Page 13 of Bless My Heart

She keeps her eye focused on her hands. “So, uh, do you remember the night in the bathroom?”

“I won’t ever forget it.” It was probably the hottest sex I’ve ever had. It felt like she needed me just as much as I needed her that night.

“Well, you remember how the condom broke?”

“Yeah, but you said you were on the pill …” My heart rate picks up just a tad now.

“I was. I am, but I forgot that I missed a few days. I wasn’t really planning on hooking up with anyone for awhile, you know? I also forgot that I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection. It just wasn’t a good combination of things.”

“So, what are you saying?”

She takes a deep breath, and I wait for her to hit me with the words. The words I know she’ll say, but I still need to hear them out loud. “I’m pregnant.”

Neither of us says anything for a few long minutes. She’s had time to process this, but I haven’t. I know she’s watching me, seeing how I’ll react.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I have to ask. Are you sure it’s mine?”

“Yes. You’re the only person I’ve been with in the last six months.” I nod my head. Alright. Well, this is not the news I was expecting to hear on this Friday afternoon, but here we are.

“I’m assuming you plan on keeping it, right?”

“I…I think so, yes. I’ve been weighing my options, but I already feel connected with this baby. I just feel like they were given to me for a reason. I’m sorry if that’s not what you want to hear.”

My eyes snap up to hers. Her blue eyes meet mine instantly. “Hazel, this is your body. I would never make you do anything with it one way or the other.”

“Really? So you aren’t mad?”

My brows furrow in confusion. “Mad? Why would I be mad?”

“Well, because of the baby.”

“I’m the one who provided the faulty condom. There’s no reason for me to be mad at you.” How in the world would she think I would blame her for this?

“Just so you know, I’m not expecting anything from you. I know you’re young and basically just starting your life and—“

“Stop right there. If I’m going to be a dad, I’m going to be a part of the baby’s life, ok?”

“Are you sure? I mean, I understand if you don’t want to.”

“Hazel, I don’t know what men you’re used to being around, but I own my actions. This baby is a part of me too.”

“Oh …”

“Just promise me something, ok?”

“What?”

I grab her hand. “Promise me you’ll let me be a part of everything. I don’t just want to be here for the baby. I want to be here for you too.”

“Wes. You’re still my student. I have to be careful …”

“I don’t mean dating or anything like that. But after class, I want to be around. I want to watch as the baby grows inside of you. I want to bring you whatever you need. I want to go to all the appointments. Ok?” She studies my face trying to decide if I’m being serious. I am. I have the best dad, and I want to be that for my child. Is this sooner than I was expecting to be a dad? Yep. Is it happening with a woman I barely know? Yep. But it is happening, so I’ve got to work with what I’ve got.

“O-ok,” she stutters. I grab her hand.

“Thank you. So, when are you due?”

“April.”