AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Okay, so I don't know what you want to know and what you don't want to know, so I'm going to tell you everything." I sigh and take a deep breath when I notice Levi heading our way. I meet his eyes and shake my head. I need this time with Vayda alone.
"I've always noticed your dad was attractive, but not in a gross way. More like we thought Mr. Thompson the P.E. teacher was hot. Then about six months ago, I came over looking for you, and you weren't here. Without giving you the details, we shared a connection, and things escalated. I don't know, it just happened. Suddenly he didn't feel like your dad, and no other boys interested me. We tried our best to avoid each other, but it didn't work. He even dated that blonde, if you remember? Anyway, it didn't work staying away from each other, but we really tried. Andrew and none of the other boys could hold a torch to him. I know he's your dad and you don't want to hear this but… he's amazing. He's passionate, kind and caring and he doesn't talk to me like I'm a child. He believes in me, and I can honestly see a future for us. I never knew I could love someone this much. I know it sounds corny, but it's true. Obviously, the baby wasn't planned, but nothing we can do about it now except embrace this new life. Even though the timing sucks, I won't regret getting pregnant. I really love him, Vayda, and I'm sure if this were any other guy you would've been happy for me."
Vayda's shoulder's move again, and I heard her sniff softly. I moved toward her and hug her from behind. "I'm so sorry we hurt you. If I could've chosen anyone else, I would have, but I couldn't. I love him, and I love you so much, and I don't want to lose you over this. We didn't try and hide it from you, well maybe we did, but only because we knew you would feel like we let you down. That was never our intention. We didn't want to upset everyone if it didn't work out."
“So this is working out for you then?” She turns and faces me.
“Yes. I’m really happy and in love. I’m just sad my happiness is causing so much pain to others.”
“You’re basically going to be my stepmom. Do you know how fucking weird that is?” Vayda says, acid dripping from her voice.
A laugh bubbled from my throat. "I haven't even gotten used to the idea of being a mom, could we table the stepmom thing for now? I'll always be your friend, and I really hope you'll be mine. I want you to be my child's godmother, just like we dreamed about in high school."
Vayda’s eyes finally met mine and instead of the disappointment I expected I found love. “I love you, Oakley. This is just a lot to take in.”
"Would you consider moving back? Or at least staying over a few nights a week? I don't want to lose you, and your father is going crazy without you. I'm talking losing his shit crazy. He misses you."
“I didn’t think he’d notice since you’re around,” Vayda snaps.
“Vayda, I’ll never be you. Don’t you get that? No one could ever replace you.”
“I don’t know…” Vayda shrugs, shaking her head.
“Stay for dinner at least?” I ask.
“Fine, just dinner. And no icky stuff in front of the kids,” Vayda teases with a pointed look. I can’t help but laugh at her. “I promise, no icky stuff, just us.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
Levi chose that moment to step out onto the terrace. “Vayda?”
“She’s staying for dinner, Levi,” I say with a bright smile.
Levi's eyes communicate how grateful he is that I've made a little progress with her.
Vayda stands up and looks at us before she bursts out laughing. “I guess Mr. B is a little out of place now?”
Levi and I exchange a nervous look before we join in the laughter. The fences weren’t mended, but the pieces were slowly being picked up.
21
Levi
"Stop fidgeting," I say with a crooked smile to Oakley. We're sitting in the doctor's office, waiting for her first appointment. She's as nervous as a baby doe about to face a pack of lions. I squeeze her clammy hand and remember the last time I sat in this part of the hospital, waiting to take a look at my baby. That was almost twenty years ago, and yet the excitement was fizzing through my body.
“I’m nervous,” Oakley admits, looking at me with wide eyes.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about. They’re just going take a look at the baby, give us an estimated due date and maybe prescribe some prenatal vitamins.” My voice is encouraging, even though I’m nervous as well.
My phone buzzes and I check the caller ID.
&
nbsp; Rebecca. Just great.
Vayda's been spending more time with Oakley and me, but she slept at Rebecca's last night. I hoped nothing was wrong. I excuse myself from Oakley, promising to be back in a few minutes before stepping outside to answer the call.
