"What are you doing here?" Kate asked, dodging the question and stiffening instantly.

"Your father is sick. I came in for an emergency checkup."

Melinda stepped toward her slowly, wearing that cold smile that used to make Kate's skin crawl.

"Answer my question, Kate. Is he your kid?"

"I don't owe you anything. My life is none of your business."

"Oh, but you will answer me," Melinda said, stopping just one step away. "Because if you don't tell me yourself, I'll make sure to find out on my own. So save me the trouble."

Kate swallowed hard, stomach tight. It was a sin even to think it, but she hated her mother.

"Fine. Yes, he's my son," she said at last, steady and unapologetic. "But that doesn't concern you. Stay out of my life, Melinda."

"So you and Grayson had a kid. Well, what a surprise. I thought he had thrown you out like trash after the wedding."

"He's not his," Kate fired back immediately. Her mother already knew she'd had a child. Knowing the father was Grayson