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A few beats passed before I continued. “We stopped seeing each other. It worked for a while, until it didn't.”
“And this whole time, you didn't see fit to tell me? You didn't think I'd want to know my daughter was pregnant?” His brows lifted. “Oh my God, I'm such an idiot.”
He paced the kitchen, muttering, “The dizziness, the near-fainting… When did you find out?”
It was no use trying to sugarcoat it. The longer this conversation went on, the more I realized how betrayed he likely felt.
“The night you brought her over.”
“Oh God.” He pressed both hands to his face. “My poor Peanut.”
Guilt wound through my chest. He’d been worried that night, but I’d given him empty lies to distract him.
“You!” He suddenly looked up, rage burning in his gaze. “Tell me why the fuck I should let this go! You lied to me. Why should I believe you now?”
“I was respecting her wishes. I was looking out for her, Thomas!”
“By screwing her? You said you didn't plan any of it. Do you even want the baby? Do you even care about her?”
The accusation sent a knife through my heart. “Of course, I fucking do!”
I was raising my voice. I never did that.
If Ava could see me now, she’d never call me calm again. I should back down, and work things out peacefully. But his assumptions angered me.
“It might have started casually. But we’re not just hooking up. Hell, it’s never been that.”
Even that first night, I didn't want to leave her. I’d looked at her beautiful face, her lashes fanning her cheeks, and thought I was a fool to walk away.
“I care about Ava…” I swallowed. “Deeply.”
“Don’t sell me bullshit, Cooper.”
“I fucking wish it was bullshit. Then maybe I could finally do something other than think of her all day.”
His eyebrows pulled together.
I doubled back quickly. “What I’m trying to say, Thomas, is that even if given a choice, I wouldn’t change the last few weeks. The only thing I would do differently is not keep it from you. But Ava? I cannot wish her away. She’s an incredible woman with a huge heart. She has the best laugh I’ve ever heard. And she’s brilliant.”
A smile stole over my face. “We talk for hours and she makes me laugh. I’ve never had that. I’ve never had someone who accepts everything I am and sets me at ease in every way. Someone with whom I can be completely comfortable.”
I swallowed past the thickness in my throat. “So… I know how this looks. I know how it may seem. But I treasure her. I’m dedicated to taking care of her. Making her feel safe and loved. And giving her and our baby everything they need to be happy and whole.”
Thomas’s gaze stayed on mine, his eyes doubtful.
“And I understand the way everything unfolded has hurt you, Thomas. Believe me, I do. And I’m sorry. I never meant for it to turn out this way. You're my best friend and I don’t want to ruin our friendship. But I love Ava so damn much. I can’t walk away.”
Thomas’s brow lifted and he croaked, “Love?”
I swallowed. I had no idea I’d said the words. He’d surely clobber me now.
But there was no way I could deny it.
I nodded. “Yes. I’m completely at her mercy.”
Chapter27
Ava
