SECRET BABY (A Billionaire Romance)

by Mia Carson

  Denise had called my principal with the story that I was playing favorites with Cara because I was dating her father. She claimed that Cara, a freshman, was bullying Brittani, a senior, which no one believed, and that I had let Cara get away with it until the argument grew too heated to ignore. All three band directors had been nearby and told the principal the truth, so I didn’t get in any trouble, though it scared me to death.

  Will and I had a chat about Denise and agreed that the nonsense would end soon. Once football season was over, the dance class became the competition dance team, and Brittani had never competed. She would no longer be in the same class as Cara, who did compete. Once the two girls were separated, I hoped their quarrels would end. I also hoped Denise, who wouldn’t have to see me or hear about me at all, would lose interest in the drama she was creating.

  The first weekend in November was the first Saturday I didn’t have practice. I slept late, enjoying being curled up in my blankets. The weather was finally beginning to cool and stay cool throughout the day, and it promised to be overcast and windy, the perfect kind of day to lounge about and do nothing at all. I lay in my bed until my bladder told me I had to get up.

  In the bathroom, I growled at myself because I was terrible about changing the toilet paper roll. While sitting, I reached into the cabinet next to me and, though I couldn’t see, I fumbled inside for the toilet paper. While rummaging, I knocked several things out of the cabinet and onto the floor, and the elusive rolls were the last thing my hand touched. Grateful I hadn’t run out, I changed the roll and finished my business before cleaning up the mess I’d made.

  A box of Band-Aids, some hairspray that I never used, and a box of tampons were on the floor. As I put everything away, I realized I hadn’t needed the tampons in quite some time. Frowning, I calculated the number of weeks that had passed since my last period and gasped. Nearly six weeks!

  My mind raced. Call Madison? Call Will? Oh, my God, what do I do? I grabbed the counter and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I told myself two things. You’ve had no morning sickness whatsoever, nor have you had any kind of nausea. Also, Will used condoms every time. It’s something else. You’re calculating wrong. Calm down.

  My breathing returned to normal after my little lecture, but I decided a pregnancy test was a good idea, just to rule it out. I dressed in a hoodie and some yoga pants, not bothering with a bra. I grabbed my keys and wallet and walked the two blocks to the Walgreens near my house. The cashier and I usually gabbed when I walked in, which was all the time due to its location, and today she smiled sympathetically when she rang up my purchase. I just nodded, and our mutual understanding of my possible predicament required no discussion.

  At home, I returned to the bathroom, peed on the stick, and paced until the two lines appeared. Pregnant. I plopped down on the edge of the tub, holding the stick gingerly in my hand, unable to take my eyes off it. After a moment of silence, I jumped up and grabbed my phone. I sat on the edge of my bed and texted Madison.

  Mel: Madison, I’m pregnant.

  Madison: It’s not April 1, Mel.

  Mel: I’m not joking. I just took a test.

  My phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Are you shitting me? Because this isn’t funny,” Madison said.

  A sob escaped my throat. “I’m not shitting you, Madison. I’m pregnant.” The tears raced down my face, and I didn’t even pretend to have control of my life. I sobbed, fear and anger causing my body to shake.

  “Okay, Mel, okay. Calm down,” she murmured, hushing me with soothing words until my sobs subsided and she could speak reasonably. “This isn’t the end of the world.”

  “No, it’s not, but you know how I feel about this. I’m not ready for this. At all. And Will and I have only been seeing each other for a month.” A fresh wave of sobs started, and she had to calm me again.

  “Obviously, you haven’t told him yet. So you have decisions to make,” she said logically. “Do you want to get rid of it?”

  “No! I could never do that,” I answered. “I may not be ready, but I’m not doing that. I’ll get ready.”

  Madison chuckled. Her question, as I’m sure she’d known, had yanked me out of my crying fit. “Okay, next question. Are you going to tell Will?”

  I hesitated. “Wow, I mean… I guess I have to, right? He’s the father.”

  “I think that’s the best choice. Then the two of you can decide what to do about it,” Madison reasoned.

  “What if he wants me to get rid of it?” I asked, fear tinging my voice.

  “He’s not that kind of person, Mel, but if he does, you’ll cross that bridge when you get there.”

  “You’re right.” I glanced at the clock. “Should I ask him to lunch?”

  “I don’t think so, Mel. Go out to his house,” Madison reasoned. “You aren’t sure how he’s going to react, so a public place might be a bad idea.”

  “I don’t think he’s going to yell or freak out,” I insisted. “But you’re probably right. I’ll text him and head over there.”

  “Call me later and let me know what happened. And remember, no matter what happens, I’m here for you,” Madison promised.

  “Thank you.” I ended the call and immediately texted Will.

  Mel: Hey, what are you doing today?

  Will: Wayne and I are mending some fences this morning, but I’ll be done by one. Want to come over?

  Mel: You read my mind. How about I come over around three? Give you time to clean up and rest.

