A knock sounded, and Dr. Collins entered with his medical bag. He examined Milo, who had been coughing the most, then turned toward Owen.
“He needs warmth, hydration, and rest,” Dr. Collins said. “He has the start of a respiratory infection. It is fortunate you brought him in when you did.”
Relief washed over Tess so deeply that her shoulders sagged. “Thank you,” she whispered.
When the doctor left, the room settled into a strange calm. The city lights flickered against the windows as if trying to eavesdrop.
Tess clasped her hands in her lap. “I suppose you deserve to know why we’re here,” she murmured.
Owen leaned forward slowly. “Only if you want to tell me.”
She closed her eyes for a moment, steadying herself. “After that night at the lake house, I discovered I was pregnant. I tried to reach you, but your family changed their numbers and the staff dismissed me whenever I attempted to visit. I thought you had left Denver, and I was right. You had moved to New York for work.”
Owen felt a sharp stab of guilt. He remembered that move. He had been swept into meetings and business expansion without realizing how fully he had severed a part of his past.