Free February Waltz (Rhythm of the Heart Book 3) by Scarlett Jade

pooling in the corners of her eyes. “No...It can't be so.” What if it was his baby? Now he'll never see her. Never. Common sense told her it was for the best, he wasn't in pain, but so much death and pain had happened in the past two months it was nearly too much to bear.
    “Yes, honey, it is. He's with the good Lord now. CeeCee, you remember her, don't you? I think you went to school with her grandson Leroy? Anyhow, she said they pulled him a couple of days ago and had him cremated just that fast. No burial, no funeral, nothin'. Just burnt him up and tossed his ashes in the water. They said he's travelin' the world now or something. Poor folks. To lose the only child you got...it's hard.” Grams voice ended on a whisper, tears filling her own eyes.
    Zoe nodded. “I'm sorry, Grams. I can't imagine.”
    “Aw, honey, it's all right.” Grams straightened her shoulders and smiled sadly. “We got Calvin and Layla... and now we got you and this baby to spoil the pants off of.”
    Zoe hefted herself out of the chair and stepped over to Grams, her arms open wide. Grams stood and pulled her into a warm embrace. Zoe cried for the boy she once cared for, and Grams cried for the son she lost. A few moments later they both pulled back and Grams wiped at her eyes.
    “Sometimes you just need a good cry. Cleans all the dust off your soul and lets good things grow.” Grams patted her shoulder softly. “You go rest and don't get yourself all worked up over this.”
    Zoe nodded and wiped her own eyes. “You're right. I do feel better.” She smiled tremulously and moved back into the bedroom where she curled up on her side. Her hand swept against her belly and tears filled her eyes again. Oh Derek, this isn't what I wanted...I am so sorry. Wherever you are out there, I hope you're all right. I promise if this girl is yours I'm going to raise her right. I don't want her around your dad, I can't help it, Derek. I can't let him take her from me. I just can't. If he would come to terms with his hate, then we could work out visitation. I want her to have grandparents... She flipped to her back and sighed. Hell, I don't even know if she's yours, Derek. I just don't know. A soft giggle escaped her lips. If you were still here, maybe I could haul us all on Maury. Great episode, right?
    She sighed again. You know, I'd give anything to see you again. I wish our last time together hadn't been the way it was. I think given some time, we could have been friends. Let all the water pass under the bridge and if she's yours, parented her all together. I know Calvin would have wanted you in her life. You might have had more trouble with that. You have some Rebel running up your back, but I think for her you would have done anything. I hope you would have, anyway. Oh hey, if you see Daddy? Tell him hey for me, would you? Momma too.
    Her phone rang and she pulled it from between the sheets. Calvin's name flashed across the screen and she answered. “Hello?”
    “Hey, baby, you okay? Layla texted me and told me about Derek.” Zoe closed her eyes and let his voice wash over her for a moment.
    “I'm okay,” she finally answered softly.
    “You sure? I know he was a big part of your life for a long time, and well, with everything and the possibilities...” His voice trailed off with a sigh.
    Zoe swallowed and blew out a breath as she stared up at the ceiling. “I'm – I'm sad, sure. But strangely at peace at the same time. I know it makes no sense, but I know he's in a better place, wherever that is, and if this girl is his, we'll raise her knowing him. I just...” She paused and swallowed against the tightness in her throat. “I just wish things had been different the last time I saw him, and that things were different with his people. I just know Rebel isn't going to let this go until he knows one hundred percent that she isn't his blood.”
    “Zoe,” Calvin started, his voice soothing and calm, “we will cross that bridge when we get to