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Shorty’s body grew stiff the moment I pulled her closer to me. I didn’t mean to ambush her, but I was so fucking excited that she’s carrying my baby that I wanted to shout it out from the rooftop.
My parents’ faces are a mix of anger, confusion, and shock.
“I think I heard you wrong because it sounded like you said Sadie’s pregnant.” My dad loosens his tie aggressively.
“Yes. That’s why I want her to move in with me. I’m not leaving her to care for our baby alone.”
“I—I don’t know what to say.” Mom rises from her chair and stands beside Dad.
“How could you be so irresponsible?” Dad says slowly, but I can sense the anger behind his words.
Shorty bows her head in shame, making me feel like shit.
“Dad, we didn’t plan it. It justhappened,” I try to explain. “I promised to take care of her. And this is me keeping that promise.”
“And how exactly will you make this work? Going to school full time, long practice days, games…how will you financially support her, her daughter, and your child? You won’t have time to work, son.”
“Would you stop talking like Shorty’s not in the room?”
“Donnie—” Shorty starts to say, but Mom interrupts her.
“Donovan,” Mom admonishes. “While I think what you want to offer her is admirable, it’s not reality. Baby, you can’t take care of her and your child while going to school full time. It’s not feasible.”
Before I can respond, dad speaks first.
“This is what you’re going to do. You are going to live in the fraternity house as we planned.Wewill help Sadie with the baby, and you can visit during break and holidays. That’s final.”
Anger blazes in my gut like an inferno wanting to burn me from the inside out.
“There is no way in hell I’m going to leave her here while I’m thousands of miles away.” Keeping my eyes on Mom, I say, “Eight years ago, you chose to take my girl from me. You made me believe she was dead. I may have forgiven you, but I did not forget the pain it caused me.”
I glance between Mom and Dad. “You will not come between us again. If I have to pick between my family, my career, and a life with Shorty…I pick her each time.”
Dad slams his hand on the desk. “The hell you will!”
“Charles!” Mom scolds, but Dad ignores her and keeps his gaze on me.
“What do you think will happen if your coach discovers your plans? He’ll kick you off the team, and your chances of going pro are out the window.”
“I don’t care!” I roar, removing myself from Shorty. “She’s having my kid, and I’m going to be there for her every step of the way. Nothing you or Mom can say or do will make me change my mind.”
What the fuck is with my parents?
You’d think they would be more supportive. I’m manning up, taking care of my responsibilities for the girl I love.
“Are you asking me to abandon my kid?”
“No, of course not.” Mom’s eyes widen as if she’s shocked that I would ask that.
Dad walks up to me until he stands right in front of me. “No, son, I’m not. I want you to consider this and how it will affect you and Sadie. How will you provide for them and your baby? Are you willing to risk your future without having a plan in place?”
“Yes, I will risk it all for her.”
I glance over my shoulder and notice Shorty is no longer in the room.
* * *
SADIE
