by Tess Summers
Goddamn it, how did he know about OSK? Shaking her head, she decided it didn’t matter, then allowed herself to feel a flash of anger. “Sperm donor? Sperm donor?! Do you have any idea how much I loved you? You think I want to be a single mother? You think I didn’t want to share this with you?” She slid off the bar stool and starting poking him in the chest. “Let me tell you something, buddy, if things had been right between us, and if you wouldn’t have said you didn’t want children, I would have told you the minute I found out.”
She started to walk toward the other side of the counter, then reeled around and came back at him, her robe flapping open as she strode toward him. She saw his eyes drop to her chest and paused to tie it closed.
“That night we—” She stopped. She wasn’t going to talk about that magical night when she had been so sure he had fallen for her. “That morning when we got food poisoning, I vomited my birth control. Unfortunately, I hadn’t realized I could get pregnant after the fact. That bleeding you mentioned in my office was actually our son—” She poked him again in the chest with each word she uttered next, “Attaching. Himself. To. Me.”
He put his hand on her belly, his eyes wide, and asked in happy wonderment, “We’re having a boy?”
Damn it, she had to remember to keep her words gender neutral!
She was caught off guard at his sudden change and couldn’t help but smile tenderly at his excitement before nodding. “Yes, we’re having a boy.” She hoped she at least sounded stern.
Travis dropped to his knees and began rubbing and kissing her belly. “Hi, baby. It’s your dad.” He kept talking into her stomach while kissing and caressing it, over and over, smiling broadly.
She looked down at him. He was so happy and excited, and she was so confused. Wasn’t this the guy who didn’t want children? They were nothing but a monthly check he’d have to write. Instinctively, she ran her fingers through his hair. When she realized what she was doing, she stopped. Man, she had missed doing that.
What the hell is going on? I know I have pregnancy brain, but weren’t we just arguing?
He stood back up, but kept his hand on her stomach, looking at her like he was in awe and amazement of her.
His face suddenly got dark, and he quietly said, “Ava, I know I scared you when I was in your office and told you if that was my baby, I’d get custody.”
The painful memory was seared into her brain, and she wouldn’t look at him. He tilted her chin toward him. “You have to know, I said that out of hurt and anger.” She tried to look away, but he wouldn’t let her, keeping hold of her chin as his eyes locked on hers. “I could never hurt you like that. Ever.”
The weight of the last few months was suddenly lifted from her shoulders, and she could feel the sense of relief on her face. Tears streamed down her cheeks once again.
“I am so sorry,” Travis whispered while her body shook as she muffled a sob. “I should have been here.”
He pulled her close and stroked her hair while she continued to cry. After several minutes when she had finally stopped, he stepped back and held her around the shoulders while looking pleadingly into her glistening, wet eyes. She had never seen him defenseless like this before. “Can you ever forgive me?”
She noticed he still hadn’t told her he loved her.
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and gave a weak smile before lightly touching his shoulder. “Of course I can forgive you, Travis. I’m not completely innocent in this. I know I should have told you, no matter the consequences. My only defense is I was afraid.” She walked over and started to wipe the coffee table where her cereal bowl had sat before continuing. “Thank you for coming to talk to me and being able to get past your anger. Thank you for being so kind. That gives me hope that we can figure out how we’re going to do this.”
He looked confused.
“I want to be there when our child is born. I want to try to make this work between us.”
Tears started to stream down Ava’s face once again. He wanted to make things work so he could be there when the baby was born. What happened after that? He would grow tired of her once again, and she would be destroyed when he left her. Only this time she’d have to grieve in the presence of their boy.
Maybe he wouldn’t leave?
That wouldn’t work. She knew they couldn’t be together simply because of their child. She’d seen that end in disaster.
She was unable to speak, so she stood there silently and looked at the colorful shopping bags on the floor, so many thoughts still going through her mind.
Finally, she was able to muster up the word, “No,” and gently shake her head.
