Whose Baby Is This?. Patricia Thayer

help. Can’t you stay just a few more days and talk with Jim Sloan?”

      “Look, this trip has been expensive—”

      “Then let me take care of things for the next few days,” he offered.

      She shook her head. No handouts. “That won’t be necessary.” She started across the room. Matt tossed some bills on the table and followed her out the door.

      He silently walked with her across the parking lot to the motel. Finally he spoke. “Look, I know these last few months have been hard on you. Your sister’s death had to be a shock, and taking care of a baby has to be difficult for a single mother.”

      She stopped suddenly, and he nearly ran into her. “What are you getting at, Doctor? Are you trying to say I can’t care for my own flesh and blood?”

      “No, of course not. But what are you going to do in years to come when little Erin starts asking questions? What are you going to tell her about her father? And what about Briana? You said it was her dying wish that you find her daughter’s father.”

      Tara closed her eyes. “I tried, but you’re not…him.”

      “So you’re going to quit?” He stepped closer, his eyes dark and compelling. “Stay, Tara, and together we can find this man. I can put a stop to the trouble he’s causing me, and you can fulfill your promise to your sister. Then move on and be Erin’s mother.”

      Tara sighed. She was having a hard time telling this man no. She couldn’t think of a logical argument to his suggestion. “Okay, I’ll stay—just until I’ve talked to the private investigator.”