Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83612 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“Were you tested?” Dr. Hannah asks.
Amanda glances at me, worry still etched in her brow.
“I love you,” I whisper, because my throat is thick from the emotions welling inside me. Her eyes soften, and her shoulders relax just a little, but I see it.
“Well, no, but we tried for so long, and my ex-husband cheated on me and got his mistress pregnant. That’s why I assumed it was me.” She swallows hard. “Are you sure? I’m really pregnant?”
“I’m sure. Sometimes these things take time. If there is any distance, anger, or stress in life, that oftentimes can also prevent pregnancy. The human body is a beautiful thing.” She smiles. “I’m going to discharge you with a prenatal vitamin and instructions to follow up with your obstetrician. Do you have any questions for me?”
“She passed out. Why?” I ask.
“More than likely, hormonal changes. Amanda also mentioned she’s been stressed, not sleeping well, and feeling nauseous. All things that could lead to passing out. Speaking of, I also called in a prescription for the nausea. It’s a very low dose, and it’s not harmful to you or the baby. Take them as you need them, and be sure to discuss with your OB at your first visit.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” I say as she steps out of the small area, pulling the curtain closed. I stand and lean over the bed, pressing my forehead to Amanda’s. “We’re having a baby,” I say, and I can hear the happiness in my voice. I don’t need to see it to feel it. My heart feels too big for my chest.
“I’m sorry,” Amanda says. “I didn’t think I could.” Her voice cracks, and her tone is pleading, as if she’s worried I’m upset about the news.
“Don’t be sorry, Mandy. This is our baby. Our little miracle.” I place my hand on her flat belly. “A piece of both of us.” Fuck, this isn’t my first time finding out I’m going to be a father, and just like the first time, this is a surprise, but I’m older and wiser, and I know the gift we’ve been given.
“You’re not mad?” she asks hesitantly, her voice cracking. Her eyes hold mine, but they’re filled with worry.
“Mad? No, baby, I’m not mad. I’m thrilled. Stoked. Mia is going to be a great big sister, and Bellamy, too. She’ll come around,” I tell her. She has to. There is no other option. I can’t lose any of them.
I have everything I’ve ever wanted, everything I thought I’d never get a second chance for again, and I don’t want to lose any of them. My daughter, my granddaughter, my son-in-law, Mandy, Mia, or our baby. I want them all. I want to be surrounded by love and laughter, and my family.
“We’re having a baby,” Amanda whispers as the nurse comes in with her discharge papers.
“Let’s get you home, Momma,” I tell her, helping her from the bed and out to my SUV. “Who has Mia?”
“I’m not sure. I think Sloane or maybe Eden? They were there with Knox’s mom and his two sisters and offered to watch her.”
Before I can get my phone out to call Baker or Foster, it dings with a message from Reid.
* * *
Reid: We have Mia. She can spend the night with us.
Me: We’re leaving the ER now. We can come and get her.
Reid: Let her stay. Bell needs some time, and Coral loves it when Mia stays over.
* * *
“It’s Reid. Mia is at their place. He wants to know if she can spend the night. Bellamy needs some space.”
“I packed lots of extras in the diaper bag, and I know Bellamy has a few things there, as well, so I guess that’s okay if they’re sure.”
* * *
Me: You sure it’s okay? We were coming to get her.
Reid: I think Bellamy needs this.
Me: Okay. We’ll be by to pick her up in the morning.
Reid: Okay.
* * *
That’s it. Nothing about the bomb that was dropped on my daughter, just that she needs time, and that’s fine. I’ll give her the time she needs, but I won’t do what I did before and let her hide from me. We’ll face this head-on like a family, and I’ll fight to keep all of them in my life, because without them, I’m nothing.
Chapter 23
Amanda
* * *
Last night, Will took me back to my place, and that’s where we stayed. The night felt quiet and still, like the world had slowed down just for us. We sat together for hours, talking about the future. About where our lives are going and what we want them to become. And somehow, without trying, we kept arriving at the same place in every conversation.
We want the same things.
We want to build a life together, raise our kids side by side, and create a home filled with love, laughter, and the kind of happiness that grows from simply being there for each other every day.