  Will: Perfect. See you then.

  I had three hours before I had to leave, and my mind immediately began whirring with questions about how to tell him, what he might say, and scenarios that might be played out. I was going to drive myself insane if I sat at home, so I showered and got ready to go. I left my house and took myself to the movies to watch a raunchy comedy I’d been wanting to see. I ate buttered popcorn and drank a big water, laughing at the antics of the actors on the screen.

  Will

  Around 2:30, the doorbell rang. I had been resting on the couch for the last hour and had fallen asleep. Disoriented, I had no idea who might be at the door, though as I walked I remembered Mel was coming over. I was a little embarrassed that I’d been caught sleeping and hurried to the door, running a hand through my hair to straighten its cowlicks. Wondering why she hadn’t just walked in like she normally did, I swung the door open, prepared to tell her she didn’t have to knock when I stopped short.

  “Hi, handsome,” Denise purred as she pushed past me into the hallway and continued to the kitchen without stopping. In her arms were two bags containing what I assumed were groceries.

  Confused, I followed her without speaking, glancing at my watch. “What are you doing, Denise?”

  “I’m making dinner for you tonight,” she replied, as if this were a normal occurrence.

  “What the hell for?”

  She giggled as she unloaded the groceries, putting out what looked to be the makings for lasagna. “Because I want to. I’ve missed you, Will, and I want to make up with you, maybe try again.”

  “Try what again?” I was intentionally being dense.

  She rolled her eyes at me and batted her hand at my chest. “Us, silly.”

  “Stop unloading groceries, Denise. You aren’t staying, you aren’t making dinner here, and we aren’t getting back together.”

  She had stopped moving and watched me during my little speech, a small smile on her face. The woman truly believed I was joking. Her smile spread into a seductive grin, and she moved around the island to stand next to me. She put her hands on her hips, which were tilted in my direction. “Will, you’re being silly. You know we were good together.”

  “Were is the correct word, Denise. You fucked your ex-husband while we were together and told me you might get back together when I found out. That shit went on for weeks before I knew.”

  She waved her hand dismissively, as if my feelings didn’t matter. “I thought getting
my family back together was the right thing to do at that point. I was wrong. You’re the right thing for me. I know that now.”

  “You are far from the right person for me,” I began. I opened my mouth to continue when she interrupted.

  “I certainly hope you don’t think that dance teacher is the right person. She’s trash, and she doesn’t deserve someone like you,” Denise said spitefully. “That woman treats my daughter like crap.”

  “No, your daughter treats my daughter like crap, and you know it. They hate each other,” I protested. “We aren’t discussing Mel. We’re discussing the nothing that’s going to happen between the two of us.”

  Denise’s eyes had flashed at my first comment, and she dissolved into tears after the second. “Nothing? Will, we have to work on this. I’m in love with you.”

  I snorted and separated from her by putting the island between us. I didn’t want her to touch me. “In love with me? What bullshit. You love the idea of my money and the life you can live with it.”

  Again, her eyes flashed, and she narrowed them. “Don’t accuse me of being a gold-digger. I never once asked you for money.”

  “No, you didn’t. You just expected gifts and trips and nonsense that I wasn’t willing to dole out,” I reminded her as I thought about the trips we’d taken while together, all my treat. “None of that matters, anyway. You fucked around. I don’t want a woman in my life who doesn’t know what it means to be faithful. Now pack your groceries and get out of here.”

  “Why? Is your teacher whore coming over?”

  I stared at her. “I don’t understand where this is even coming from. I told you when you texted me that we had nothing to say to each other, and three weeks later, you show up with groceries. Are you fucking crazy?”

  “Fuck you!” she yelled. She threw her arms out, dashing the groceries to the floor, though nothing breakable, thank God. “I loved you. I messed up, but I apologized. And now this bitch comes into your life so I’m not good enough for you?”

  “Can you even hear yourself? Are you on drugs or something?”

  “I’m leaving,” she shouted. She grabbed her bag, leaving the groceries behind.

  “Do you want your groceries?” I asked. I sounded like a smartass, though I really just wanted to make sure she had no reason to come back in.

  “No. Make lasagna for your teacher whore. I’m out of here,” she called as she marched down the hall. “Asshole!” The door opened and slammed so hard the glass rattled in the windows next to it.

  I shook my head, amazed. The woman had always been off, but it had been in a kooky sort of way. She’d been fun in high school and sexy when we’d dated, but she’d always had an edge to her. If she hadn’t slept with her ex-husband, we would have broken up, anyway. She wasn’t a good person, deep down. It just took time to see it.

  With a sigh, I glanced at the clock. Two-forty. Mel would be here soon, and I hoped Denise was well on her way before she pulled in. I would have to tell Mel what had happened as soon as she got here. Again, the small town grapevine could be cruel in its retelling of a story. The half-truths and outright lies did not belong in our relationship.

