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A pregnancy wasn’t exactly something they could avoid. Especially once Marigold started putting on weight. It was best to get things laid out sooner rather than later.
“Okay, I’ll head off.” Allison came over and hugged her. “You need anything, just call me. I’ll be there as soon as you need me.”
“You think you’ll get away with it?”
“Considering Darren’s one of the dads, I think I can.” Allison stepped back and gave her a smile. “It’ll be okay. Just rest. Things will be better soon.”
“I hope so.”
Allison left, and Marigold found her blanket, switching on the TV as she laid down on the couch. She had no idea what she wanted to watch, but it was better than staring at the wall.
As she flicked through, Marigold wondered if she should give her sister a ring. Jill was always at the end of the phone for her, but Marigold hadn’t been able to admit that she had been with three guys at once; Jill wasn’t as traditional as her parents - she was more liberal-minded - but even she would be shocked at what her sister had done.
She was going to need someone in her family on her side once Marigold broke the news, and Jill would certainly be that person. She didn’t want to be on the defensive once her parents knew the truth and spread around that she was a slut. Jill would shut them down.
Marigold was strong, but her parents battered her down. Jill was tougher than her.
She made a decision, and reached for her cell phone. Jill would be at work, but she would drop everything for her younger sister. And Marigold needed to hear her sister’s voice.
#
Darren felt like hehad been in a complete daze since Allison told them the news about Marigold’s pregnancy. Now that was something he hadn’t expected. He wasn’t sure which of the three of them were more shocked.
One of them was going to be a father. Darren had no idea who it was and, if he was honest, he didn’t really want to know. He didn’t want to know that one of them had fathered a child and then had a permanent link to Marigold. It would break his heart if he found out he wasn’t the dad.
Stupid, yes, but Darren couldn’t stop how he was feeling.
He sat at his desk, staring through the open door to Marigold’s desk. There was a reason why he positioned his desk where it was; to see her and watch her smile and laugh as she interacted with Allison. Seeing her look happy made Darren feel happy.
If you wanted to be happy, you should have asked her out months ago. You’re a fucking idiot for not doing that long ago.
“Darren?”
Darren blinked. Allison was in the doorway, looking at him oddly. He hadn’t realized she had turned up and he had been staring at her.
“Sorry, Ally, I didn’t see you there.”
“Now I am surprised.”
“Did...” Darren swallowed. “Did the appointment go okay?”
“Yes. We had an ultrasound as well.” Allison smiled. “Just one baby, but the sonographer is happy that the baby is healthy. Marigold’s got a copy for you guys.”
“That...that’s great.”
“Your expression says you’re not sure about that.”
Darren sighed and ran a hand over his head.
“I don’t know what to think. I did wonder what it would be like to be a dad, but I didn’t expect to share the responsibility.”
“At least the baby will be well-loved.” Allison leaned against the doorway with a sly grin. “You’ll have a kid with your brains, Marigold’s beauty, Nathan’s personality and Jake’s athleticism. What more could you want?”
“I know you were trying to be helpful, Allison, but I’m not sure about it.”
“That baby is going to have four parents, if that’s what you want. If not, two parents and two godparents who are going to spoil them rotten. I can see the three of you wrapped around this baby’s little finger.”
Darren could see it as well. He was putty when it came to babies. His sisters knew it, which was why they allowed him to have the most cuddles with his nieces and nephews. He would certainly be wanting to hold this little one.
