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“All right, Lily,” he says, his voice filled with affection. “If you’re sure you’re up for it, then I won’t argue.”
I nod, grateful for his concern and the love that shines through his words.
“I promise, Blake,” I reply, my voice filled with sincerity. “Now get back home and to bed.”
He laughs, still fiddling with his keys. I can tell he’s torn.
“Go on, I’m going to bed now,” I tell him with a grin.
He looks back up and me and then suddenly he’s stepping into my space, kissing me on my doorstep, and stealing my breath away. I grip his strong shoulders, my knees feeling weak as his kiss seems to consume me. We pull apart a few moments later and he gives me a stunning grin before finally saying goodbye for real.
***
The next morning, filled with a mix of fear and hope, I sit next to Blake as we confront the reality of our unexpected pregnancy over breakfast at a diner. Thoughts run around in my mind. I’m full of worry and doubt about the challenges that lie ahead. I’m worried about finances and work. I’m pregnant with my boss’s baby, who is also my best friend’s twin brother. I haven’t even told Olivia that we slept together. Our children are best friends. We come from completely different social classes. Money has always been tight for me. Blake is rich and owns a huge company. There is so much I don’t know about him. I’m still traumatized from Matthew and Blake is grieving Sarah and healing from the loss of the love of his life. Then there’s poor Ethan who is battling an awful mental health condition. And we’re going to throw a baby into the mix. Where will we live? Is Blake planning to stay at Olivia’s for long? My tiny, rented home isn’t big enough, nor good enough for someone like Blake. What if he doesn’t find somewhere new before the baby comes? Will he expect me to move into Olivia’s house? There’s space, of course. But it wouldn’t be my home.
I’m probably getting ahead of myself again, but I don’t know how to calm myself down.
I steal a glance at Blake and his expression is filled with determination and—dare I think it—love. A glimmer of reassurance flickers within me.
“Blake, I…I’m scared,” I admit, my voice quivering with uncertainty. “We already have two children between us, and adding another…Can we handle it? Will we be able to provide everything our baby will need?”
He takes my hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring. His eyes meet mine, and I see a profound sense of faith in us shining through. “Lily, I understand your fears, and they’re valid,” he responds, his voice gentle yet resolute. “But trust me, we will make it work. Our baby will want for nothing. You can keep your job at the store, or you can hand in your notice. I’m going to leave it up to you to decide. But I’m making it clear now that I won’t ever expect you to work if you don’t want to. We have each other, and together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way. I have enough money for our family for the next ten generations, so please, try not to panic. Let me sort out everything. I just need you to keep as relaxed as possible while you focus on yourself and the baby.”
His words sink into my heart, weaving a tapestry of hope amidst the uncertainties. I find solace in his unwavering belief; in the way he sees possibilities where I see obstacles. We have both faced challenges before, and we have always emerged stronger. Now we are united in our love and determination. I did it on my own, so I know I can do it a hundred times better with Blake at my side.
A part of me is screaming that this is all too good to be true. That part is telling me that I’m not good enough for Blake. He will get bored and then move on to someone else. But I think about his fierce love for Sarah, and I know that this man loves with his entire body and soul. I should be honored to be on the end of such affection and devotion.
“I like working at the shop,” I admit. “I’ve never not worked before. What would I do all day?” I wonder if I would be bored at home with just the baby.
“I don’t know, but we can figure it out,” he assures me. “And nothing is set in stone, so just tell me and we can do it. We can do anything.”
I nod. Blake has done a great job of helping me feel lighter about it everything. The unexpected pregnancy has shocked us both, but if I listen to his optimism, I can feel a glimmer of excitement.
“Imagine the laughter in our home, the moments of joy as our children grow up together,” Blake muses, a smile playing on his lips. “Yes, it won’t be easy with the problems we have, but it will be worth it. We can create a beautiful life for our family.”
His words stir a sense of courage within me, nudging me to look beyond the fear and embrace the hope that blossoms within our hearts. We may juggle responsibilities and make sacrifices where we need to, but together, I feel like we can do it. Plus, we won’t be alone. We both have Olivia too. Strong, beautiful, and supportive Olivia. She’s going to be so happy when we finally tell her the special news.
“I have one condition though,” Blake says, looking at me sternly.
I wonder what it could be and my mind jumps to the worst-case scenario.
“What?” I ask, worried.
“You need a car, Lily. What if I’m busy and I can’t pick you up or you get stranded somewhere? I know you’re stubborn—”
“I’m not,” I immediately deny.
Blake fixes me a look. “Way too stubborn,” he continues. “But no girlfriend of mine is hanging around waiting for buses while pregnant. I’m getting you a car and it’s not negotiable.”
With a deep breath, I reach out to grasp Blake’s hand, intertwining our fingers as a symbol of our commitment to this new journey. Some things I know I just can’t win so I nod, grateful that I have someone who cares so much.
Chapter 16
Blake
AsIstepintothe waiting room of the OBGYN, my heart pounds with a mix of nerves and excitement. The last time I was in this position, was when Sarah was pregnant with Ethan. I expect to feel sad, but I find myself excited and nervous. This is a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating for the past few weeks. A moment that holds the promise of a bright and beautiful future with Lily.
I glance over at her, her face radiating both nervousness and anticipation, and I can’t help but feel a surge of love and support for her. “Lily,” I say, my voice filled with a mixture of excitement and reassurance, “It’s going to be okay. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
