Once I’m back to the couch with her, I hand her the glass and swipe at her tear-streaked face. I’ve never seen her like this, and she’s freaking me the hell out.
“What’s going on? Did something happen?” I gently rub at her back.
“I’m… I’m…” she starts, but she can’t seem to get the words out.
“You’re what?” Fuck. She’s about to break up with me. I don’t think I could ever live without this woman.
She wipes her nose on her shirt and lets out another sob.
“I’m pregnant.” She looks up at me, and the tears continue to flow down her face. “I don’t know anything about being a mom. I haven’t had a good one in years,” she rambles on, but in the meantime, the world around me starts to spin.
She’s pregnant? We’ve been so careful. When I forgot to use a condom, she’s always reminded me that she’s on the pill.
Jesus Christ. This can’t be happening. The one fucking thing I didn’t want.
I stand from the couch, slowly backing away without taking my eyes off her.
“Where are you going?” She cries harder and realization dawns on her face. “You don’t want children,” she states matter-of-factly.
I shake my head as I grab onto the knob of the door.
“I can’t do this right now.”
I sprint down the stairs and out of the building, faster than I did when I got here. Everything was going great. I refuse to do this again. The pain of what Destiny put me through was unbearable, and the thought of going through that with Maddison shoots a pang through my chest.
I get home in record time and spend the rest of the night getting lost in my good buddy Jack.
The look on her face will forever haunt me, but I can’t be a father. I just can’t, but that also means I can’t be with her.
Thirty-One
Maddison
“Well, look at that! I see two!” The doctor says looking at the screen.
Two?
“I’m sorry, what?” I shake my head in disbelief. I’m not sure how I’m going to take care of one child, much less, two.
“Yep! Right here.” She points to what looks like two blobs, and she has no idea how much those few simple words just turned my world completely upside down.
The doctor and sonographer continue to talk, but I have no idea what they’re saying. Don’t get me wrong. I love these babies with everything I have in me, but I don’t have a job and I’m currently bumming off my sister.
“You’re just over six weeks,” the doctor says with enthusiasm in her voice. At least one of us is excited.
“Thank you.” I give her a weak smile and she gives me a questioning look.
“Are you doing all right?”
I run a hand over my face, not wanting to talk about this with a complete stranger, but Chloe had told me that Dr. Andrews is very personable. Maybe I need to talk to someone I don’t know.
“My boyfriend left me when he found out about my pregnancy,” I say quietly. “We had never talked about having kids or even marriage, so I suppose I shouldn’t be too upset about it.” I wave a hand in the air dismissively.
She grabs her chair and rolls it closer to me before resting her hand on my knee.
“I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this, but it’s his loss. He’s the one who will miss out on everything, not you.”
Her words do nothing to lessen the heartache I’ve been feeling.
“Let me grab you some prenatal vitamins, and I want to see you back in four weeks,” she says before walking out of the room.
I look up at the sound of the door opening again, to see the sonographer coming in.
“Here you go, Maddison. I printed this for you.”
“Thank you.”
Once she’s out of the room, I look down at my little peanuts. I can’t believe these are my babies, but I’m bound and determined to give them everything they deserve. I hate that they won’t have their father, but I’ll be the best damn mom I can be.
I haven’t seen or heard from Ian in the last week since he left me at Chloe’s. Which also means I haven’t been back to work. Nellie called me once, and I explained to her that Ian and I are no longer together, and that I would be looking for another job.
Thankfully, Chloe has been fine with me moping around while I grieve for what Ian and I had, but it’s time to pull up my big girl panties and figure out what I’m going to do.
As much as my heart breaks whenever I think of him, it’s time for me to move on. It’s not good for me or the babies to keep living like this. I still can’t believe I’m about to be responsible for two other lives, but I know that with Chloe’s help, everything will be all right.
I spend the next week hunting for a job from my sister’s couch. I don’t know what I’ll do if I don’t find something soon, because I can’t imagine not sleeping on a bed once I’m further along.
“We could probably fit another twin bed into Taylor’s room,” Chloe says while flipping through a magazine.
“Thanks, sis, but I’ll need room for their cribs and all the other stuff these two will need.” I rub at my still small stomach and for the first time a smile comes to my face at the thought of being a mother.
When I look over at her, I can tell there’s something she wants to say, but isn’t.
“Just spill it.” I set my laptop on the coffee table so I can give her my full attention.
“I can’t believe I’m actually suggesting this, and you might hate me for even thinking it, but have you thought about calling Mom and Hank?”
I throw my head back against the couch. The truth is, I’ve thought about it a lot more than I’d like to admit. They have a guest house behind their mansion for when visitors come. It sits next to the small cottage they have for Anna. It would be perfect for the three of us, but the problem is, my parents would probably never agree to help me. Blood doesn’t matter to them.
“I have thought about it, but do you really think they’d want to help me? Especially after ruining Hank’s party because I didn’t feel well.”
