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“Oh!” Megan winced. “I’m sorry, Nicky. I didn’t mean to pry or make you sad.”
“It’s okay,” Nicky assured Megan.
“I’m sorry to hear that too, Nicky,” Mike told her, and Nicky nodded her appreciation. “I know it’s not the same. But I can’t have kids due to a hockey injury.” He ran a hand through his hair as he blew out a breath. “It’s one of the reasons I have two failed marriages.” He gave Nicky an understanding smile. “My second wife and I were going to adopt, but—” He broke off the conversation.There’s no need to get into that part. “It didn’t work out.”
“Oh, Mike, I’m sorry!” Nicky’s eyes and voice were filled with compassion.
“It’s okay,” Mike said with a shrug. “I have Jade, and she’s been an absolute joy.”
“If you got married again, would you adopt?” Megan asked them.
“I would love to adopt even without being married,” Nicky told her. “There are so many children in need of a good home.”
“You’re right,” Megan grimaced again. “Ow!” She lay back against the pillow, panting. “I’ve decided what I’m going to do with my baby.” She gritted her teeth and blew out a breath before looking at them again. “Mike, can you call Sam and tell her I need her legal counsel?”
“Sure,” Mike told Megan, a frown creasing his brow. “Why do you need Sam’s legal counsel?”
Alarm bells started ringing in his head as he put the pieces together, knowing that Sam specialized in family law.
“Because I’m nineteen.” Megan rubbed her belly. “I want to be a doctor; as it is, I can barely keep the lights on at home.” She sighed. “There’s no way I can give this baby the life it deserves.”
“What are you saying, Megan?” Nicky looked at her worriedly.
“I want to give her up for adoption.” Megan’s words startled Mike.
“That’s a big decision to make,” Mike said. “I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you’ve held her for the first time.”
“No, I won’t,” Megan assured him with a sad smile. “I’ve already decided on who I want for her parents.”
“Oh!” Nicky and Mike said in unison.
“Nicky, if you’re willing, would you take my baby?” Megan surprised them by saying.
“W… I…” Nicky stuttered, astounded by what Megan had just asked. She cleared her throat and gained composure. “Megan, are you sure about this?”
Megan nodded and swallowed as she started to pant in short breaths again. “Yes, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“Yes!” Nicky said with a nod, her eyes lighting with joy. “Of course.”
“Thank you,” Megan breathed before wincing again.
Nicky soothed and helped Megan through the contraction.
“I have one condition, though,” Megan stated. “That Mike be her guardian if he’s willing to.”
Mike’s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Megan, dumbfounded by what she asked. His heart jolted and thudded against his rib cage. Most people thought being a guardian was just a title and taking on the responsibility, thinking nothing would ever come of it. But Mike knew differently as he’s lived through losing loved ones and having to take over parenting their most precious gift.
He swallowed, knowing he was gaping like an idiot. On the one hand, he felt honored to be considered, but on the other, he was terrified of what it meant. But the two women stared back at him, waiting for his answer.
“Of course,” Mike blurted before he could change his mind.
“Thank you, both,” Megan told them. Her eyes misted over. “You don’t know how relieved I am.” She grabbed Nicky’s hand. “And I’ve asked your friend Mandy Oliver to handle the sale of Riley Cottage as I’ve decided to sell it to you, Nicky.”
“What?” Nicky breathed, her eyes once again widening in surprise. “Megan, maybe you should wait until after your baby is born. I think Mike’s right that you’re making rash decisions at a moment like this.”
“No, they’re not rash,” Megan assured them. “I’ve been thinking about this since I met you on the beach.” She gave Nicky a warm smile. “I’ll be giving my baby a wonderful mother with a big supportive family behind her.” She leaned forward and closed her eyes against the pain before wheezing. “And my aunt would love that you’re the one who bought the cottage.”
“We can discuss this after the birth,” Nicky told her. “Right now, you need to concentrate on your breathing and the little life you’re about to bring into the world.”
