Tell Me a Truth (The Story Series Book 5) Read Online Free

my puffy eyes in the mirror. The lower lids were a purplish color, like bruises. I touched the skin gently with my ring finger. My enormous sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring and the platinum diamond-ringed band sparkled in the morning light.
    Had the previous night actually happened, or was I going crazy? Had Caleb returned? How could he not remember giving the engagement ring to me, in our bed?
    I pondered these questions as I padded down the hall to the nursery where I plucked Charlotte out of her crib and hugged her.
    “Good morning, sunshine girl,” I whispered. “Let’s hope today’s a better day.”
    We walked to the kitchen together, stopping in the hall when I heard the low baritones of two hushed male voices.
    “Caleb, she’s really your wife. And that’s your baby.”
    My throat nearly closed at the words. Colin and Caleb were awake and in the kitchen. They couldn’t see me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and I gnawed at my bottom lip.
    “So why the hell is there a cat here? What’s his name? Biggins?”
    “Higgins. He’s Emma’s cat. He’s been living with you for years.”
    I stood, open-mouthed and shocked. Then I heard Colin speak.
    “You like Higgins. I even saw you napping with him on the sofa a couple of times last year.”
    I heard a long sigh. It was Caleb. “He seems like a fine cat. Whatever. The cat’s not the issue. It’s really difficult for me to believe I’d marry again after Tara—that’s the main point. But if you and Laura and Mom and Dad say so, I suppose it’s true. Still, shouldn’t I get a paternity test? Look at a marriage license? Wedding photos? I’m so damned confused still. I feel like I need proof.”
    Colin groaned. “Caleb, for the love of Christ. I’ll show you the marriage license. There’s a copy at the office in your files. And can’t you look at that child and see she’s yours? Isn’t that all the proof you need? And try to think of Emma. She’s been through a lot, too, you know.”
    That Colin was coming to my defense stirred a strange pride in me. Colin, for all of his faults, did have my best interest at heart. He knew what I wanted. What I needed. Regardless, the fact that it was my husband who had doubts about my honesty made my skin prickle and not in a good way.
    “Hey, I can’t remember the last several years.” Caleb’s voice was low and strained. “I’ve been in and out of amnesia and depression for nine months. Now you tell me I’m married and a father. I need to discover the details for myself, okay?”
    I’ll be sure to tell him all the details, I thought as I drew in a sharp breath. Steeling myself, I walked into the kitchen, silent and seething. I knew my anger shouldn’t be directed at Caleb because of all he’d gone through. Still, that he didn’t believe I was his wife or that Charlotte was his daughter was like a swift punch to the gut.
    “Good morning.” My tone was clipped as I settled Charlotte in her high chair. I glanced at Colin, who scrutinized the polished concrete floor, then at Caleb, who stared at me. Our eyes held for a few seconds too long, then his drifted down to my bare legs before snapping back up and appraising me with flinty eyes.
    “Excuse me, I need to get to the cabinet.” I didn’t want my voice to shake after what I’d just heard, but I think my hands betrayed me. Caleb glanced at my trembling and moved aside, and I reached for the small food processor I used for Charlotte’s purees.
    “Good morning. How did you sleep?” Caleb inquired, his words rumbling through me. I knew that tone. It was one of politeness, one he’d used with his secretary and waiters and the concierge in the lobby. It was one of good breeding and accommodation, not one of love.
    I mumbled a positive answer, busying myself with selecting an avocado out of a bowl and pulverizing the hell out of it in the food processor. I jabbed at the button, wondering if I should be cheerful with Caleb, more talkative,