Fossen Delores - Undercover Daddy стр 2.

Jay said this man had my picture in his wallet? Elaina clarified, praying for an out.

There had to be an out.

Carrie nodded, and the concern deepened in her eyes. But he didnt just have your picture. When Jay asked, he told him that he was Daniel Allen.

Then, he was lying. No doubt about it.

Because there was no Daniel Allen.

He was the biggest lie of all.

Daniel Allen was an idea that Elaina had concocted to explain why shed moved to the sleepy Texas town of Crystal Creek. An MIA husband. A grieving heart. The desire to start a new life while keeping hope that her husband might be alive and that he might return someday.

Elaine had purposely kept the personal details sketchy, because details could be examined too closely. So, shed had no picture of her fake husband in case someone compared his looks to her sons. Instead, shed told everyone that all her photos had been destroyed in a house fire.

The façade had kept some nosey questions from being asked, had given her space and privacy and it had allowed her and her baby, Christopher, to be accepted in a town where newcomers were often treated as outsiders.

That acceptance wouldnt continue once the townsfolk had learned that she was a liar. And this man, this imposter claiming to be Daniel Allen, would expose her.

But why?

Better yetwho was this imposter, and what the heck did he want?

Unfortunately, an answer immediately came to mind. A really bad answer. He might be linked to her late fiancéthe slimy, cheating con man whod nearly gotten Christopher and Elaina killed.

Well, dont just sit there, Carrie insisted. She latched on to Elainas arm to lift her from the chair. You havent seen Daniel in over a year. Comb your hair. Put on some makeup. You have to do something to get ready for him.

The full impact of that hit her like a heavyweights fist. Elaina got to her feet somehow. She had to do something all right.

She had to get out of there.

Fast.

Shed have to pick up Christopher from the sitter and drive out of town. There probably wouldnt be time to pack or stop for cash. Shed literally have to leave everything behind.

However, before she could even shake off Carries grip, Elaina heard the cheerful jingle of the brass and crystal bells that shed installed over the front door of her shop. It caused her pulse to pound out of control.

Because it no doubt signaled her fake husbands arrival.

This was her own personal version of judgment day.

Since you dont seem too steady on your feet, Ill bring him in here, Carrie volunteered.

No! Elaina caught on to her as she turned to leave.

What remained of Carries gleeful expression melted away. Whats wrong?

Nothing, Elaina assured her. Yet another lie. I just need a minute to compose myself. I thought he was dead. Elaina didnt have to fake an overwhelmed expression. She was sure it was there all over her overwhelmed face.

Ill be right there, Carrie called out to their visitor. It was something she would have done for any ordinary customer, but this time there was excitement and anticipation in her voice.

Elaina nodded her thanks for the brief reprieve, and she went to the door that separated her office from the stained-glass shop. With Carrie right behind her, she opened the door just a fraction and peeked out.

His back was to her, and he appeared to be examining a Victorian window panel that Elaina had restored just days earlier.

Whoever he was, he was tall. Six-three at least. Not lanky, either. Solid and formidable. He wore jeans and a brown leather bomber jacket that was nearly the same color as his short, efficiently cut hair.

He turned to the side, and Elaina got a good look of him in profile. That good look was more than enough for her to realize that he was a complete stranger. If he was somehow connected to her late fiancé, Kevin, then shed never seen him before.

That didnt mean she was safe.

She still had to leave with Christopher and find a new hiding place. Because if this man had found her, they could find her.

Elaina blinked back the hot tears that instantly sprang into her eyes, and she silently cursed. Kevin had been dead for over a year, and he was still casting shadows over her life.

Well? Carrie prompted in an anxious whisper when Elaina shut the door. Daniels here. Arent you going to run out there, jump into his arms and haul him off to bed?

Not a chance. The only thing Elaina planned to do was avoid him. I need you to do me a favor, Carrie. Stall him.

Carrie shook her head. W-hat? This is the extremely hot husband that you havent seen in months and months, and you want me to stall him?

Good point. The next lie came easily. I need some time to make myself look presentable. I dont want him to see me with pie filling all over me and without a stitch of makeup. Ill only be a minute.

Carrie nodded, eventually, but judging from her bunched up forehead, she didnt understand.

How could she?

And better yet, how would Christopher?

If she remembered the truth by then.

Her son was barely three months past his first birthday. He wouldnt know why his mommy was dragging him away from the only home, bed and toys hed ever known. One day, shed have to tell him the truth.