.

Cole shook his head. She’d been stupid not to tell him, or maybe brave. Probably a little of both. There were women he’d come across in the pros who tried to get pregnant with a ballplayer’s baby, just so they could take him for all he was worth. Then there was Lizzie, hiding it from him for years and wanting nothing now. His anger over her secret had faded to mere frustration. He didn’t understand why she’d lied. Pride, maybe? The same thing that was keeping her from wanting his help now. He supposed he should respect that, but all he wanted to do was shake some sense into her so she’d let him take care of them both.

The morning sun was creeping higher in the sky as he stood at the Bartons’ back door. Cole took a deep breath. He was facing not only his son, but also Lizzie’s parents for the first time since the great ball-field revelation yesterday. They definitely weren’t going to be too happy with him.

He knocked on the wooden frame of the screen door, something he hadn’t done the night before when he’d seen Lizzie alone and crying in the kitchen.

Mikey ran to the door, half a corn muffin in his hand. “Mr. Ryan. Mom said you were going to stop by, but I didn’t believe her. Did you really used to play ball with Uncle Bobby? How’s your chin where he punched you? Does it hurt? What was it like to pitch in the World Series? Do you want breakfast? There’s plenty.”

In the face of the boy’s pre-pubescent ramblings, Cole wasn’t quite so nervous any more. He smiled at his son.
His son
. He’d have to get used to that. “Thanks, Mikey. I’m good. But I wouldn’t mind some coffee if it’s made.”

“Sure, I’ll go and get you a mug.”

Mikey ran to the pantry off the side of the kitchen and climbed like a monkey onto the counter to reach the high cabinet. Cole stepped farther into the kitchen and took in the sight of all four adult Bartons sitting around the table watching him intently.

He inclined his head to Lizzie’s parents. “Ma’am, sir. I know we need to talk. Later, in private. I owe you both an explanation.”

Mr. Barton stood, nearly equaling Cole’s own six-foot-one-inch frame. Cole wouldn’t have been surprised if the man clocked him one too, just like Bobby had.

Instead, he extended his hand. “No need, son. Lizzie explained it all. The missus and I are going to get out of here so you two can explain it to Mike.”

Cole nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate that. But before you go, would you mind witnessing this? That’s why I’m late. I had to wait for my lawyer to fax it. It’s my will leaving everything to Mikey except for a small trust to take care of my parents in case I go before they do.”

“Sure, son.” Mr. Barton took the paper in his hand and swallowed. He turned to find a pen. Cole glanced at the family members still at the table and saw tears shining in Mrs. Barton’s eyes.

He was fighting tears himself. He’d spent a lot of time in this kitchen growing up. The Bartons had been like a second set of parents to him and to have their understanding meant everything to him.

Mikey returned with the mug and handed it to Cole. “Here ya go.”

Cole cleared his throat. “Thanks.” He took his time pouring himself the coffee to let his emotions settle.

Lizzie’s parents excused themselves, followed immediately by Bobby, who mumbled something about getting out before the crew arrived. Then Cole’s new family unit of three was alone.

He sat at the large kitchen table opposite Mikey and Lizzie and gripped the coffee mug in one fist.

“Am I in trouble or something?” Mikey looked from him to his mother.

“No.” Cole and Lizzie stumbled over each other’s words.

“Then why did Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Bobby leave? And why do you both look so serious?” The child pivoted to look from one face to the other.

Cole swallowed. “Mikey…I mean Mike.”

He shook his head, the serious expression on his face making him look more like a miniature adult than a boy. “It’s okay, Mr. Ryan. You can call me Mikey if you want.”

Cole was aware of Lizzie raising her brow at that, but ignored it.

“Thanks, Mikey. I will.” He blew out a breath. “Lizzie, do you want to start?”

Her eyes opened wide. An expression of panic crossed her face. “Um…”

“Or I could start if you want,” he offered.

Lizzie nodded. “Okay. If you want.”

Cole had run through this scenario when he couldn’t sleep last night. He knew what he wanted to say, though now it was time to actually say it, his pulse was racing with fear of how Mikey would react. He hadn’t been there for so much of his son’s life, he supposed he should just dive right in now. “What has your mother told you about your father?”

Mikey shrugged. “She said that not every kid has a dad. I know that. Lots of kids don’t. There is even a kid at school whose cousin in New York has two moms and no dad.”

Cole bit his lip to stop from smiling at that. He was just thinking how to proceed when Mikey continued. “Of course, you need a dad’s sperm to have a baby.”

Lizzie choked on the swallow of coffee she had just taken and Cole felt himself blanch. Well, he’d wanted to be a real father to Mikey, for better or worse. Discussing the birds and the bees was about as fatherly as it got. He just hadn’t been prepared to have this particular discussion on day one of fatherhood.

Cole nodded. “You are absolutely right about that, Mikey. Um, I’m just wondering, where exactly did you hear about sperm?”

Mikey shrugged again. “Everybody knows about
that
.”

“Oh. Okay. Well, I’m glad we can speak as adults here, then.”

“Yes, sir. We can.” Mikey looked very solemn and nodded. Cole restrained another smile. This kid was full of surprises.

“Good. Now do you know whose sperm your mom used when she decided to have you?” Cole could only hope that Mikey was picturing test tubes and lab scientists when he spoke of sperm and making babies.

Mikey frowned and looked at his mother, then back to Cole. “No. I guess I never thought to ask.”

“Well, your mom used my sperm to make you, which makes me your father. I didn’t know about it at the time. That’s why we’ve never met until now. But I want you to know that I’m very happy now that I know about you.”

“You’re my dad? Cole Ryan is my dad.” Mikey leapt from his chair, whooped and jumped in a circle in the middle of the kitchen. Then he stopped. “This isn’t some kind of joke or something, is it?” He looked at Lizzie.

“No, it’s not a joke. Mr. Ryan is your father.”

Mikey’s face lit up again and broke into a huge grin.

“And since I’m your father, you don’t have to keep calling me Mr. Ryan.” Cole shot Lizzie a sideways glance.

“What should I call you then?” Mikey’s question was perfectly logical. Cole didn’t dare suggest Dad so soon, even though nothing would please him more.

“Whatever you decide is fine with me.”

Mikey hesitated for a moment. “Can I think about it?”

Cole hid his disappointment. It would just take time. “Sure, you can think about it. And while you do I want you to know that although I wasn’t around before, I’m going to make up for it now. Is that okay with you?”

He nodded with enthusiasm. “Okay. Will you coach me on my pitching?”

Cole laughed. “Just try and stop me.”

Mikey ran over and hugged first his mother, then Cole. “This is so great. Can I go call all my friends?”

Teary eyed, Lizzie nodded. “Sure.”

Feeling a little misty himself after that hug, Cole watched his son run from the room and then, for the first time in he didn’t know how many minutes, he breathed freely.

They both sat silently for a while, recovering from the emotional revelation.

“You handled that really well.” Lizzie looked at him with a sincerity that choked him up even more.

“Thanks.” He blew out a big breath. “That was both much easier and much harder than I thought it would be.”

Lizzie laughed. “I know what you mean.”

Cole gazed into his coffee mug and asked the question he was afraid to ask even himself. “Do you think he would have been so excited if I wasn’t the famous ballplayer Cole Ryan?”