Marcus was one of the people Daniel had trusted to keep an eye on Rachel while he was away.
He was also Black.
Daniel looked at Marcus.
Then at the toddler.
Then at Rachel.
Something cold formed inside his chest.
Marcus’s smile disappeared almost immediately.
“Daniel?”
Daniel said nothing.
Rachel seemed to realize what he was thinking.
“Oh my God.”
Daniel turned toward her.
“Don’t.”
“Daniel, no.”
“Don’t.”
Marcus slowly raised both hands.
“Man, whatever you’re thinking—”
Daniel turned sharply.
“I haven’t said what I’m thinking.”
“You don’t need to.”
The toddler sensed the tension and grabbed Rachel’s necklace.
Rachel kissed the top of his head automatically.
That small, maternal gesture made Daniel’s stomach twist.
“How old is he?” Daniel asked.
Rachel looked at him.
“Eighteen months.”
Daniel nodded slowly.
Eighteen months.
He had been away.
Very far away.
For much longer than eighteen months.
“Okay.”
Rachel shook her head.
“No, not okay. You need to let me explain.”
“I’m listening.”
But his expression said he was not ready to believe anything.
Marcus stepped backward toward the door.
“I should probably give you two—”
“No.”
Daniel’s voice stopped him.
Marcus froze.
“You walked into my house like you belong here.”
Marcus’s expression hardened slightly.
“I’ve been helping Rachel.”
Daniel laughed bitterly.
“I can see that.”
“Daniel!”
Rachel’s voice cracked like a whip.
He looked at her.
She was angry now.
“Do not do that.”
“Do what?”
“Turn this child into something ugly because you’re scared.”
Daniel stared at her.
“You just told a little boy who obviously cannot be mine to call me Daddy.”
Rachel’s eyes filled.
“Yes.”
“And Marcus walks in thirty seconds later.”
“Yes.”