The hospital called and said a little boy had listed me as his emergency contact. I laughed nervously and said, “That’s impossible. I’m 32, single, and I don’t have a son.”

rigid. I moved between him and the door.

“He can’t come in,” Oliver whispered. “Mom said don’t let him.”

“He won’t,” I said.

Mark saw me through the glass. Recognition flashed across his face, followed by a smile that made my skin crawl.

“Nora Ellison,” he called. “Still inserting yourself where you don’t belong?”

Before I could answer, two security officers continue reading …