Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Once I finish and put both tests on the counter, I look at myself in the mirror and say what I should have said in the beginning. “Grow up, January. You have more than yourself to worry about now and your baby needs its dad.” Sighing, I square my shoulders back, remove my clothes and jump in the shower. Standing under the spray I remember the times Oliver and I bathed together, making love in the hot water until it was cold.
My hands skim my body lost in memories and then it slides over my stomach and my eyes open. I brace both hands on my still flat abdomen and say a quiet hello to the life I know is in there. “Hey little one. I’m your mama. I’m sorry I have a bit of a mess lately. It is not because of you, well some of it is because of you, but it is also because I miss your daddy. But I promise I am going to make it right. Or try to.” I owe my baby that much.
Washed and dried, I throw on my robe and wrap up my hair. Taking a deep breath I look at the two tests on my counter and the result is no surprise to me although seeing the confirmation makes me more emotional. I’m going to be a mom.
Dressed and finally ready to face everything, I think, I walk into the kitchen and of course my dad is home. “Ah, there she is. I was beginning to wonder if you went back with your sister. How are you?” I look at him and blink a few times trying to hold back the tears.
“Not good,” I tell him, being honest.
“I can see that. I assume you haven’t enrolled in school for the semester?”
“No, I haven’t.” He nods his head and sips his drink.
“You must really love him, huh?”
“I really do. With my whole heart, dad. Besides, I’m pregnant.” I figure saying I love him is the best way to break it to him. He looks shocked for a moment before his face softens.
“Well, as a man who knows what love looks like, I knew he was in love with you when he was here.”
“Really?” I ask, once again wiping tears.
“Yeah. As a dad it made me both happy and scared for you. But seeing as how you are going to be a mom, what are you doing sitting here talking to me. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Smiling, I get up and kiss him on the cheek.
“Thank you dad. I just want you to know this journey was not about me being unhappy with my life with you or not being happy to be your daughter. I think it was more the shock of realizing my blood isn’t your blood, but in the end, your love as the best dad in the world is all that matters.” He pulls me into a hug and kisses my cheek back.
“I have always loved you sweetheart. In my heart you are my blood.” With that he walks out the room and I run to pack. I have a man to go to see about love and a baby.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
OLIVER
I just dropped Natalie off at school, where, of course, Bobby was waiting for her in the car line. Her first day of high school is a big deal and she’s doing it on crutches. I’m cleaning the kitchen up from breakfast when the doorbell rings. I’m thinking it must be the postman or something, but what I’m not expected is January to be standing there.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi.”
“How’s Natalie.”
“She’s better. She’s at school.”
“Right. Can I come inside?” she asks. I take her bag from her and lead her inside, shutting the door behind us. I drop her bag on the floor, needing to touch her. It’s been far too long.
“Of course. Why didn’t you call? I would have picked you up from the airport.”
“I, uh…”
“Who cares, why,” I say, grabbing her up into my arms and kissing her.
She moans into my mouth and kisses me back.
We pull away from each other and stare at each other.
“I love you,” we say at the same time.
“I love you too,” I tell her, kissing her again.
“Wait,” she says, pushing her hands against my chest.
“What, baby?”
“I have to tell you something.”
“Tell me,” I say, kissing her neck. I’ve missed her so fucking much.
“I’m pregnant.”
“Thank fuck,” I say, kissing her again. My hands move to cradle her still flat belly. The life we created together is inside her, growing. I can’t wait to meet this little peanut.
“Are you happy?”
“Baby, I’m so fucking happy. This is exactly what I wanted the first time you let me get inside of you. You full of my kid is the hottest thing ever. I’m never letting you go now.”