Page 131 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Jessica dropped by to congratulate you on becoming a father,” Reese spits. “Yes, Jessica gave it to Charlee.”

I run to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I barely get the lid up before I lose the contents of my stomach. The room continues to spin as her words take up more space in my head than they deserve.

“Charlee, you alright?” Reese taps on the door before opening it. I stand at the sink, rinsing my mouth. “I’m not sure it’s a good time, Alden.” I shake my head. “Would you speak to him?” My entire body shakes with my head this time. “She can’t, she’s sick. I will. I promise.” She ends the call.

“I don’t believe her,” I spout before Reese can say a word.

“Alden said to tell you, you would know why there’s no way in hell she can be pregnant by him.” Reese frowns.

“I have no way of knowing…” It dawns on me what he means. “He’s right, not his baby.”

“How do you both know?” Emerson asks.

“Ask for a paternity test. Furthermore, I’m gonna kick Sam’s ass. She set this up. That’s one of the girls from the night I left, but her hair is dark now.”

“So you don’t think he slept with her?” Reese raises her brows.

“First, he always uses condoms. Second, this has Sam written all over it,” I sneer.

“Geez, let me get outta here and back to the office. I have twins that don’t cause as many issues as Alden,” she huffs, walking down the hall. We follow her out as they ready to leave.

“Charlee, are you okay?” Emerson hugs me tightly.

“No, but I will be. I guess it’s another reason I left. I’m not sure I can deal with all that comes with being a star.”

“I’m not positive it’s always like this, Charlee. I have a feeling Sam’s the reason Alden’s having such a horrible experience. Besides, if you were together, he wouldn’t allow this to happen.” Reese releases a heavy sigh.

“It is a dirty, rotten shame she’s doing all of this. She’s needs adjusted,” Emerson sneers.

I cock my brow. “I’m about to hand deliver some justice.”

“I’ll drive!” Emerson chimes in.

“I’m the legal counsel, I’ll post bail.” Reese snickers. “Alright, I’m gonna go clean house.”

“You do that.” I high five her and then hug her.

Luci begins to wake as I watch them leave. I wave and shut the door behind me. Walking through, I enter the room to the sweetest, babbling baby ever.

“Hello, my love. You always wake up the sweetest little thing.” I pick her up and kiss her chubby cheeks. “Gosh, I love you.”

It’s getting late, so I decide to get Luci ready for bed when I get a message. My heart races with the hope that it’s Alden. I know I shouldn’t expect him or even be excited, but when I see his name, my mouth goes dry.

Hey, Charlee. ~A

Hey.

I wanted to check on Luci. ~A

She’s good, she keeps cooing.

Reese had a pic, she’s grown. ~A

Crazy how fast.

It is, hate I’ve missed it the last few months. ~A

Me too.