Free Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson

Jordan down. “Have you had breakfast yet?”
    Jordan nodded her head. “Daddy said when you got up we would give you your surprise.”
    â€œOh, he did, did he?” Slowly being pulled in the excitement and conspiratory merriment surrounding father and daughter, Caitlin turned to Dex. “What’s this big surprise for breakfast?” She sniffed the air, bringing forth giggles from her daughter. “I don’t smell bacon or eggs or anything like breakfast.”
    â€œCome see for yourself,” Dex invited. He couldn’t help noticing the style of Caitlin’s hair. It was arranged in a bevy of soft curls that dipped over her face and shoulders. He thought the stylish cut provided her with a totally different image than the one she had worn four years ago. This new style gave her a look of an even higher level of maturity and sophistication. Even dressed in a pair of well-worn jeans and a T-shirt, she looked nothing like the little slip of a woman that he had married.
    Caitlin walked over to the table where Dex was putting the finishing touches on a concoction she didn’t recognize. She looked from father to daughter. “I give up.” She raised a brow. “What is it?”
    Jordan laughed. “Tell Mommy what it is, Daddy.”
    â€œIt’s a Rice Krispies’ ice-cream float with berries, nuts, chocolate syrup and whipped cream,” Dex said, chuckling. “This one is for you. We ate ours already. They were delicious.”

    â€œWould you like some more?”
    Caitlin pushed herself away from the table. “I think I’m going to be sick,” she said, rubbing her stomach.
    Dex grinned. “No one forced you to eat it, Caitlin.”
    She moaned. “How could I not eat it? Jordan was so excited about helping you prepare breakfast, I didn’t have the heart not to eat all of it. It’s a good thing Ms. Logan came when she did, or Jordan would have wanted me to have seconds.” Caitlin smiled. “If I’ve gained weight from eating that thing, it’s all your fault. I feel fat.”
    He smiled easily. “Relax. You’re not fat. You’re as beautiful as you were the day I first laid eyes on you.”
    The lighthearted remark sent panic racing through Caitlin. Please don’t bring up the past. I couldn’t handle it if you did, her mind screamed. Not wanting to bring up their past, she took the initiative to change the subject. “You did say Clayton was coming today?”
    Dex met Caitlin’s direct gaze. “Yes. He should be here sometime this morning.”
    She regretted asking about Clayton the moment the question had left her lips. She knew why he was coming. Dex had summoned his attorney brother to do whatever was necessary to undo what her father had done. He wanted to make sure he was free of her as quickly as possible. However, there was the issue of Jordan. She wasn’t certain what Dex’s plans were regarding their daughter, but she was more than sure he wouldn’t be one of those fathers who would be satisfied with just seeing his child whenever the mood struck. He had been cheated out of three years already, and she had a gut feeling that was the limit. What she wasn’t sure of was just how far he would go to be a part of Jordan’s life. Would he try to get full custody of her? Not wanting to even think of that possibility, Caitlin decided to stay clear of any conversation concerning Clayton’s visit, too.
    â€œHow’s your brother Justin?”
    Dex smiled. “Justin couldn’t be better. He’s married with two kids and lives in Ennis, Texas. His wife, Lorren, is the author of the Kente Kids books.”
    â€œReally? Jordan has all of those books, and the Kente Kids Show is her favorite Saturday-morning cartoon.”
    Dex nodded. He then brought her up-to-date on his other family members. Caitlin couldn’t help noticing that Dex’s love for