He rubbed the back of his neck furiously again, then ran his fingers through his hair. Letting out a whoosh of air, he asked, “What do you mean, no?”
All of it was happening too fast. He had just been mad at her, then he was apologizing for hurting her, next rubbing her belly, then he was asking her if they could make it work. Did he actually love her? Or was he doing this simply to be with his baby?
This was exhausting her. She needed to lie down and told him so. He was cute as he walked her into the bedroom, like she was going to break, and moved things out of her way so she wouldn’t trip before turning on the lamp on her nightstand. He removed her robe, then rotated her around to face him. As she did so, she saw his face suddenly change as he muttered, “Oh my God.”
“What’s wrong?” she asked, then noticed he was staring at her boobs. It was her old Travis, openly leering at her.
She looked down. “Yeah, the gods needed to make up for the baby belly somehow.”
He started untying the front of her pajama top.
“Travis, I really am tired.”
He shushed her and removed her shirt, leaving her bottoms untouched. He stared at her body carrying his son, then walked over and shut off the overhead light before stripping down to his boxers. She noticed he wasn’t aroused. He climbed into bed and threw the sheet back, motioning for her to lie down next to him. When she did, he burrowed in next to her, pulling her tightly against him. The feeling when his bare skin met hers was electric. She sighed at the familiar scent of him and nuzzled into his neck.
“I just want to hold you and our baby in my arms all night, if that’s okay. Nothing else, I promise.” Then as if he couldn’t resist, he added, “Even if you begged me.”
She leaned back on her elbows and shot him a challenging look with her eyebrows raised.
“Darling, don’t make a liar out of me.” This time she refused to avert her gaze. He tenderly started caressing her body, murmuring, “Or do, that’s okay too.”
She closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the feeling for a moment before stopping him and whispering, “We can have this baby together, but we can’t be a couple again. And you don’t need to be with me to be in the delivery room. You’re welcome to be there.” Her pride had taken over. She wasn’t going to give him another chance to hurt her.
He nodded and gave a half-smile. “I had to give it a shot.”
She honestly hadn’t expected him to give up so easily. That wasn’t the Travis she knew. The Travis she knew never took no for an answer. He almost seemed thankful when she told him she wasn’t interested. He was very noble, wanting to do the right thing, but it must have been a huge relief she let him off the hook.
Yet, he still held her in his arms with no indication of leaving. She pecked him on the cheek before switching the lamp off, then turned over and nestled her butt against him in a spooning manner. She really was tired and frankly, she was glad she was, otherwise she’d lay awake all night trying to figure out what was going on.
But then she wished that wasn’t the case when she felt his cock move against her as she wiggled her butt while trying to get even closer to him. Fuck, she was horny! But exhaustion trumped horniness, and she was asleep in no time with Travis keeping his arms around her, one hand on her belly. Besides, they weren’t go
ing to be together as a couple—having sex would only complicate things.
Chapter 23
AVA woke to the dawn coming in her room. She had been enjoying having breakfast with her parents and was happy she hadn’t overslept and missed it today. It took her a moment to remember she had fallen asleep snuggled against Travis, but now he was gone, and she felt sad for a moment.
Maybe it had been a dream?
She got up and made herself presentable before throwing her fuzzy slippers and old robe on and heading to the main house for her mother’s breakfast.
On the short walk over, she conceded today was the day she was going to have to tell her mother about Travis. She wasn’t looking forward to it but knew it had to be done. She was fairly certain her father would keep his word about not telling her, knowing he didn’t want to be the one to break it to his wife her grandchild’s baby daddy was none other than Travis Sterling.
Ava opened the door and instantly smelled the delicious aroma of Francine’s breakfast.
“I’m so glad that smell doesn’t make me puke anymore!” she announced as she closed the door. Looking over at the breakfast table, she first saw her mother’s smiling face, her father taking a sip of coffee, and then her eyes focused on…Travis. Judging by how little food was left on their plates, he’d been there a while. Why did she suddenly feel like she was about to enter the principal’s office?