“I didn’t say it wouldn’t be hell, but the extra cottage they have would be just the right size for you and the little nuggets.”
The thought of needing my parents this much again makes me cringe. I’m sure that when I tell them I got pregnant by my boss and then he left me, I’ll never hear the end of it. But I should have known things were too good to be true. After I got past the fact that he was an asshole at first, he was perfect. There was bound to be something wrong with him, and apparently the fact that he can’t be there for his girlfriend and unborn children, is exactly what’s wrong with him.
I love the city, but maybe I need to get as far away from Ian Wright as possible. Why stick around if he wants nothing to do with us? Even if I could just bum off my parents long enough for me to afford an apartment. The cost of living is cheaper outside of Detroit, so I’m sure I could find something that would work for us.
I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this.
“I think you’re right. As much as I hate admitting it, it’s too damn expensive for me to live here.”
My sister wipes at a tear that rolls down her cheek and sniffs.
“Why are you crying? I’m the pregnant hormonal one,” I say, trying to hold back my own tears. Chloe tried to warn me about how emotional I’d get, but I didn’t believe her. A lot of the tears I’ve shed lately have been from a certain man, but the baby hormones have just been the freaking cherry on top.
“Because I just got you back, and now you’re leaving me.”
I stand from the couch and walk to the recliner before sitting on her.
“Get your fat ass off me!” she shrieks.
“I’m not fat!” Now my tears are coming harder.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it,” she says on a hiccup.
My God, we’re both a hot mess. If Dallas were to walk through the door, he’d probably take one look at us, and turn right back around.
>
“You’re not fat. You’re perfect. I’m just sad.”
I kiss her cheek before getting off her.
“I’m sad, too. But I know you and Dallas have been wanting to try for another baby, and no offense, I’m kind of tired of hearing you practice every night.” I wink at her and she gasps.
“Don’t be jealous of my more than healthy marriage.”
I stick a finger in my mouth, fake gagging. “I’m not, but I’m afraid you’re going to scar your child for life if you don’t learn to be quieter when you’re getting it on.”
We order Chinese after she puts Taylor to bed. All I’ve been craving lately is greasy egg rolls. Every time I eat them, I end up with awful heartburn, but they are so worth it.
“So, are you gonna call Mom and Hank?” Chloe asks around a mouthful of lo mein noodles.
I shake my head. “No. I think I’ll just show up. If I call, I risk the chance of them turning me down. If I’m already there, it’ll be harder for them to tell me to leave.”
“You’re smart, little sister.” She pokes at my forehead and I swat at her hand.
“I’ll miss you, Chlo.”
“Enough of this sappy shit. I can’t deal with it.”
We finish eating and then I’m exhausted so I make up my bed on the couch. Before I drift off to sleep, I send a text to Greta asking if she can meet me for lunch tomorrow.
She’s called me almost every day since Ian left, and without her or my sister, there’s no way I could have made it this far. I don’t know what I’m going to do without my girls when I leave.
Thirty-Two
Ian
My phone has been going off for the last thirty minutes. I’m sure it’s my mother and sister both wondering where the hell I am. This is the third week in a row that I’ve missed family dinner, and the excuse of being sick doesn’t seem to be working anymore.
I throw myself back on the couch, continuing to ignore the ringing, and take a swig of my beer. I’ve been an even bigger asshole since I left Maddie than I was before I met her. Nellie has yelled at me more times than I can count, and I’ve managed to piss a few clients off. I miss her so goddamn much, but the thought of losing another child makes me sick. I barely made it out alive when we lost Braeden. And the depression I suffered after is something I can’t go through again.
I finish off my beer before heading to the kitchen to grab another from the fridge, when I hear the elevator ding from the other room. I know it has to be one of the women from my family, because the building wouldn’t let just anyone up here.
“Jesus Christ.”
Sure enough, it’s Bri.
“What the hell, Ian? Mom and I have been trying to get a hold of you for the last hour. Why can’t you pick up your damn phone?”
“I’m sick,” I mumble as she shoves past me, letting herself into my apartment.
“You’re a freaking liar, and we all know it.”
Suddenly I’m terrified because I know I’m about to get a lashing.
“Fine. Come in,” I say sarcastically as I roll my eyes.
“Why don’t you tell me why the hell you’ve been acting like someone killed your dog?” She throws herself on the couch, propping her feet up on my coffee table. Sure, sis. Make yourself at home.
I take a seat on the recliner across from her, scrubbing a hand down my face.
“Did you and Maddison break up?” This time there’s more sympathy in her tone. I think I prefer her being snippy.
I throw my head onto the back of the chair.
“Yes,” is all I say, but I know I’m not getting off the hook that easily.
When I chance a look at her, she’s shooting daggers at me.
“What?” I throw my hands up in defeat. “You asked, and I told you.”
She shakes her head. “What did you do?”
I stand and head for the elevator, pushing the button to retrieve a car. I’m not dealing with this shit tonight.
She follows me and grabs me by the arm.
