by Rae, Nicki
“I’m not going anywhere but it’s you I’m worried about leaving.”
“Just spit it out.”
“I know you’re probably wondering who Cam is to me. I want to start by saying we’ve known each other for thirteen years. We’ve both had a rough life and most of it we’ve lived through together. We’ve been each other’s comfort zone for many years and we have a long history. A few months ago we slept together and…well…”
“Well what?” my heart is racing at what he is getting ready to tell me.
“She’s pregnant, Piper. The baby is mine.”
The bottom of the earth falls out from under me. My stomach has tied itself in knots and I’m light headed.
“What does that mean for us? I just told you I love you and you’re telling me you have another woman pregnant. Oh God, I think I’m going to be sick.”
“Piper, listen to me. I’ve already told her I will obviously take care of the baby but I want to be with you. I need your strength to help me through this. That’s if you’ll have me, of course.”
“My strength? I hardly feel strong right now. How does she feel about this?”
“How do you feel about that?” he counters.
“I…I’m not sure. A baby, Fenton?”
“It doesn’t have to be the end of the world, Piper. Just imagine how wonderful of a life the baby will have having Cam and you.”
I can’t stop the tears from flowing. I don’t know what he wants me to say. A baby? I’ve just started my career. We’re only beginning our relationship. We shouldn’t be talking about babies already.
“Hey,” he says, pulling my chin up so we are eye to eye. “I love you too and I want nothing more than for you to help raise my child.”
In a strange way that is the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me. Can I do this with him? Can I be the other woman, not only to Cam but to his child? It takes a strong woman to fill that position and I don’t know if that’s me.
“You really love me?”
“Piper, I’ve only loved one other woman in my life and that was my mother. The feeling is so foreign, so that has to be what it is,” he laughs and I jab him in the side with my elbow. “Piper, I can’t promise this is going to be easy but I promise to make it as easy on you as I can. I can’t do it without you. I need you in my life. Please tell me you’ll give us a shot.”
“The one thing I won’t compromise on is the drugs, Fenton. They have to go or this isn’t going to work.”
“Done. I haven’t had any drugs or alcohol since yesterday. In fact, I dumped my entire stash down the toilet.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously,” he says, proud of himself.
I met this man just over three weeks ago. He’s turned my life upside down and I can’t imagine what my life would be without him. He’s become such a part of me and my body has grown accustomed to his touch. I would be a fool to walk away from him even though some would say I would be a fool to stay with him. He’s unpredictable. He’s crazy. He likes to play in the dirt and teach me how to drive dozers but I wouldn’t want him anything other way.
“I can’t promise I will be the best at helping with a baby but I would love to have a life with you, Fenton James.”
“You’ve just made me the happiest man on the planet,” he says, smashing his lips against mine.
Acknowledgements
My husband and son are such troopers. They fend for themselves on a regular basis so I can bring you these books. I love them more than I can ever say.
To my grandmother and mother, thank you for your continued support!
Sara N, you rock! I would be no where without your ears listening to me and your brains guiding me in the right direction
Meshia, you’ve become a great friend! I am always anxious to talk books with you and of course hear your opinions on my own ideas. Thanks for the baby idea ;)
Sarah M, thank you for running my street team and for making such beautiful teasers <3
Amanda and Nichole, thanks for being GREAT beta readers. This book is that much better because of you.
To the rest of my Beauties, thanks for your endless hours of promotions. I can’t thank you enough for all you do.
Charlene, Harmony and Liz, thanks for being great friends and resources of the author world. I’ve learned so much from all of you.
To all the bloggers who constantly support me: THANK YOU!
Coming soon
The Perfection Series:
A Perfection Prequel
Redeeming Perfection: Book Three
Nylons and Drumsticks:
A standalone novel releasing at the end of 2015.
Thanks for reading. All of you make this dream of mine possible.
About the author
Nicki is the author of Lather, the first book in The Moore Series and The Perfection Series. She is a born Buckeye turned Hoosier who loves to spend time with her family. Along with being an avid reader, she also loves her animals and the Indianapolis Colts!
