AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I have cramps, my period is coming.”
“Menstrual cramps are very similar to first trimester cramps.”
“You’re very similar to menstrual cramps.”
“Nah, I’m too cute.” He flashes me an infuriatingly sexy smirk.
I smile, then catch myself and scowl. No, no, what does he think he’s doing?
His grin widens. “And if you’re so sure your period is coming, you’ll have no problem taking the test.” He pushes a paper bag in my face. “I brought a wide selection. You can choose the one you like the most.”
“Fine.” I snatch the bag from him and storm into the bathroom.
I lock the door, pick the first box out of the paper bag, and tear it to shreds.
Without even reading the instructions, I wield the plastic stick like a sword and pee on it just to prove him wrong. I know my body; I can recognize PMS.
I drop the stick on the counter and pace the bathroom for a minute before checking the result.
When I look back at it, a pink plus sign greets me, unmistakable against the white background.
Oh crap!
25
MARISSA
I exit the bathroom.
John is pacing the living room like a caged lion, but the moment he hears me come out, he stops. He turns toward me and our eyes meet, collide, the same as our worlds just did—for the second time.
“You’re pregnant,” he breathes.
I don’t know how he knows, if I have a plus sign printed on my forehead, but he knows.
I give him the tiniest nod. In response, his entire face is transformed by a beaming smile. The room brightens as if a brilliant sun ray had burst from behind the clouds. His eyes wrinkle at the corners, shining with an emotion so powerful it threatens to shatter me.
“You’re pregnant,” he repeats.
John surprises me by whooping and dropping to his knees before me. He hugs me, pressing the side of his face to my belly and then planting a kiss on it, whispering, “Hello you, welcome to the world.”
Before I can do or say anything, John stumbles backward, falling on his butt, then he springs up again just as quickly, scratching the back of his neck with a hand and putting the other forward in an apologetic stance. “That was widely inappropriate, I’m sorry. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I know how to keep boundaries, I swear, I…” He walks in a circle. “Lost my mind for a second there.”
Yeah, I know the feeling.
“But I have good news for you, Mayer,” he continues without letting me get two words in. “You’re not alone anymore.”
And it’s like he pulled a thread from my heart, linking me to him forever. My throat closes up and I have trouble swallowing.
John must sense the change because he stares at me, deadly serious now.
Coming closer, but still keeping his distance so that he won’t crowd me, he says, “You might not trust me as someone you want in your life, you might not even like me that much—I plan on changing that, but you can trust one thing, Marissa.” I’m afraid of what might come out of his mouth next. “I’m a good father. If you’ll let me, I’ll be there for this kid. You’re not alone anymore.
“I’ll build the crib, help you set up the nursery, the stroller, bottles, diaper genie… I’ll come with you to doctor’s appointments. You need to clean up projectile vomit? I’m your guy. Change diapers, take night feeds, or just take the little guy—or girl—for a stroll when you feel you’re going to go insane if you hear another minute of crying, I’ll be there. Just as I’ll be there the first time the baby gets a fever and you’re going to panic as all new moms do. I’m a doctor, so that should help, too. Everything you need, Mari, I’m here. You don’t have to do it alone.”
I close my eyes, not knowing what to say. I realize I haven’t said a word yet, but I literally have no idea what to tell him. His words ring in my head, and I hate the relief they bring. I’m not alone. I believe him. He might’ve been a crappy boyfriend at eighteen, but I know he’s a good father. Everything Teresa told me proves it, and even if my sister hadn’t told me how he’s raising his daughter alone, I’d just know, instinctively, he’s telling the truth.
He must read the acceptance on my face because that sunbeam smile of his makes another appearance.
