Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
I’d fallen in love with Brock Hawkins—madly, deeply, head-over-heels in love. I wasn’t sure if this realization would change anything or make things worse, but when I walked out that door, I felt like I was leaving a piece of my heart behind. The big question was—would I ever come back again to visit it?
CHAPTER 25
* * *
Brock
I picked up February’s note for the fifth time and re-read it, looking for a hidden meaning.
Brock,
Didn’t want to wake you so I took an Uber to the airport.
Talk soon.
X
Feb
P.S. Relax and breathe. You’re going to be a great dad.
While the words were kind, I couldn’t move past the ones that were missing—words like we and us. And talk soon wasn’t the same as see you soon.
My cell phone rang, and hope flickered in my heart. But finding Nina flashing quickly extinguished the optimism. I debated not answering for the first two rings, but she wasn’t something I could avoid, so I swiped.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Brock. How are you?”
“I’ve been better.”
Nina sighed through the phone. “I got a copy of the results yesterday, so I assume you did, too.”
“I did.”
“I was trying to give you a little time, but I need to get back home. My doctor was against me traveling this late in my pregnancy, and I had to hide my belly when I boarded the plane because I read that some airlines won’t let you fly after thirty-six weeks.”
Jesus Christ, I hadn’t thought of any of that. What the hell would she do if she went into labor here? Deliver with a stranger who didn’t know her history? Did she even have a pregnancy history? Any medical issues with her or the baby? There was a lot I hadn’t thought about. “Right, yeah. You need to take care of yourself.”
“I’m booked on a seven PM flight tonight. Do you think we could get together for lunch today?”
The last thing I wanted to do was have lunch with my very pregnant ex, but I didn’t have a choice. Time wasn’t going to stop so I could get used to this shit. “Yeah, sure. The Clubhouse Grill okay?”
“Perfect. How about noon?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “I’ll be there.”
***
Nina was already seated when I walked into the restaurant. Her hands rested on the top of her belly. I couldn’t take my eyes off it as I took the chair across from her.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
“Like a snowman who ate too many cookies.” She patted her stomach. “This guy is already over eight pounds. The only good thing about that is the doctor won’t let me go past my due date. They’re going to induce me on the first if I don’t go into labor by then.”
I smiled half-heartedly. “I weighed nine pounds, thirteen ounces.”
Nina smiled back. “I knew it was your fault. Seeing the size of your shoulders right now is also a reminder I didn’t need.”
We both grew quiet. There was so much to say, so much to figure out, but I had no clue where to begin. Luckily, Nina jumped in.
“I don’t mean to rush you, but have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“I’m not letting a stranger take my child.”
Nina’s shoulders relaxed, and she laid her hand over her heart. “Oh my God. I’m so relieved. You will be such a good father to this baby.”
“I’ll take full custody, but would you consider being in your son’s life in some way? Maybe do the every-other-weekend thing? I can bring him to you, or I’ll get you an apartment here. A kid needs a mother, Nina.”
Her face fell, and she shook her head. “I can’t, Brock. I need to make a clean break or I’ll never move on.”
“How the hell can you do that?”
“It’s not a decision I’ve made lightly. I’ve had months to think about what I should do, and I’ve thought long and hard about what’s best for this baby. It may seem like a selfish decision to you, but I promise it’s not. I’m giving up this little boy because it’s best for him. A child should not be raised by someone who is just doing the right thing. He should be raised by someone who wants him and is ready to dedicate their life to parenthood. I never wanted a child, Brock. I never planned to be a mother.”
I could see pain etched in her face, and it made me feel like shit for using such an accusatory tone. Whether I liked her decision or not, it couldn’t have been an easy one to make. “I’m sorry. Having a child is your choice as much as it is mine. I shouldn’t have questioned your decision.” I meant the words I said, but a small part of me still clung to hope. Maybe she’d have a change of heart after she saw the baby. Maybe she’d warm up to the idea and we’d be able to co-parent. “I’ll take full custody, but if you ever reconsider and want to be involved…”