“I’m sorry. We’re just worried about you.”
I look down at my sister and see genuine concern. I don’t want to rehash this, but know if I want her to leave, I’ll have to.
“She’s pregnant.” I back away from her, not wanting to see the reaction on her face, but instead I hear her gasp.
“And that’s a problem, because?” She pauses. “Oh, shit.” She covers her mouth with one of her hands.
I walk back to the kitchen, knowing I’m going to need liquid courage to get through this.
“You broke up with her because she’s pregnant? Is the baby yours?”
I slam my hand down on the counter. “Jesus Christ. What the hell kind of question is that?” I seethe.
“I’d say it’s a good one considering you left her!” she yells. “You’re no better than Garret.” She turns toward the elevator.
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means you’re a goddamn coward.”
Then it dawns on me. I am exactly like the good-for-nothing loser who knocked my sister up and then left her when he found out. What the hell is wrong with me?
“I can’t go through this again,” I say, barely above a whisper.
She turns back around, seeming to be calmer now. Thank God.
“Ian, she is not Destiny.” She walks closer and grabs my arm. “When you lost Braeden, it was horrible. Not just for you, but the entire family, but she did a lot of shit she shouldn’t have been doing while she was pregnant. The doctor told you it was definitely the drugs that caused her to go early, and because of that he couldn’t survive.”
The same sharp pain that I got in my chest the day we found out he didn’t make it shoots through me, and I have to grab onto the counter for support.
“Nothing is guaranteed, but how will you ever be happy if you don’t risk the heartache?” she asks softly.
I’ve never been one to show a lot of emotions. My dad was the exact same way, and I think I can count on two fingers how many times I saw him cry over the years. But now I can’t seem to control the tears that are starting to fall.
I quickly wipe them away before I speak.
“God, I really fucked up, didn’t I?”
“I’m afraid so, big bro.” She gives me a small smile. “But if you love her as much as I think you do, you’ll make this right for her, and that baby.”
I walk to the coffee table and grab my keys.
“Where are you going?”
“To get my girl back.”
She shakes her head. “Ian, I think you should give this a lot of thought. You left her as soon as she told you that she’s pregnant. It’s going to take some convincing for her to consider forgiving you.”
I throw myself onto a kitchen chair, sighing in defeat. I know she’s right. I can’t just go acting like a caveman and expect her to welcome me with open arms. I did this, and now it’s time I figure out how to make it right.
“Would you have forgiven Garret if he came back to you and Sam?” I hate that bastard with every fiber of my being. It makes me feel like complete shit knowing I acted exactly like him.
Bri takes the seat across from me and folds her hands on top of the table.
“Ian, I know I was a bitch and compared you to him. But I swear to you, you’re nothing like that asshole.” I see tears well in her eyes and I want to go to her and gather her into my arms but I stay put, knowing she needs to get this off her chest. “I hate him for what he did to Sam. I hate that he wanted nothing to do with him and didn’t want to help me support him, but I think he did me a favor by walking away that day.”
I shake my head, not understanding.
“What do you mean?”
“He wasn’t good to me. I didn’t realize how bad it was until we broke up, but he always talked down to me and acted like he was so much better than me. That’s not the kind of father figure I want for my son.”
“When are you gonna get yourself back out there?” I hate to thi
nk of my sister hooking up with another loser, but I also hate the idea of her being alone. She deserves someone who will love her and Sam.
“Enough about me.” She waves her hand in the air, blowing off my question. “You need to figure out how to win Maddison back.”
She stands and grabs her purse off the table. “I need to get back to Mom’s, but let’s meet for lunch tomorrow.”
I stand and pull her into my arms for a tight hug.
“Thanks, sis.” I kiss the top of her head. “I love that baby, and I haven’t even met him or her yet.”
“I know you do.” She pats my chest. “I get why you’re scared, but I promise no matter what, you can get through anything. That girl loves you, and I know she would never intentionally hurt you or your child.”
With those parting words, she leaves me to my thoughts. I can’t believe how much of an idiot I was to ever let her go. I just hope she’s willing to forgive my sorry ass.
Thirty-Three
Maddison
“You doin’ all right, honey?” Anna asks as she sits down on the couch beside me.
I’ve been back in Michigan for a week now. I stayed in Chicago until after my second appointment to make sure the babies were still doing good. It took much convincing, but my mother and Hank finally caved and let me stay in their guest house. They didn’t give me a time frame, but I know I need to hurry and get my shit together. I have no idea how I’ll do that, considering I’m working at a diner down the street, but for now I at least have a place to stay.
The rejection from my parents hurts, but it’s nothing compared to the pain of watching Ian walk away from me. That’s an image I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my mind.
I take a sip of the sweet tea she made. “Yeah, I’m okay.” I give her a small smile and look down at my phone, trying to avoid the look she’s giving me. I’ve known her since we met Hank, and I’ve never been able to get anything past her.
Her Arrogant Boss (The Wright Kind of Wrong Book 1) Page 13