  I stooped and picked up the food Denise had thrown all over the floor. Nothing was damaged, so I decided to take advantage of it. I made a mean lasagna.

  Mel

  My nerves were jangling, my stomach in a twist, and my mind unable to focus. I drove through the gate that led to Will’s house, determined to keep my child, regardless of his thoughts. I knew him, though, and was sure he would want the baby as well. He wouldn’t ask me to get rid of it, and he wouldn’t turn his back on me. My only fear was telling him, because the news could be such a shock. Our relationship might not make it, but he wouldn’t turn away from a child. I could live with that, I decided.

  As I reached the house, I saw a woman hoofing it towards her car and frowned. Recognition hit me as I pulled my car to a stop a little away from hers: Denise. She glared at my car, and upon recognizing me, changed direction and headed in my direction. Sighing, I climbed out of my car and braced myself for a confrontation.

  “Hello, Denise,” I murmured as she reached me. When she lifted her hand as if to slap me, I jerked back and lifted my hand defensively. “Hey! You better put that damn hand down!”

  “You stupid bitch! You stole him from me! And now he won’t have anything to do with me or my baby!”

  My breath left my body as if she had punched me in the stomach. “What?”

  “I’m pregnant! And he told me to get the hell out of his life because he’s with you. I’m on my own because of you!” She watched me, her eyes following my expressions as they moved across my face. She started nodding. “That’s right, Mel. I’m pregnant.”

  “You’re lying,” I whispered, my heart breaking. “He wouldn’t fuck you while he’s with me. He wouldn’t.”

  “Denise!” Will’s voice echoed across the yard.

  She jerked around and walked to him. “I told her the truth, Will.”

  “What the hell did you say to her?” He approached quickly, his eyes on mine. “Mel, are you okay?” I didn’t respond—I couldn’t even speak. He jerked around again. “Dammit, Denise, what the hell did you do?”

  “I told her the truth,” she repeated.

  “And what is that?”

  Denise was in her car. She started it and rolled the window down. “That you’re a son of a bitch!” She sped off, spinning her wheels and shooting rocks into the air.

  Will

  The stricken look on Mel’s face frightened me. She looked pale, and her eyes were wide, though clear of all tears. Her hand was still on her car door as if she might climb back into it and leave.

  “Mel, are you okay? What did she say?”

  “Did you fuck her?” she asked, her voice quiet.

  “No! Is that what she told you?” She nodded her head, and a tear slipped down her cheek. I didn’t touch her, not yet.

  “Yes.” Her voice was gaining volume, and her eyes were staring at me as if she didn’t know me. “She told me she’s pregnant with your child.”

  “What! I haven’t touched her in months, Mel. If she’s pregnant, it’s not mine!” I grabbed her arms then and pulled her close to me. “Mel, I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, I swear. And even if you and I weren’t together, I wouldn’t touch her. I’m in love with you.”

  She watched my eyes as if waiting for the lie. I put as much of the love I felt into the look we exchanged and waited. The decision was in her hands. If she didn’t believe me, I wouldn’t be able to convince her. The moment stretched into a minute, and I think two passed before she spoke.

  “Why was she here?”

  “I honestly have no idea. She brought groceries like she was going to cook dinner. As if she did it every day. It was the weirdest thing.” I recapped the entire scene in the kitchen for her, and she listened carefully, obviously for any falsehoods or slips in my story. I hated that she thought I would lie, that another man had convinced her all men were liars.

  After I finished speaking, we slipped into silence again. Patiently, I waited. I would not rush her. She had to make this decision without my persuasion.

  My stomach lurched when her eyes met mine again.

  Mel

  Confusion assaulted my mind, and I debated with myself for a long time after he told me he loved me and after he told me what had happened in the kitchen with that awful woman. I loved him, too, but I’d never said it. He’d said it for the first time after an altercation with an ex. Was he saying it to placate me? Or did he mean it? These questions repeated themselves over and over in my brain until I thought I would scream.

  I stared at the ground so he couldn’t see my face. He had let go of my arms and stepped back, giving me the space I needed to make a decision. And then it hit me. He knew not to touch me when I was upset. He knew I needed not only emotional space but physical space as well when I was angry or upset. He was perfect for me.

  I sig
hed and looked up at him. His eyes were filled with dread, dread that I would walk away. He did love me—I could see it plainly. My hesitation, my need for a moment to think, was killing him. I couldn’t bring myself to smile, but I lifted the corner of my lips slightly to indicate to him the outcome was good. He smiled brilliantly but waited for me to speak.

  “I love you, too, Will, and although this isn’t the best time, it works as good as any.” I looked away again and inhaled deeply. On my released breath, I said, “I’m pregnant. For real. And it is yours.”

  He stared at me for a long time without moving. Fear snuck back into my heart, and now, I waited for the shock to wear off. When it did, he let out a whoop and swooped me up into his arms. He swung me around, laughing, and kissed me so hard our teeth pressed against our lips and it almost hurt.