“I can be here when you tell them.”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” She needed some time alone, time to digest the changes that had happened with Walt’s presence. “I need to think.”

Walt stood, bringing her with him. As Dakota expected, her family stood outside the door, their expectant faces eager for any information.

“I’m going to see Walt out.”

Walt attempted a smile. “It was a pleasure to meet you.”

Dakota’s mom huffed.

Carol Ann stared, mouth open.

Her dad narrowed his eyes.

When they reached the front door, Walt turned and kissed her temple. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said before walking away.

She watched him from the open door until he pulled out of the drive.

Someone behind her cleared their throat, and she turned around. Elaine now had her arms crossed firmly over her chest and Carol Ann wouldn’t look at her.

The tick in her father’s left eye was the only thing on him moving.

“You’re pregnant . . . aren’t you?” Her mother practically spit the question out.

She was an adult, damn it, and yet shame spread over her in a dark wave.

Elaine shook her head, uncrossed her arms. “I knew it. I told you, Dennis. I knew you ran here for more than a broken heart. Oh, Dakota, how could you?”

“Like I planned it, Mom.”

“Oh, Dakota. No wonder you’ve been so sad.” At least Carol Ann understood.

“Isn’t it enough that you write that smut? Now you’re going to be . . . going to be . . .” Dakota wondered when her mother was going to come out and play. She’d been too quiet and too calm for days.

“Is he the father?” her dad asked.

“Of course.”

“What are we going to tell our friends?”

“Mom!” Carol Ann yelled. “This isn’t about you and your friends.”

“I’m not a teenager, Mom.”

“What’s the difference? You’re not married.”

Dakota pushed her feet forward and walked past her parents into the kitchen. “You don’t have to be married to have a baby.”

Her mother followed behind, her quick steps a testament to her anger. “Don’t take that tone with me. I knew this would happen. The longer you went without getting married, the more I just knew one day you’d show up here pregnant.”

Carol Ann turned away. “I’ll call Kevin, tell him to feed the boys.”

Dakota waved her off. “No. Go home, Carol Ann. I appreciate your support but I can take care of myself.”

“Is he really a doctor?”

“Yes, Dad. He works in emergency medicine.”

“Then he should have done a better job of protecting you.”

“I’m half the blame. It does take two.”

“I can’t deal with this right now.” Elaine started toward the stairs. Before long, they heard the door to the master bedroom slam shut.

“Well, that was fun.” Dakota set her hands on each side of the sink, looked out the window.

“Where is this doctor of yours staying?” her dad asked.

“The Morrison . . . why?”

Dennis grabbed his car keys from the hook by the garage door.

“Daddy?”

He turned on her. “That’s right. I’m your daddy. Now you just stay put and let me do what I have to do.”

She moved in front of her father. “We’re adults.”

He kissed the top of her head, smiled. “Which is why I’m leaving the shotgun at home.”

Chapter Eighteen

Somewhere between the Laurens residence and the hotel Walt found his smile. She didn’t kick me out. He wasn’t sure if her hesitation to tell him to screw off with a set of instructions paving the way was because of hormones or fright. But she didn’t tell him to blow. Now all he had to do was help her find her smile and remind her of how good they were together.

Prove it.

If that wasn’t her to a T.

He’d prove it . . . Operation Prove It was about to begin.

He had no freaking idea how he was going to prove it, but he’d figure it out or call every woman he knew to find out what he needed to do to prove it.

Brenda could help . . . and Monica.

He’d even bug the crap out of Mary even though she wasn’t on Team Walt. Still, he’d do what he had to.

He pulled the rental car to the valet and handed them the keys. “Good evening, Dr. Eddy.”

He hesitated, looked at the twentysomething that was about to drive his car away. “How is it you know my name?”

The kid smiled. “It’s my business to know who you are, Dr. Eddy.”

The kid winked, jumped in the car, and drove away. Dumbfounded, Walt walked into the lobby, started toward the elevators, and detoured to the concierge desk.

“Good evening, Dr. Eddy. What can I do for you?”

The woman at the desk must have been in her fifties and Walt was positive he hadn’t yet spoken with her. He glanced at the name tag. “Alice?”

“Yes, Doctor?”

He thought about asking how she knew who he was and shook his head. “This is my first trip to South Carolina.”

“Is it?” Her smile was huge. “How are you liking our part of the country?”

“I haven’t seen much of it, actually. I was hoping you might be able to help me.”

Alice placed a hand on her chest and sighed. “That’s why I’m here. Tell me what you have in mind.”