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She was through the door before he’d locked the car He leaned for ain one hand, car keys in the other He’d done it He’d actually conquered his worst fear, and he’d done it for Riley He took a steadying breath and started to walk toward reception, feeling inordinately proud of what he’d achieved

Erin and Riley were nowhere to be seen when he entered the reception rooly quiet with only one other person on the visitors’ seats, sluazine on his lap

“Can I help you?” the perky young woman behind the desk enquired as he approached

“I’m with Erin Connell and her baby, Riley?”

“Poor little thing Yes, one of our doctors could see her right away”

“Can I go through?”

“Oh, you’re the father? That’s excellent I didn’t get all the details I need from Mrs Connell Perhaps you could co to Riley’s care?”

“Oh, I—” Sam cut himself short

He was about to say he didn’t have the authority to sign on Erin’s behalf But he did He had every right He was Riley Connell’s father whether Erin liked it or not and as such he silently picked up the pen fro details that were required He’d just finished them and pushed the clipboard back toward the receptionist when his cellphone rang in his pocket

The receptionist pointed at a sign on the wall requesting that allher a nod he reached for the phone, ready to turn it off Then he saas calling him

His private investigator He hadn’t heard frouy since he’d told Saiven up on hi any further information He had to take this call He had to knohat else she ht of what Erin had done by keeping the news about James Connell’s DNA test secret