Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
On the one hand, it would be too easy to blame Depo Provera, Pfizer and the entire pharmaceutical industry. Those people are bastards who are out to make a buck without any care for their customers. Plus, no one would ever know because how could they tell? But on the other, I’m an alpha male who controls his environment at all times, and the buck stops with me. I’m not going to shift responsibility onto someone else, and especially not when it comes to my son or daughter. With that, the decision is made.
“Sweetheart, it’s not about Pfizer, Alcon, or any pharmaceutical company. This is about you and me, and the baby on the way.”
But Jenna’s not listening. In fact, she’s practically frothing at the mouth now.
“You do have a lawyer on retainer, right? Who specializes in medical injury? Because this is a fucking disaster—”
I remain calm, my expression neutral.
“It’s not a disaster, sweetheart, because I wanted you to get pregnant. You’re going to be a wonderful mommy, and I can’t wait to be a father again either.”
Jenna stares at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“I get that, Rick, but this wasn’t supposed to happen, and now look! Pfizer has to know—”
I hold one big hand up.
“No, it’s not wrong because I haven’t been giving you the shot. I’ve been giving you a placebo, so you’ve been fertile during our time together, sweetheart. It was just a matter of time before you conceived, and frankly, I’m over the moon with excitement. A baby is a blessing, and you’ll be a wonderful mommy.”
Jenna blinks once, hard.
“Wait, what?”
I shrug before smiling, my handsome mien calm.
“I can’t wait to be a parent with you, Jenna. Imagine that – we’ve created our own little happy family. Of course, you’ll move in full-time, and I’ll hire a nanny so that you can continue with school if you like—”
“Wait, what?” Jenna screeches, her eyes practically popping out of her skull now. “You did what?”
Oh fuck, the shit’s hitting the fan, but I need to stay calm.
“I want you to be pregnant and to deliver my child, sweetheart. I want a little girl who looks just like you, with the same golden hair, big blue eyes, and creamy skin. Of course, you’re cheeks are looking a little mottled right now—”
“They’re mottled because I’m angry!” Jenna screams, her hair practically standing out from her head like she’s been electrocuted. “What the fuck do you mean you gave me a placebo?”
I hold my hands up in admission.
“I gave you a placebo because from the very start, I knew I wanted to be with you,” I say in a low voice, my tone serious. “You are intelligent, sweet, feisty, and give as good as you get. You have every trait that I’m looking for in a baby mama, and—”
“But you didn’t ask me if I wanted to be your baby mama!” Jenna screams, her eyes bulging as the blood drains from her face. “You just went ahead and did it, and now look! You did this to me because you’re fucking selfish, and a liar, and ... and...”
Then, she bursts into tears, her face scrunching up into a pink mess while liquid flows down her cheeks and out of her nose. She heaves and sobs as I stand from my chair to comfort her.
“Don’t touch me!” she screams again while leaping back three feet, spittle flying from her mouth. “Do. Not. Ever. Touch. Me. Again!”
Then, Jenna runs out, the door swinging wildly behind her. I’m left in the silence of the room, the plush space suddenly oddly empty without the curvy girl in it. Goddamn, that went badly. That went fucking awful, actually, and a pang of fear strikes my heart because I expected fireworks, yes, but I didn’t expect total disaster. But my mouth twists in a frown because I have to make this work. The girl I adore is having my baby ... and it’s up to me to safeguard their futures.
10
Jenna
I sit on Emma’s bed, my eyes dry and hot. My stomach churns but it’s not just with pregnancy. It’s also because of the revolting way that Rick treated me.
After all, how can a doctor give you a placebo instead of actual birth control? Who even does that? I swear, I need to read up on medical ethics because Rick should have his license taken away at the very least. I’m so angry with the alpha male that I shake, even now, blinking hotly while staring at the wall.
“Here, have some crackers,” Emma murmurs, offering me a plate of saltines. “This will be okay on your stomach, right? That, and some seltzer water,” she says, indicating the open bottle of fizzy soda by her.
“Thanks,” I manage in a choked voice while wiping at my dry eyes. “I appreciate it.”