Mrs. Ericson jumped up and immediately hugged her daughter around the shoulders as she guided her to the table. “Me too, dear! Now what can I fix you? Pancakes seemed not to agree with you yesterday.”
Ava had forgotten she had almost gotten sick yesterday when she learned her father was going to be presiding over Travis’ case.
“I think I want to try them again anyway.”
Her father pulled out a chair next to him, across the table from Travis, gesturing her to sit down. She walked over and slumped into it without saying anything while trying to figure out what Travis was doing there. She thought maybe he hadn’t said anything yet, so she kept her mouth shut until she understood exactly what was going on.
Her mother brought over a glass of juice and set Ava’s prenatal vitamins on the table next to it. “We need to keep that baby healthy!” She smiled, then looked at Travis and smiled broader. Okay, so her mother obviously knew. Now what?
Francine asked, “More coffee, Travis?” then gestured to her husband. “Dear?”
Both men indicated they would like a refill, so she brought a carafe of coffee when she brought Ava’s pancakes. Sitting down between Ava and Travis, she slid her chair up to the table and looked back and forth between them before simply saying, “So.”
Ava looked over at Travis as she began to butter her pancakes. So. She opened her mouth to speak but heard Travis’ voice before she could utter any words.
“So, your daughter and I are having a baby together.”
“Yes, I know, but what does that mean, exactly? Are you two going to get married? Live together so your child grows up with both parents under one roof?”
Again she was about to speak when Travis beat her to it. “We haven’t quite got all of that figured out yet, Frannie.”
Her mother started to tsk and cluck when her father finally spoke up. “My dear, go easy on the man. He just found out yesterday he was going to be a father.”
Ava was mid-bite of her breakfast when her mother shot her a disapproving look. “Yes, I know.”
Might as well get it all out in the open. Taking a deep breath, she blurted out, “You need to know something else, Mom. I’m actually twenty weeks along, not eight.” Mrs. Ericson gasped. Ava tried to soften the blow with, “And we’re having a boy.”
Tears immediately filled the older woman’s eyes, and she grabbed her daughter’s hand with one hand and Travis’ with the other. “A boy! I’m so happy for you two. You’re going to be wonderful parents to my grandson.” Then she looked over at her husband, who didn’t seem as surprised as she was. Reading his wife’s mind, he said, “I found out yesterday but was sworn to secrecy.” When Francine’s mouth gaped open he continued defensively, “I told her she better tell you soon or I would have to.”
Frannie squeezed both of their hands tight, maybe a little too tight, before releasing them and exclaiming, “We’ve got a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it! We’re going to have to wait until the first of the year for your shower, but I need to get invitations out as soon as I can! I’m going to ask your aunt to host it, of course, but we can still have it here.” Her mother was very traditional and was going to hold on to as much etiquette as she could, even if her daughter was going to be an unwed mother, and that included immediate family not hosting a shower.
“Mom, I don’t need a shower.”
“Nonsense.”
Ava looked over at Travis. She hated having to say this in front of him. “Hardly anyone even knows I’m pregnant, and even fewer know Travis is the father. I think it would be too awkward to have to explain everything.”
Before Francine could disagree, Travis chimed in, but not like Ava was hoping. “Let’s have a New Year’s Eve party, and we can announce it then. We can co-host it so you can have your friends and family, and I can invite who I’d like. We’ll get it all out in the open at once, so we don’t have to repeat our story over and over.”
Ava was starting to shake her head no when her mother clapped her hands in excitement. “Yes! That’s a wonderful idea! Are you two free to look at some venues this afternoon? If we could get the location booked, I can get the invitations to the printer’s today. I’ve given them enough business over the years. They will do a quick turnaround for me, and we could have them in the mail no later than Monday!”
Travis shot Ava a smirk and without taking his eyes off her said, “Frannie, do you think you can arrange for us to look at The Plaza at noon?” Her mother nodded enthusiastically. Ava could see the woman’s planning wheels turning in overdrive. Travis knew dangling a party to plan in front of her mother would get the woman on his side about it. Ava shot him a glaring look that didn’t seem to faze him in the least because he continued, “Judge Ericson, would you care to join us?”
At least she could still count on her father not to fall for his charms.
Her father patted Travis on the back. “Son, I think given our circumstances, you need to start calling me Robert.” He then smiled and surprised Ava by saying he’d love to come along.
What the hell?
Travis wiped his mouth with his napkin, stood up, and pushed in his chair. “Terrific. Robert, I’ll pick you up at eleven forty-five. Ladies, shall I pick you up as well or do you want to meet us there?”
Before anyone could say anything else, Ava firmly said, “We’ll meet you there.”
Travis kissed Francine on the cheek and thanked her for breakfast, shook Robert’s hand, and, knowing she wouldn’t turn away in front of her parents, leaned over and kissed Ava softly on the lips. He looked into her eyes with amusement and said, “I’ll see you later.”
Ava felt her cheeks flush. She wasn’t sure how, but she was going to make him pay for this.
Just then Steven came through the back door covered in sweat from his run.
He stood at the center island, with an eyebrow raised, and looked at Ava, then at Travis in the doorway on the opposite side of the room as him.
Travis crossed the kitchen and held out his hand. “Travis Sterling.”
Steven stayed on the other side of island counter and eyed the man with a frown. He slowly wiped his sweaty hand on his shorts and cautiously held it out. “I’m Ava’s brother, Steven.”
Travis said, “Nice to meet you, Steven. I was on my way out, but maybe you can join us this afternoon.”
Steven continued scowling. At least her big brother had her back. He shot Ava a look. “What’s this afternoon?”
She jumped to her feet before her mother could start explaining their afternoon plans and
went over to stand next to Steven.
“Nothing. It’s not a big deal. Travis wants to have a New Year’s party where we’ll announce the obvious news I’m pregnant.” She gulped. “With his baby.”
“This is the father?” Steven looked at Travis like he was going to throttle him.
Travis took a step back. God bless her brother. He always did watch out for her.
Steven looked over at their parents. “How can you even let this guy in your house? Do you have any idea what he has put Ava through?” He directed his anger back at Travis. “My father should have thrown you out instead of feeding you breakfast. My sister was so distraught over you we thought she was going to lose the baby. She couldn’t keep anything down. Look at her, she looks like hell.”
She knew he was being melodramatic on her behalf, but still, I look like hell? Thanks for that, big brother.
Their mother scurried over next to Travis and gazed at Ava, saying, “I think she looks beautiful,” before focusing on her eldest child. “Steven, she couldn’t keep anything down because of morning sickness. Travis was not the reason she ended up in the hospital. You can’t blame him.”
“The hell I can’t, Mother. She told everyone it was morning sickness, but it was her nerves, her doctor even told me so. She has been a wreck over this whole situation with him. She’d almost gotten it under control when he paid her a visit and made it worse.”
Mrs. Ericson shushed her son. “Stop it! That’s in the past, and we’re going to put it behind us. He’s here now, and he’s that baby’s father, so you’re going to have to deal with it!”
Her brother started to continue berating Travis when their father spoke from the breakfast table. “Steven, that’s enough.”
That was all that was needed to shut her brother up. Robert Ericson’s children knew when he spoke, that was it, there was no arguing. Even as adults they held their father in the utmost regard.
Ava had watched the scene unfold in front of her and was surprised Travis didn’t give it back to Steven. She knew he was more than capable. He was famous for it and she’d seen it firsthand. Instead, he stood there as though he was taking his punishment, not offering an excuse or better yet, putting the blame where it belonged—on Ava for lying to him. He just let her brother lambast him without saying a word.
